08-18-2020, 12:32 PM
(08-18-2020, 12:08 PM)Wes Mantooth Wrote: All long established veterans. Whatever things you speak of, I doubt they were doing them year 1 in the league.
A rookie QB, just like every other rookie, needs to earn his respect. That's his job right now. Lead my example. Inspire confidence through action. Then, and only then, can really start to hold the veterans accountable and take them to task, so to speak.
I'm sorry, the idea that Joe Burrow can step in and immediately take over a lockerroom better than a veteran Andy Dalton is absolutely absurd. I like Joe Burrow and am as pumped to see him as the next guy. But some of these takes on here get to be a bit much.
Phillip River's outbursts as a young unproven player are well documented. Shawn Merriman told a story bout how Rivers 1st or 2nd year they got into it and were taunting each other during practice. He has always been that guy.
Manning has also always been known as that guy, he demanded guys do things right always, even as a rookie. Here is a Manning story from his rookie year:
Pollard played with Indianapolis from 1995 to 2004. He is the Jacksonville Jaguars director of player development and youth football.
Pollard remembered a conversation he heard Manning having with a veteran player during Manning's rookie season in 1998.
Veteran player: "That's not what I'm supposed to do [on a certain play]."
Manning: "Yes, it is."
Veteran player: "It's not what my coach says I'm supposed to do."
Manning: "If I tell you it's Easter, you better hide eggs."
Pollard: "I died laughing. I said, 'Golly, this young boy's got it.' "
It's not absurd at all, some people are introverts and some people are extraverts. A guy who is more demonstrative, who can wear their heart on their sleeve may resonate with others who see that as "real" leadership. You can earn it, but you can take it too. Again, there is a difference in a confidence that can be backed up by your own work (which by all accounts he is taking care of) and confidence just for the sake of it.
