Post Draft Free Agency

[*ochocincos*]

(05-27-2018, 08:57 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I think Matt Barkley has gotten an incredibly unfair rap.

He was the absolute first overall pick in the draft after his junior year, but decided to go back to USC.  So many times great college players come out early and get the huge contract, but it is evident that they could have been a better QB with another college year under their belt.

Barkley's senior season wasn't a disaster, but injuries and loss of talent around him led to some losses and not the stellar stats of his junior year. He still completed 64% of his passes, with 36 TDs to 15 INTs, and 3,200+ yards.  

He gets drafted in the 4th round, gets no real shot until Cutler gets injured in 2016 and he takes over a haples Bears team.  He has three 300 yard passing games in his first 5 starts, something Cutler was not able to do with that horrific offense. 

He is a lot like Dalton, in terms of size and a perceived inability to really sling the ball.  I think when people watch Foles last year, they realize that accuracy and decision making are a lot more important than being able to throw the ball 65 yards on your knees (that was a shot at Kyle Boller).  He is also a very dedicated, good-guy type that will work his ass off to help the team and be ready if needed.

I am not the president of his fan club or anything, but I think to hang a 0% chance on him isn't fair.  This will be, by far, the most talented team he has ever had a chance to join.  I will be willing to bet he lights it up in preseason and everyone feels more comfortable about him after that.

I loved the signing and, although I hope and pray Dalton stays healthy, I feel good about his backup. 

I'd trust Matt Barkley over Jeff Driskel, that's for sure. I'd say Barkley would be the second-best backup QB in the Dalton era.