Post by Uncle on Nov 28, 2023 11:00:08 GMT -6
O'Connell seems to want a "smart" QB who can process things pre/post snap and make correct decisions from playing within the structure of offense he designed (which doesn't seem to include much in the way of designed QB rollouts/RPO's/runs for mobile QB's). More and more as the 2023 College season has gone on, Penix has shown more of a "gunslinger" mentality and just throwing it up to his WR weapons on the outside, regardless of the consequences. Sometimes it works and they come down with it, but lately, they've been falling incomplete. Penix doesn't have any happy medium in terms of decision-making or taking what the defense is giving him: it seems to be that the Washington OC has allowed Penix full reign to play as he see fits, and Penix is determined to throw darts down the field, regardless of consequences. That works in College somewhat (we'll see this Friday night and possibly in the CFP if Washington wins) but it won't work in the NFL over the longterm. Basically, I'm questioning Penix's "football IQ".
I don't know if Nix has the level of "football IQ" that O'Connell wants (the only way to determine that for fans is to study tape and read between lines in interviews), but I do believe that Nix plays better in a "structured" offense, w/ the occasional freelance if things break down. I've read that McCarthy has a high "football IQ", but I do share the concerns about his lean frame, and it's not a 100% given that McCarthy declares for the 2024 Draft, either.
Let's just say that the PAC-12 Championship game this Friday night (8PM ET on ABC) is "must-see" TV for Viking fans.
... and neither is this Chris guy.