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Teddy Bridgewater or Bust

Discussion in 'Houston Texans' started by Old Man Rock, Dec 3, 2013.

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newAge_Rockets Member

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BasketballReasons said: ↑

Is this something that is common for freshmen players coming in?
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Most of the top tier quarterbacks do graduate high school in December to get enrolled for spring ball, but almost all of them take a redshirt year. Bridgewater is an extreme talent that some people undervalue because he lacks charisma.

#1181 newAge_Rockets, Jan 2, 2014

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SamCassell said: ↑

Mike Evans doesn't play in Louisville. Just sayin.
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DeVante Parker does, just sayin...

#1182 Fantasma Negro, Jan 2, 2014
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Patman87 said: ↑

DeVante Parker does, just sayin...
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Mike Evans will be a lock first round pick possibly top 10. DeVante Parker will be a second round, borderline third round pick. Big difference.

#1183 FLASH21, Jan 2, 2014
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Great write up on SI's Monday Morning QB:

ORLANDO — He’s boring compared to the what-will-he-do-next flash of Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel. He looks like a skinny bookworm next to the natural, all-around talent of UCLA’s Brett Hundley. And he hasn’t had many chances to exhibit the clutchness of Central Florida’s Blake Bortles.

Compared on film to other potential quarterbacks in his draft class, Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater doesn’t jump off the screen. But NFL teams still like what they see, and when they dig a little deeper, that like will turn to love.

Though he only turned 21 in November, there is no draftable quarterback more ready to be a face-of-the-franchise quarterback than Bridgewater. And he’s coming: Bridgewater announced Wednesday his decision to turn pro.

“Wait until [teams] talk to him and get him up on the blackboard,” said an NFL personnel executive who has known Bridgewater since ninth grade. “He lives and breathes football. Always has. Teams are going to fall in love with him.”

That just begins to tell the tale of the football goodness that resides in the body of Bridgewater, who could land with the Texans as the top overall pick. Former Penn State coach and Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien will be the next coach in Houston, and he’ll get his pick of the quarterback litter. O’Brien, from being around Tom Brady, knows what greatness is and what it takes to get to that level. Expect O’Brien to like what he sees in Bridgewater. The more you learn about the Cardinals quarterback, the more you realize he shares may of the same qualities that made Brady, another skinny prospect who lacked the prototypical measurables, one of the greatest ever.

No one’s saying Bridgewater is destined for greatness; so many other factors determine ultimate success. But there’s little question that Bridgewater looks headed in that direction because of a terrific foundation rarely seen.
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Bridgewater always has been mature beyond his years. His parents divorced when he was young, but he never let it affect him. Bridgewater was informed by his mother, Rose Murphy, that she had breast cancer when he was 14, just as he was entering Miami’s Northwestern High School. Bridgewater wanted to quit football to help pay the bills, but his mother never entertained the thought.

After a standout high school career, Bridgewater decided to decommit from the hometown Hurricanes—an extremely unpopular decision in the neighborhood—and go to Louisville. And in an example of his unflinching belief in his own talent, Bridgewater graduated high school early and enrolled at Louisville in the spring to position himself to win the starting job as a freshman. He earned it by the third game, and he never gave it up.

That’s just a brief glimpse into Bridgewater’s background. To explain why he is ready right now to lead an NFL franchise, both on and off the field, you have to begin with Cardinals offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Shawn Watson.

Off the field, Watson has filled the father-figure role in Bridgewater’s life. Neither can mention the other without tears streaming down their faces. “I love this kid,” Watson said, after Bridgewater and the Cardinals dismantled the Hurricanes 36-9 in the Russell Athletic Bowl. “He’s like my own.”

On the field, it’s been a perfect marriage. Watson began his career in the mid-1980s as an assistant at the University of Illinois under West Coast offense guru Mike White, who also had future NFL coaches Bill Callahan and Brad Childress on staff. At Louisville, Watson installed the same pro-style West Coast offense. While other college quarterbacks are looking to the sideline for their on-field adjustments, Bridgewater does it all by himself.

“I gave him the keys to the car as a sophomore,” said Watson, who has been a coach for 32 years. “I had never done that before.”

Bridgewater has vast responsibility at the line of scrimmage. First there is the kill system. Two or three plays are called in the huddle. Depending on the defense, Bridgewater has the ability to “kill” the first play, and run one of the others. It’s solely Bridgewater’s decision.
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Bridgewater also has an audible system at his disposal, with the same goal as every good NFL system: stay out of bad plays. If the play Watson has called has little chance of success against a particular defense, Bridgewater can change the play entirely at the line of scrimmage.

Finally, Bridgewater redirects the offensive line protections by either identifying the middle linebacker in man-to-man protections, or directing the slide one way or the other in zone.

You’d be hard-pressed to find many, if any, college quarterbacks that are asked to do that much, especially at 21 years old and in a completely full-field read progression system. Most of the recent top drafted quarterbacks, like E.J. Manuel, Geno Smith and Robert Griffin III, came from systems that called for quarterbacks to only read half or a quarter of the field. Bridgewater has the ability to direct the ball to any part of the field on every snap.

“I study pro ball, that’s what I do, that’s my passion, my love. (NFL coaches) are the best at what they do, so I’ve made it what we do,” Watson said. “Most of these kids in college, the coordinator calls it from the press box and then there’s a signal system once the defense declares. The quarterback never gets developed, never gets taught. Teddy’s been taught from day one that I want him to be the coordinator at the line of scrimmage because he can be far better than me. And he can put the ball wherever he thinks is right.”

Bridgewater’s been doing that for two years. This past season, he made just three mental mistakes when it came to adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
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As far as physically playing quarterback, many questions will linger in terms of Bridgewater’s measurables. He is certainly tall enough—he’s listed at 6-3, looks closer to 6-2—and has long arms, but he’s skinny at a listed 196 pounds. There’s no question he needs more strength for durability, but he’s still growing into his body and will benefit from an NFL training program.

A few NFL scouts have questioned the size of Bridgewater’s hands, which probably isn’t helped by the fact that he wears two gloves. (He’s done it since high school and it’s just a preference.)

“His hands are big enough. He has big hands, huge hands,” Watson said.

What you can’t help but marvel at with Bridgewater is how technically proficient he is at playing the position, especially at his age. From footwork to his release and subtle, yet important movements, Bridgewater is polished like few are. He’ll move a safety with a look to one side of the field, then fire the ball into the opening he just created. Bridgewater’s footwork selling a screen or play fake is exquisite. He always throws a tight spiral, rarely throws off balance, and he is not afraid to fit a ball into a tight window or throw deep. When it comes to facing pressure, Bridgewater is cold-blooded. He can move and create plays when he needs to, but Bridgewater lives in the pocket. No matter how the game is influenced by college offenses, that always will be of vital importance to the viability of a franchise quarterback.

Bridgewater does all that by showing the accuracy that NFL teams crave. For his career, Bridgewater completed 68.3 percent of his passes. Since posting 64.5 percent as a true freshman and after a come-to-Jesus exhaustive critique of Bridgewater’s game by Watson, Bridgewater completed 69.7 percent of his passes, including 71 percent this past season.

Both Watson and Bridgewater went into this season with a goal of throwing zero interceptions. Bridgewater threw four and two were off tips. Bridgewater went from throwing 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions as a freshman, to 58 touchdowns and 12 interceptions his final two seasons combined.

His superb attention to detail in his game shows his ability to not only take coaching, but also devour it and make it a passion.

“That’s what I love about him the most, that’s the student aspect of it that I just love,” Watson said. “Because when he’s covered, he goes to his checkdown. When he gets in trouble, there’s pressure, he goes to his checkdown. He doesn’t try to create something that can hurt a football team with forced throws. He’s the greatest manager in college football. There’s nobody better than him in college football. There’s a lot of great players out there, but he’s the best.”

That comes from the other essential part of who Bridgewater is and will be on the next level: the desire to be great. “He came to me and said he wanted to chase perfection,” Watson said.

When Bridgewater got his first glimpse of Watson’s full-field progression offense, he had never seen anything like it. He was overwhelmed. So Watson told Bridgewater to start doodling: take a pad of formations, with just the offensive line printed, and draw the offense. Bridgewater recited a play and then drew it: receivers and routes, he’d identify the movement key (the defensive player they’re reading), what the progression off that movement key is, the alerts, depth of drop—every single detail.

Bridgewater quickly filled up a pad and was bored by it. He needed more competition—another pillar of Bridgewater’s being—so Bridgewater put the entire Louisville offense into his Xbox football game. Then he put in the game plans for each game and threw against the coverages he would see.

“He just doesn’t stop,” Watson said.

Bridgewater also rarely loses, at anything. Receiver Damian Copeland is the only person to ever beat Bridgewater on the Xbox—on a controversial call Bridgewater still brings up—and no one has beaten Bridgewater since. He takes on all comers in the Thursday practice ritual of trying to hit the uprights from various distances. Bridgewater never stops competing.

But it is Bridgewater’s always-working mind that sets him apart. He’s a bit of savant that way. After every series, Watson and Bridgewater go over each play. He has instant recall of the coverages. When the team installs the top 25 plays for each game plan, Bridgewater barks out the play from memory before Watson can look down at his playsheet. “I swear he has a photographic memory,” Watson said. “He’s extremely intelligent.”

What other factors do you want to see in a franchise quarterback? Bridgewater has it all.

The ability to be a team leader and face of a franchise at a young age?

Everyone around the program agrees that Bridgewater has the type of infectious personality that naturally draws players to him. There are bound to be some rough patches, but Bridgewater will do what he always does: learn from his mistakes, move on by turning the page, and never make the same mistake twice.
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Unselfish, team-first attitude?

Bridgewater personally pulled the plug on Louisville’s Heisman Trophy campaign. He didn’t want it to be a distraction to his teammates, or for them to feel that he was better than any of them.

Toughness?

With the Big East title and BCS berth on the line in a 2012 showdown with Rutgers, Bridgewater took the field with a severely sprained ankle and broken left wrist and completed 20 of 28 passes (71.4 percent) for 263 yards and two touchdowns in a 20-17 comeback victory.

* * *

The inner belief in one’s ability. The never-ending quest for perfection at playing the position. An almost unhealthy competitive streak. The ability to lead. The desire not to be seen as being better than one’s teammate. Undeniable toughness.

Those are the traits that the great NFL quarterbacks have. Bridgewater possesses them as well. There will be much said over the next few months, in the run-up to the draft in May, about what Bridgewater might lack in prototypical arm strength, size and other things you can see. But he possesses the potential for greatness because of the things you can’t.
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http://mmqb.si.com/2014/01/02/teddy-bridgewater-2014-nfl-draft/

#1184 HTown_DieHard, Jan 2, 2014
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lol I think Blake Bortles and UCF were the ones who actually pulled the plug on Teddy's Heisman campaign...

#1185 bigtexxx, Jan 2, 2014
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Bridgewater is a top prospect but not an elite NFL talent

Name: Teddy Bridgewater

School: Louisville

Position: QB

Height: 6-foot-3

Weight: 205

Projected draft position: Top 10

NFL comparison: Matt Ryan

Stats: 71 percent completion rate, 3,970 passing yards, 31 touchdowns and four interceptions

Why you want your team to draft him: The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and Bridgewater is generally considered the top prospect at his position.

Bridgewater has many of the qualities NFL teams search for in their quarterbacks. It starts with Bridgewater’s mental approach to the game. Louisville’s coaching staff gave the quarterback complete control of the offense. He had to read defenses and make the proper adjustments. More often than not, he was up to the task. Bridgewater is also considered a hard worker, who spends plenty of extra time in the film room.

Bridgewater’s on-field performance is as impressive as his work off of it. Bridgewater throws with anticipation and regularly fits the ball into tight windows. He spins the ball well. His footwork is impeccable. And he can make accurate throws rolling to his right and left.

Also, Bridgewater is an underrated athlete. He spends most of his time in the pocket, because it’s where he is most comfortable. When Bridgewater does feel pressure, he can create extra time by nimbly moving around the pocket to create more throwing space.

Why you want your team to avoid him: There are two knocks on Bridgewater.

First, Bridgewater has an above average arm. It’s not extraordinary. All his throws under 20 yards can be delivered with zip and accuracy. But his ball placement leaves something to be desired when attempting to throw the ball deep down field. Part of this is due to Bridgewater’s release. He has a slight loop in his motion as he brings his arm back, and he doesn’t set up on his platform properly.

The second concern about Bridgewater is his slight frame. Louisville’s official site lists the quarterback at 205 pounds. He’s played closer to 195 pounds throughout the season. NFL teams will be concerned about how his frame will hold up over a 16-game schedule.

Overall: May’s quarterback class is both fascinating and frustrating. Bridgewater could be selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Texans, or he could slide a little later in the Top 10. He’s far from the consensus top player in the draft.

His situation doesn’t speak directly to Bridgewater’s talent, rather there isn’t an Andrew Luck-caliber quarterback prospect available. It makes it quite interesting for those teams selecting in the Top 10 overall.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, and, of course, the Texans desperately need quarterback upgrades. Bridgewater is not necessarily a perfect fit for all of the organizations due to coaching changes or current systems.

Bridgewater will almost certainly be taken by a team in the Top 10, but he’s far from a lock to become the No. 1 overall selection.

#1186 J.R., Jan 2, 2014
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I'm sold, rooting for Teddy Bridgwater to be the pick.

#1187 Summer Song Giver, Jan 2, 2014

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bigtexxx said: ↑

lol I think Blake Bortles and UCF were the ones who actually pulled the plug on Teddy's Heisman campaign...
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You can stop spreading lies about Teddy's "small hands":

“His hands are big enough. He has big hands, huge hands,” Watson said.
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#1188 HTown_DieHard, Jan 2, 2014
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bigtexxx said: ↑

lol I think Blake Bortles and UCF were the ones who actually pulled the plug on Teddy's Heisman campaign...
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Sure, but UL's defense failed them that night. Bortles wasn't flawless in that game. Besides, Storm Johnson and that run game had a HUGE night in that one.

Also, Teddy had a nice game.

#1189 ThaShark316_28, Jan 2, 2014
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Two well connected west coast sources tell me they fully expect Brett Hundley/QB/UCLA to enter the 2014 NFL Draft....</p>— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyPauline/statuses/418827552224854016">January 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

#1190 J.R., Jan 2, 2014
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ThaShark316_28 said: ↑

Sure, but UL's defense failed them that night. Bortles wasn't flawless in that game. Besides, Storm Johnson and that run game had a HUGE night in that one.

Also, Teddy had a nice game.
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Teddy did have a nice game (i would say pretty good game). Head to head with Bortles:

UCF Passing CMP ATT YDS YPA TD INT
Blake Bortles 21 32 250 7.8 2 1

LOU Passing CMP ATT YDS YPA TD INT
Bridgewater 29 38 341 9.0 2 0

#1191 RocketScientist, Jan 2, 2014
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Patman87 said: ↑

DeVante Parker does, just sayin...
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Bridgewater spread the ball around very well and didn't miss a best when Parker was out with an ankle injury during the bowl game.

I was actually impressed with how Bridgewater put the ball "in the bread basket" for his receivers, but out the ball up for Parker on some plays, knowing the kid would make a play on the ball. A QB has to know his personnel.

#1192 JeffB, Jan 2, 2014
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bigtexxx said: ↑

lol I think Blake Bortles and UCF were the ones who actually pulled the plug on Teddy's Heisman campaign...
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lol anybody but a black guy, right!

#1193 FLASH21, Jan 2, 2014

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J.R. said: ↑

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Two well connected west coast sources tell me they fully expect Brett Hundley/QB/UCLA to enter the 2014 NFL Draft....</p>— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) <a href="https://twitter.com/TonyPauline/statuses/418827552224854016">January 2, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Another project QB. Could make the draft more interesting. If he declares, I hope he ends up in a place that will invest in his preparation. He might be able to benefit from not having to start day one.

#1194 JeffB, Jan 2, 2014
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FLASH21 said: ↑

lol anybody but a black guy, right!
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tacky post.

You can't be a fan of the NFL and NBA like I am and have an issue with black players. Please.

#1195 bigtexxx, Jan 2, 2014
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honestly I would be happy with Teddy or Clowney at this point. so long as we don't reach for Manziel I am good.

#1196 Pete the Cheat, Jan 2, 2014
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FLASH21 said: ↑

lol anybody but a black guy, right!
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no dude texxx has an mlk quote as his sig, race is clearly not an issue..

#1197 josephnicks, Jan 2, 2014
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My apology if it was posted already:

Film Room: Teddy Bridgewater primed to be next great NFL QB

After watching Teddy Bridgewater -- who declared he intends to enter the 2014 NFL Draft on New Year's Day -- close out his career in superb fashion in the Russell Athletic Bowl, I'm not only convinced that he is a franchise player, but he is the crown jewel of the 2014 quarterback class. While I know that several anonymous scouts have reportedly voiced opinions counter to that assessment, I believe Bridgewater will be the next great quarterback to enter the NFL.
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Read More: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...bridgewater-primed-to-be-next-great-qb-in-nfl

#1198 Chuck 4, Jan 2, 2014

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bigtexxx said: ↑

tacky post.

You can't be a fan of the NFL and NBA like I am and have an issue with black players. Please.

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So..... oblivous to facts???

I don't get your deal with Teddy, it seems you and everyone else has a vendetta against the guy.

No he for sure isn't an Elway, Luck, or even a Marino but the kid can play and all you guys try to do is discredit his accomplishments or non accomplishments in any way, shape, form, or fashion.

Most of which is completely biased against the guy.

#1199 FLASH21, Jan 2, 2014
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bigtexxx said: ↑

tacky post.

You can't be a fan of the NFL and NBA like I am and have an issue with black players. Please.

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Yes you can. Not saying you are one. Certainly not wanting Bridgewater does not make you one. If you say you are not than that's enough for me just saying there are racists who like basketball.

#1200 Old Man Rock, Jan 2, 2014

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