Allen Fighting Off Narratives With Strong Start to Preseason - The Draft Network

[26CornerBlitz]

Allen Fighting Off Narratives With Strong Start to Preseason - The Draft Network

 

The Buffalo Bills decision to trade into the top-10 to select quarterback Josh Allen was met with doubt from many, including myself. Given his erratic ball placement in college, combined with sloppy footwork and highly questionable decision making, there was ample cause for concern. Yet, the Bills’ brass was comfortable with his shortcomings and banked on his exceptional physical traits to serve as a strong foundation to grow into an NFL franchise quarterback.

 

So far, so good for the perceived “raw” Allen. Yes, it’s only been two preseason games, but there is a lot to like about what Allen has put on tape to this point, especially considering the concerns surrounding Allen entering the league.

 

After a solid debut last week against Carolina working with the third-string offense, Allen was given the chance to play with the two’s on Friday night against Cleveland. Completing 9-of-14 passes for 60 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, Allen earned a passer rating of 104.6. He added 18 yards rushing on three carries.

 

There was a lot to like about Allen’s performance against the Browns.

 

Allen is making head coach Sean McDermott’s decision on who to name the Bills’ starter a difficult one, and Allen’s opportunity to be the guy may come sooner than we all expected a few months ago.

[aceman_16]

Thank you for the link.  I read the entire article and it was very informative.  I am coming around on Allen. I still want to see him with 1s vs 1s before I put on my fan goggles.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Would be kind of ironic if Allan is the first of this draft class to be named the starter  as he was the one supposedly least ready to start.

 

Addmittedly I still have some concerns as in per-season all he's been seeing are the rubber bullets.  How will he actually hold up when the real ones start to fly?

[Chandler#81]

Here’s another:

https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bills-today-bleacher-report-impressed-by-this-bills-qb

[thurst44]

1 hour ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

After a solid debut last week against Carolina working with the third-string offense, Allen was given the chance to play with the two’s on Friday night against Cleveland. Completing 9-of-14 passes for 60 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, Allen earned a passer rating of 104.6. He added 18 yards rushing on three carries.

 

It's a small point, but a big distinction. Everybody's been talking about him playing with the "two"s and that WAS how it was framed beforehand. However, for his first half drives, wasn't it still the first-string offensive line and wide receivers (or is my memory faulty)?

[jimmy10]

3 minutes ago, thurst44 said:

It's a small point, but a big distinction. Everybody's been talking about him playing with the "two"s and that WAS how it was framed beforehand. However, for his first half drives, wasn't it still the first-string offensive line and wide receivers (or is my memory faulty)?

 

Yes, but I believe it was against Cleveland’s second stringers. But I don’t say that to take anything away from Allen. I’m very happy with how he’s done to this point and am hoping he takes the next step by starting next week. It’s the most I’ve ever looked forward to a preseason game, between Allen and the great storyline with the Bengals. Gonna be a fun day. 

[26CornerBlitz]

4 minutes ago, thurst44 said:

It's a small point, but a big distinction. Everybody's been talking about him playing with the "two"s and that WAS how it was framed beforehand. However, for his first half drives, wasn't it still the first-string offensive line and wide receivers (or is my memory faulty)?

 

It was indeed the 1st team OL with a mix of personnel at WR.  No snaps with Shady or Zay Jones. 

 

 

[Big Blitz]

"Fighting off narratives."

 

My God.  Even political "lingo" is ruining sports.  

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, Big Blitz said:

"Fighting off narratives."

 

My God.  Even political "lingo" is ruining sports.  

 

That's not an inherently political phrase. 

[Big Blitz]

Just now, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

That's not an inherently political phrase. 

 

 

No but I absolutely hate it with sports.  Something just....dumb about it.

 

 

If Allen succeeds he didnt "defy narratives." 

 

He would have "defied expectations."  

[26CornerBlitz]

On 8/19/2018 at 1:35 PM, Big Blitz said:

 

 

No but I absolutely hate it with sports.  Something just....dumb about it.

 

 

If Allen succeeds he didnt "defy narratives." 

 

He would have "defied expectations."  

 

There absolutely was a collective "narrative" that he was a huge project who required a long and slow development process.   Semantics is what you're arguing about.  Words man.... it's just words. 

Edited August 24, 2018 by 26CornerBlitz

[jimmy10]

2 minutes ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

There absolotely was a collective "narrative" that he was a huge project who required a long and slow development prosess.   Semantics is what you're arguing about.  Words man.... it's just words. 

 

Yeah, “narrative” absolutely applies here. It’s why dunderheads like Mel Kiper continue to blast Allen. His narrative was that Allen was a huge reach, and he’ll stick to it until Allen (hopefully) proves him wrong and then we won’t hear a public comment on Allen from Kiper ever again. 

[26CornerBlitz]

1 minute ago, jimmy10 said:

 

Yeah, “narrative” absolutely applies here. It’s why dunderheads like Mel Kiper continue to blast Allen. His narrative was that Allen was a huge reach, and he’ll stick to it until Allen (hopefully) proves him wrong and then we won’t hear a public comment on Allen from Kiper ever again. 

 

I thought it was Kiper who loved Allen.   Just checked and it was. 

[jimmy10]

1 minute ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

I thought it was Kiper who loved Allen.   Just checked and it was. 

 

Then it was another one of those draft wizards, someone brought it up here recently. I stand corrected, though I still think Kiper is a dunderhead. 

[Big Blitz]

Mayock had him as the #1 QB!

 

So who's freaking narratives were they? 

 

Schoop?  Jeremy White?  I think the #NeverAllen crowd while certainly existed in national media, was far more prevalent in our local media, who conducted themselves in the most embarrassing way imaginable in the build up to and after the draft.  

 

They cover this team every day.  They were clearly #NeverAllen.  When it was very very possible Allen was the Bills' guy.  You have to be prepared for that but they got personally invested.  Absolutely bizarre.  And that's why I dont listen.

 

They cried about the McCoy trade.  Anyone miss Kiko?

 

They tell their listeners every day "you can just get goalies anywhere."  Same with RBs...

 

Just tank get a top center all will be well.  Sure thing fellas.  Only been 5 years of rebuilds now.  Fyi Eichel and the tank was worth it---just dont tell us picking top 3 every year is the ONLY way to build.  Boston says "hello."  And they loved Murray.  

 

They have told us that Marrone was and is awful.  He might get to the Super Bowl...one year after playing in the championship game.  We can hate him, fine.  But I think he knows what he's doing. 

 

The 24/7 devotion to all things analytics.

 

And now of course the great QB debate of 2018.  

 

 

Have they given good takes on anything?  Gotten anything right?   

 

Nauseating radio.  /rant

 

 

[26CornerBlitz]

1 hour ago, Big Blitz said:

Mayock had him as the #1 QB!

 

So who's freaking narratives were they? 

 

Schoop?  Jeremy White?  I think the #NeverAllen crowd while certainly existed in national media, was far more prevalent in our local media, who conducted themselves in the most embarrassing way imaginable in the build up to and after the draft.  

 

They cover this team every day.  They were clearly #NeverAllen.  When it was very very possible Allen was the Bills' guy.  You have to be prepared for that but they got personally invested.  Absolutely bizarre.  And that's why I dont listen.

 

They cried about the McCoy trade.  Anyone miss Kiko?

 

They tell their listeners every day "you can just get goalies anywhere."  Same with RBs...

 

Just tank get a top center all will be well.  Sure thing fellas.  Only been 5 years of rebuilds now.  Fyi Eichel and the tank was worth it---just dont tell us picking top 3 every year is the ONLY way to build.  Boston says "hello."  And they loved Murray.  

 

They have told us that Marrone was and is awful.  He might get to the Super Bowl...one year after playing in the championship game.  We can hate him, fine.  But I think he knows what he's doing. 

 

The 24/7 devotion to all things analytics.

 

And now of course the great QB debate of 2018.  

 

 

Have they given good takes on anything?  Gotten anything right?   

 

Nauseating radio.  /rant

 

The reference was not to WGR hosts, but rather to a multitude of draft analysts including Joe Marino who is the author of the piece linked in th OP that has the term narrative in its title. 

[PromoTheRobot]

2 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

It was indeed the 1st team OL with a mix of personnel at WR.  No snaps with Shady or Zay Jones. 

 

 

That isn't every Allen play.

[26CornerBlitz]

Another pre-draft Allen skeptic acknowledges his rapid improvement:

 

Greg Gabriel: Buffalo Bills rookie QB Josh Allen showing remarkable improvement

Bills still might be better off starting Peterman, but Allen's growth bodes very well

 

During the pre-draft process last spring, I was as hard as anyone on Buffalo Bills rookie QB Josh Allen.

While I recognized his unique size, athleticism and arm talent, I was scared by his lack of accuracy. 

 

After all, Allen completed just 56 percent of his throws in his final two seasons at Wyoming. His TD-INT ratio (44:21) was not that great, either, during those two seasons. And the fact remains that no quarterback drafted in the first round over the past 12 years with accuracy numbers as poor as Allen’s has had any success in the NFL.

 

Since the draft, Allen has worked closely with Buffalo's coaches (OC Brian Daboll and QB coach Davis Culley) to continue improving his footwork. From what I have seen in the first two preseason games, he looks like a different player.

[Paulus]

Is it "winning over critics" or illuminating their ignorance & stupidity? 

 

 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

On 8/19/2018 at 11:54 AM, aceman_16 said:

Thank you for the link.  I read the entire article and it was very informative.  I am coming around on Allen. I still want to see him with 1s vs 1s before I put on my fan goggles.

 

Preseason Wk 3 should give us 1s v 1s if my crystal ball is predicting the process right. 

Edited August 20, 2018 by Over 29 years of fanhood

[Dr.Sack]

Watching him against Cleveland that 5 yard out where he feigned a throw in the flat to the running back and hits the receiver over the top in stride with an effortless whip like throw reminded me of Phillip Rivers. He’s got a long way to go and will undoubtedly hit struggles but there’s a lot to like in the 32 passes thus far.

Edited August 20, 2018 by Dr.Sack

[DefenseWins]

 

Some nice words about Josh Allen and the Bills coaching staff too from a somewhat unlikely source - Rob Ryan...

 

[billspro]

On August 19, 2018 at 10:18 AM, jimmy10 said:

 

Yes, but I believe it was against Cleveland’s second stringers. But I don’t say that to take anything away from Allen. I’m very happy with how he’s done to this point and am hoping he takes the next step by starting next week. It’s the most I’ve ever looked forward to a preseason game, between Allen and the great storyline with the Bengals. Gonna be a fun day. 

 

I could be wrong but I think Cleveland had all of their starters except the edge rushers in on the TD drive. Although, their edge rushers are their two best defensive players. 

[DefenseWins]

 

Listen to Cowherd admit that he was wrong about Josh Allen...

 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

Yeah right. The same people admitting they were wrong will jump all over him as soon as he struggles to show they were right in the 1st place. 

 

I was an Allen critic but I'm not afraid of being wrong. I'll call it how I see it.  If he's named starter please stick with him. He will likely struggle. He's already shown he can overcome adversity. 

Edited August 20, 2018 by TheTruthHurts

[Zerovoltz]

On 8/19/2018 at 10:40 AM, 26CornerBlitz said:

Allen Fighting Off Narratives With Strong Start to Preseason - The Draft Network

 

The Buffalo Bills decision to trade into the top-10 to select quarterback Josh Allen was met with doubt from many, including myself. Given his erratic ball placement in college, combined with sloppy footwork and highly questionable decision making, there was ample cause for concern. Yet, the Bills’ brass was comfortable with his shortcomings and banked on his exceptional physical traits to serve as a strong foundation to grow into an NFL franchise quarterback.

 

So far, so good for the perceived “raw” Allen. Yes, it’s only been two preseason games, but there is a lot to like about what Allen has put on tape to this point, especially considering the concerns surrounding Allen entering the league.

 

After a solid debut last week against Carolina working with the third-string offense, Allen was given the chance to play with the two’s on Friday night against Cleveland. Completing 9-of-14 passes for 60 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions, Allen earned a passer rating of 104.6. He added 18 yards rushing on three carries.

 

There was a lot to like about Allen’s performance against the Browns.

 

Allen is making head coach Sean McDermott’s decision on who to name the Bills’ starter a difficult one, and Allen’s opportunity to be the guy may come sooner than we all expected a few months ago.

 

All well and good...but here read this.

 

There weren’t any apparent opening-night jitters for Ryan Leaf.

The touted rookie quarterback from Washington State came out poised and led two scoring drives – capping one with an impressive 3-yard TD pass to Bryan Still – and the San Diego Chargers beat San Francisco 27-21 in their exhibition opener last night.

Leaf made a few mistakes, like throwing into double coverage at the goal line – Still actually drew a pass-interference call on that one – and not getting off a play in time during the two-minute drill.

Otherwise, Leaf had a better night than Steve Young.

The 22-year-old Leaf, taken with the second pick in the April draft and named the starter for the season on Wednesday, was 14 for 20 for 116 yards.

Here’s another account of his first night:

Ryan Leaf didn’t look at all like a rattled rookie in his NFL debut. Sure, the touted San Diego Chargers quarterback made some mistakes and still has a ways to go in adjusting to the faster pace of the pro game. But was he nervous? Nope. It’s not in his playbook.
…
“He throws so accurately,” coach Kevin Gilbride said. “Even though he was late a few times, he put it in position where the only one who could catch it was us. That was the most encouraging thing…. I don’t want to in any way, shape or form make it seem like he’s where he needs to be. Still, he’s able to make plays and that’s what it comes down to. I thought he did that very, very well.” As he has numerous times this summer, Gilbride called Leaf “special.” Running back Terrell Fletcher called Leaf “a fearless player. That’s a big attribute.”
Leaf said the radio receiver in his helmet, which coaches use to call in plays, didn’t work the first two series. He partially winged it, with help from his teammates and quarterback coach June Jones, who told him to have three or four plays down pat to use. “I think he surprised a lot of people with how composed he was,” guard Raleigh McKenzie said. “We went three-and-out the first series, then he got real poised. He knew what to do in there.”

Leaf’s first pre-season start was much better than the man selected one spot before him in the 1998 draft:

Watching Peyton Manning and Jon Kitna, it was hard to tell who was the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft. All Archie Manning’stutoring and that extra year at Tennessee couldn’t get Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts past the Seattle Seahawks and Kitna in his pro debut.

After his first pass, a 48-yard touchdown strike to Marvin Harrison on his first series, Manning looked like an ordinary NFL rookie. There was a fumble that teammate Tony Mandarich recovered and an interception to end a series. In Manning’s other four series, it was three-and-out.
…
“He’ll learn from his mistakes and he’ll play better,” Colts coach Jim Mora said.

Manning admitted: “I need to play a little better. We didn’t move the ball very well.”
…
Against Seattle, Manning was 8-for-15 for 113 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He looked confused at times. The NFL isn’t the Southeastern Conference. His father, Archie, a former NFL quarterback, told him that and now he’s finding that out for himself.
…
He was intercepted by cornerback Fred Thomas in the second quarter before being replaced by Kelly Holcomb. On the first play of the second quarter, Manning fumbled without being hit, but the ball was recovered by Mandarich.

“That was a rare, freak play,” Manning said of the fumble. “The ball just slipped out of my hand.”

But that was just one game. Manning and Leaf met head-to-head in the regular season dress rehearsal known as week three of the preseason:

Round 1 went to Ryan Leaf and the San Diego Chargers. The rematch with the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning will be in October, when it counts.

The meeting last night between Leaf, the second pick in the National Football League draft, and Manning, the No. 1 pick, was only the second time in N.F.L. history quarterbacks picked 1-2 in the draft had faced each other as rookies.

Leaf was 15 for 24 for 172 yards, set up one touchdown and ran for a score as the Chargers broke a 3-3 tie at half and beat the Colts 33-3. It was only an exhibition game, but after a shaky first half, Leaf looked sharp in leading the Chargers.

Manning, playing into the third quarter for the first time in the preseason, was 11 for 21 for 123 yards but twice had passes intercepted.

[26CornerBlitz]

On 8/20/2018 at 8:14 PM, Zerovotlz said:

 

All well and good...but here read this.

 

There weren’t any apparent opening-night jitters for Ryan Leaf.

The touted rookie quarterback from Washington State came out poised and led two scoring drives – capping one with an impressive 3-yard TD pass to Bryan Still – and the San Diego Chargers beat San Francisco 27-21 in their exhibition opener last night.

Leaf made a few mistakes, like throwing into double coverage at the goal line – Still actually drew a pass-interference call on that one – and not getting off a play in time during the two-minute drill.

Otherwise, Leaf had a better night than Steve Young.

The 22-year-old Leaf, taken with the second pick in the April draft and named the starter for the season on Wednesday, was 14 for 20 for 116 yards.

Here’s another account of his first night:

Ryan Leaf didn’t look at all like a rattled rookie in his NFL debut. Sure, the touted San Diego Chargers quarterback made some mistakes and still has a ways to go in adjusting to the faster pace of the pro game. But was he nervous? Nope. It’s not in his playbook.
…
“He throws so accurately,” coach Kevin Gilbride said. “Even though he was late a few times, he put it in position where the only one who could catch it was us. That was the most encouraging thing…. I don’t want to in any way, shape or form make it seem like he’s where he needs to be. Still, he’s able to make plays and that’s what it comes down to. I thought he did that very, very well.” As he has numerous times this summer, Gilbride called Leaf “special.” Running back Terrell Fletcher called Leaf “a fearless player. That’s a big attribute.”
Leaf said the radio receiver in his helmet, which coaches use to call in plays, didn’t work the first two series. He partially winged it, with help from his teammates and quarterback coach June Jones, who told him to have three or four plays down pat to use. “I think he surprised a lot of people with how composed he was,” guard Raleigh McKenzie said. “We went three-and-out the first series, then he got real poised. He knew what to do in there.”

Leaf’s first pre-season start was much better than the man selected one spot before him in the 1998 draft:

Watching Peyton Manning and Jon Kitna, it was hard to tell who was the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft. All Archie Manning’stutoring and that extra year at Tennessee couldn’t get Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts past the Seattle Seahawks and Kitna in his pro debut.

After his first pass, a 48-yard touchdown strike to Marvin Harrison on his first series, Manning looked like an ordinary NFL rookie. There was a fumble that teammate Tony Mandarich recovered and an interception to end a series. In Manning’s other four series, it was three-and-out.
…
“He’ll learn from his mistakes and he’ll play better,” Colts coach Jim Mora said.

Manning admitted: “I need to play a little better. We didn’t move the ball very well.”
…
Against Seattle, Manning was 8-for-15 for 113 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He looked confused at times. The NFL isn’t the Southeastern Conference. His father, Archie, a former NFL quarterback, told him that and now he’s finding that out for himself.
…
He was intercepted by cornerback Fred Thomas in the second quarter before being replaced by Kelly Holcomb. On the first play of the second quarter, Manning fumbled without being hit, but the ball was recovered by Mandarich.

“That was a rare, freak play,” Manning said of the fumble. “The ball just slipped out of my hand.”

But that was just one game. Manning and Leaf met head-to-head in the regular season dress rehearsal known as week three of the preseason:

Round 1 went to Ryan Leaf and the San Diego Chargers. The rematch with the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning will be in October, when it counts.

The meeting last night between Leaf, the second pick in the National Football League draft, and Manning, the No. 1 pick, was only the second time in N.F.L. history quarterbacks picked 1-2 in the draft had faced each other as rookies.

Leaf was 15 for 24 for 172 yards, set up one touchdown and ran for a score as the Chargers broke a 3-3 tie at half and beat the Colts 33-3. It was only an exhibition game, but after a shaky first half, Leaf looked sharp in leading the Chargers.

Manning, playing into the third quarter for the first time in the preseason, was 11 for 21 for 123 yards but twice had passes intercepted.

 

Leaf had none of the mental makeup nor work ethic of Josh Allen that differentiates the two.  This makes your comparison of 1998 Leaf to the 2018 Allen rather flimsy.  Each prospect should be judged individually for what they are can be.  Lazy comparison on your part. 

Edited August 22, 2018 by 26CornerBlitz

[Zerovoltz]

Just now, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Leaf had none of the mental makeup nor work ethic of Josh Allen that differentiates the two.  This makes your comparison of 1998 Leaf to the 2018 Allen rather flimsy.  Each prospect is should be judged individually for what they are can be.  Lazy comparison on your part. 

 

I'm certainly not trying to say Allen = Leaf.  My point is that the optimism is based on PRESEASON games.  Lot's of awful NFL players have looked good in preseason games when really you are just running a scrimmage on TV......and lots of really good players, have looked bad, shaky, etc.  

[26CornerBlitz]

Just now, Zerovotlz said:

 

I'm certainly not trying to say Allen = Leaf.  My point is that the optimism is based on PRESEASON games.  Lot's of awful NFL players have looked good in preseason games when really you are just running a scrimmage on TV......and lots of really good players, have looked bad, shaky, etc.  

 

Optimism is based on improved mechanics, pocket poise, decision making, touch, etc that were demonstrated deficiencies coming into the NFL. 

[Zerovoltz]

If I were a Bills fan, I would also be encouraged by what he has shown so far....because it was what is supposed to be good....the scouting report so far has been right...he looks great in practice...and he's looked pretty good in preseason.  He is supposed to shine in these situations.

[Buffalo716]

Josh Allen > Pat Mahomes

[QCity]

41 minutes ago, Zerovotlz said:

 

  My point is that the optimism is based on PRESEASON games.  Lot's of awful NFL players have looked good in preseason games when really you are just running a scrimmage on TV......and lots of really good players, have looked bad, shaky, etc.  

 

It's an annual tradition to believe that what we see in the preseason will translate to the regular season. Fans fall for it every year, I think it's a condition that arises from not watching football for 8 months.

[HappyDays]

58 minutes ago, Zerovotlz said:

.the scouting report so far has been right...he looks great in practice

 

There were zero scouting reports that mentioned how he looked in practice. What does this even mean? I was as skeptical as anyone about Josh Allen but he looks like a totally different QB right now. His footwork is night and day and he isn't making the stupid mistakes he made in college.

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[Stank_Nasty]

1 hour ago, Zerovotlz said:

If I were a Bills fan, I would also be encouraged by what he has shown so far....because it was what is supposed to be good....the scouting report so far has been right...he looks great in practice...and he's looked pretty good in preseason.  He is supposed to shine in these situations.

Except for the fact that the reason most media is back pedaling on him now is because he’a demonstrating improvement in all areas that were knocks. You are literally 100% wrong on these statements. 

 

If he was proving his initial reports right he wouldn’t be getting the buzz he is now. Use some sense while you post. You look really foolish.... but then again that’s been pointed out to you numerous times and you can’t seem to grasp it. 

[Boca BIlls]

2 hours ago, DefenseWins said:

 

Listen to Cowherd admit that he was wrong about Josh Allen...

 

Colin Cowturd... muhahaha

1 hour ago, Zerovotlz said:

If I were a Bills fan, I would also be encouraged by what he has shown so far....because it was what is supposed to be good....the scouting report so far has been right...he looks great in practice...and he's looked pretty good in preseason.  He is supposed to shine in these situations.

Wtf is this ****?

[Paulus]

1 hour ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Leaf had none of the mental makeup nor work ethic of Josh Allen that differentiates the two.  This makes your comparison of 1998 Leaf to the 2018 Allen rather flimsy.  Each prospect is should be judged individually for what they are can be.  Lazy comparison on your part. 

Also, the 1998 Chargers are a bit different than the 2018 Bills. There are too many ways to distinguish the comparison, but since the Eli thing, I feel that one is important to mention.

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, Zerovotlz said:

 

All well and good...but here read this.

 

There weren’t any apparent opening-night jitters for Ryan Leaf.

The touted rookie quarterback from Washington State came out poised and led two scoring drives – capping one with an impressive 3-yard TD pass to Bryan Still – and the San Diego Chargers beat San Francisco 27-21 in their exhibition opener last night.

Leaf made a few mistakes, like throwing into double coverage at the goal line – Still actually drew a pass-interference call on that one – and not getting off a play in time during the two-minute drill.

Otherwise, Leaf had a better night than Steve Young.

The 22-year-old Leaf, taken with the second pick in the April draft and named the starter for the season on Wednesday, was 14 for 20 for 116 yards.

Here’s another account of his first night:

Ryan Leaf didn’t look at all like a rattled rookie in his NFL debut. Sure, the touted San Diego Chargers quarterback made some mistakes and still has a ways to go in adjusting to the faster pace of the pro game. But was he nervous? Nope. It’s not in his playbook.
…
“He throws so accurately,” coach Kevin Gilbride said. “Even though he was late a few times, he put it in position where the only one who could catch it was us. That was the most encouraging thing…. I don’t want to in any way, shape or form make it seem like he’s where he needs to be. Still, he’s able to make plays and that’s what it comes down to. I thought he did that very, very well.” As he has numerous times this summer, Gilbride called Leaf “special.” Running back Terrell Fletcher called Leaf “a fearless player. That’s a big attribute.”
Leaf said the radio receiver in his helmet, which coaches use to call in plays, didn’t work the first two series. He partially winged it, with help from his teammates and quarterback coach June Jones, who told him to have three or four plays down pat to use. “I think he surprised a lot of people with how composed he was,” guard Raleigh McKenzie said. “We went three-and-out the first series, then he got real poised. He knew what to do in there.”

Leaf’s first pre-season start was much better than the man selected one spot before him in the 1998 draft:

Watching Peyton Manning and Jon Kitna, it was hard to tell who was the No. 1 pick in this year’s NFL draft. All Archie Manning’stutoring and that extra year at Tennessee couldn’t get Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts past the Seattle Seahawks and Kitna in his pro debut.

After his first pass, a 48-yard touchdown strike to Marvin Harrison on his first series, Manning looked like an ordinary NFL rookie. There was a fumble that teammate Tony Mandarich recovered and an interception to end a series. In Manning’s other four series, it was three-and-out.
…
“He’ll learn from his mistakes and he’ll play better,” Colts coach Jim Mora said.

Manning admitted: “I need to play a little better. We didn’t move the ball very well.”
…
Against Seattle, Manning was 8-for-15 for 113 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He looked confused at times. The NFL isn’t the Southeastern Conference. His father, Archie, a former NFL quarterback, told him that and now he’s finding that out for himself.
…
He was intercepted by cornerback Fred Thomas in the second quarter before being replaced by Kelly Holcomb. On the first play of the second quarter, Manning fumbled without being hit, but the ball was recovered by Mandarich.

“That was a rare, freak play,” Manning said of the fumble. “The ball just slipped out of my hand.”

But that was just one game. Manning and Leaf met head-to-head in the regular season dress rehearsal known as week three of the preseason:

Round 1 went to Ryan Leaf and the San Diego Chargers. The rematch with the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning will be in October, when it counts.

The meeting last night between Leaf, the second pick in the National Football League draft, and Manning, the No. 1 pick, was only the second time in N.F.L. history quarterbacks picked 1-2 in the draft had faced each other as rookies.

Leaf was 15 for 24 for 172 yards, set up one touchdown and ran for a score as the Chargers broke a 3-3 tie at half and beat the Colts 33-3. It was only an exhibition game, but after a shaky first half, Leaf looked sharp in leading the Chargers.

Manning, playing into the third quarter for the first time in the preseason, was 11 for 21 for 123 yards but twice had passes intercepted.

Are you talking about Mahomes here?

ryan leaf was a weak minded person who got exposed When it got tough

 

- 1000 letters to schools trying to get a division 1 scholarship

 

- told he couldn’t his whole life

 

- farm boy who understands the meaning of work

 

ANYTHING but weak minded is josh allen

 

 

Edited August 21, 2018 by John from Riverside

[GoBills808]

1 hour ago, Zerovotlz said:

If I were a Bills fan, I would also be encouraged by what he has shown so far....because it was what is supposed to be good....the scouting report so far has been right...he looks great in practice...and he's looked pretty good in preseason.  He is supposed to shine in these situations.

[26CornerBlitz]