Rank the CAA QB's

[jstclmet]

If you were picking a QB for your team, which one would you pick. Let's assume, you were second in the draft, and the QB from your team was taken. Who would you take next.

My top 5 are as follows;

Ward
Whitney
Toman
Devlin
Archer

Then, I'd have to consider Young (VU) and Decker (UNH) along with any of the next 5.

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Given your qualifier that I can't take Ward, I would take Devlin. It is really close between Ward, Devlin and Whitney at the top of the CAA.

I do think that the three of them fit their respective schemes best. Put Whitney on UR or UD and he's not nearly as effective as he is in Talley's system. Same probably goes for the others too.

[Eight Legger]

Confused about your qualifier, jst, since Whitney is your QB and you took him second. Anyway, I agree that it depends on what you need for your team as to who you would take. If you want to throw the ball 50 times a game, Devlin is your guy. If you want a runner who can throw too, take Whitney. If you want a winner who does whatever it takes to get the job done, take Ward.

And if you want a guy with a broken foot to sit on the sidelines while your snapper hikes the ball to no one, take Dudzik!

[Dukie95]

And if you want a guy with a broken foot to sit on the sidelines while your snapper hikes the ball to no one, take Dudzik!

HAHA!! So you saw the W&M game last week?

[jstclmet]

Confused about your qualifier, jst, since Whitney is your QB and you took him second. Anyway, I agree that it depends on what you need for your team as to who you would take. If you want to throw the ball 50 times a game, Devlin is your guy. If you want a runner who can throw too, take Whitney. If you want a winner who does whatever it takes to get the job done, take Ward.

And if you want a guy with a broken foot to sit on the sidelines while your snapper hikes the ball to no one, take Dudzik!


I chose Ward. Whitney was taken xsmiley_wix.

In the real world, Ward would have been taken #1. Let's assume I was third on the draft board. Then I might not get Whitney and have to go deeper into the CAA pool. Having to choose between Toman, Devlin, and Archer. I think Toman's tougher. Got a real grit to him. Devlin may have a better arm than Archer, but Archer can throw, and I like his ability to extend the play.

[RichH2]

Have not seen Devlin, have seen Whitney and Ward. Randolph of Holy Cross is far superior to either.
Cannot speak as to how he compares to the rest of your picks. I have not seen them.

[GannonFan]

Devlin in a heartbeat (although I'm sure I'm breaking a rule there somehow). The kid is heads and shoulders better than the other CAA QB's, who are actually a pretty good group of QB's. No one throws a better ball than Devlin, no one scans the field better than he can, and he's proven he's plenty mobile enough if he had to run - plus he does a great job of extending the play in the pocket. Devlin's a guy who, like Flacco before him, will be playing on Sundays. Tremendous touch on the ball and can make every throw on the field. I was sitting behind a UMass guy at that game and he was stunned how good Devlin looked. Still another year and a half of him. xthumbsupx

[jstclmet]

Have not seen Devlin, have seen Whitney and Ward. Randolph of Holy Cross is far superior to either.
Cannot speak as to how he compares to the rest of your picks. I have not seen them.

Maybe we'll get to see Randolph up close and personal on 11/28 on the Mainline xsmiley_wix

[Dblue]

I really like what Devlin has done the last few games, but my vote went to Ward. He can control the game.

[RichH2]

Nova- Cross match would be a shootout for sure. Just from what I've seen of Devlin. He has to be the best in CAA. Your guy and Ward neck and neck

[93henfan]

Just to help people with the raw QB data so they can decide:


PASSING AVG/GAME Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Avg/G
------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Pat Devlin.......... DELA JR 7 196 128 3 65.3 1663 13 237.6
2. Kyle Havens......... UMAS JR 7 211 114 13 54.0 1534 8 219.1
3. Warren Smith........ MAIN SO 6 183 115 9 62.8 1291 10 215.2
4. R.J. Archer......... W&M SR 7 225 142 4 63.1 1448 11 206.9
5. R.J. Toman.......... UNH JR 6 165 93 6 56.4 1185 7 197.5
6. Eric Ward........... RICH SR 7 177 110 4 62.1 1274 10 182.0
7. Cory Christopher.... HOFS SR 8 212 136 6 64.2 1438 6 179.8
8. Chris Paul-Etienne.. URI JR 6 142 79 4 55.6 798 4 133.0
9. Chris Whitney....... VU JR 8 130 87 2 66.9 975 11 121.9
10.Peter Athens........ TOWS FR 6 112 59 12 52.7 691 6 115.2

PASS EFFICIENCY Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Eff.
------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Pat Devlin.......... DELA JR 7 196 128 3 65.3 1663 13 155.4
2. Chris Whitney....... VU JR 8 130 87 2 66.9 975 11 154.8
3. Eric Ward........... RICH SR 7 177 110 4 62.1 1274 10 136.7
4. Warren Smith........ MAIN SO 6 183 115 9 62.8 1291 10 130.3
5. Mike Brusko......... MAIN SR 7 27 19 1 70.4 176 1 129.9
6. R.J. Archer......... W&M SR 7 225 142 4 63.1 1448 11 129.7
7. Cory Christopher.... HOFS SR 8 212 136 6 64.2 1438 6 124.8
8. R.J. Toman.......... UNH JR 6 165 93 6 56.4 1185 7 123.4
9. Matt Carroll........ NU FR 7 105 68 4 64.8 632 5 123.4
10.Kyle Havens......... UMAS JR 7 211 114 13 54.0 1534 8 115.3

TOTAL OFFENSE Team Cl G Rush Pass Plays Total Yds/G
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. Pat Devlin.......... DELA JR 7 138 1663 244 1801 257.3
2. Warren Smith........ MAIN SO 6 121 1291 235 1412 235.3
3. R.J. Archer......... W&M SR 7 153 1448 271 1601 228.7
4. R.J. Toman.......... UNH JR 6 124 1185 215 1309 218.2
5. Kyle Havens......... UMAS JR 7 -44 1534 231 1490 212.9
6. Eric Ward........... RICH SR 7 181 1274 231 1455 207.9
7. Cory Christopher.... HOFS SR 8 196 1438 296 1634 204.2
8. Chris Whitney....... VU JR 8 561 975 247 1536 192.0
9. Chris Paul-Etienne.. URI JR 6 71 798 184 869 144.8
10.Peter Athens........ TOWS FR 6 132 691 143 823 137.2

[93henfan]

To save time searching stats, here are current QB stats from CAAsports.com:

PASSING AVG/GAME Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Avg/G
------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Pat Devlin.......... DELA JR 7 196 128 3 65.3 1663 13 237.6
2. Kyle Havens......... UMAS JR 7 211 114 13 54.0 1534 8 219.1
3. Warren Smith........ MAIN SO 6 183 115 9 62.8 1291 10 215.2
4. R.J. Archer......... W&M SR 7 225 142 4 63.1 1448 11 206.9
5. R.J. Toman.......... UNH JR 6 165 93 6 56.4 1185 7 197.5
6. Eric Ward........... RICH SR 7 177 110 4 62.1 1274 10 182.0
7. Cory Christopher.... HOFS SR 8 212 136 6 64.2 1438 6 179.8
8. Chris Paul-Etienne.. URI JR 6 142 79 4 55.6 798 4 133.0
9. Chris Whitney....... VU JR 8 130 87 2 66.9 975 11 121.9
10.Peter Athens........ TOWS FR 6 112 59 12 52.7 691 6 115.2

PASS EFFICIENCY Team Cl G Att Cmp Int Pct. Yds TD Eff.
------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Pat Devlin.......... DELA JR 7 196 128 3 65.3 1663 13 155.4
2. Chris Whitney....... VU JR 8 130 87 2 66.9 975 11 154.8
3. Eric Ward........... RICH SR 7 177 110 4 62.1 1274 10 136.7
4. Warren Smith........ MAIN SO 6 183 115 9 62.8 1291 10 130.3
5. Mike Brusko......... MAIN SR 7 27 19 1 70.4 176 1 129.9
6. R.J. Archer......... W&M SR 7 225 142 4 63.1 1448 11 129.7
7. Cory Christopher.... HOFS SR 8 212 136 6 64.2 1438 6 124.8
8. R.J. Toman.......... UNH JR 6 165 93 6 56.4 1185 7 123.4
9. Matt Carroll........ NU FR 7 105 68 4 64.8 632 5 123.4
10.Kyle Havens......... UMAS JR 7 211 114 13 54.0 1534 8 115.3

TOTAL OFFENSE Team Cl G Rush Pass Plays Total Yds/G
--------------------------------------------------------------
1. Pat Devlin.......... DELA JR 7 138 1663 244 1801 257.3
2. Warren Smith........ MAIN SO 6 121 1291 235 1412 235.3
3. R.J. Archer......... W&M SR 7 153 1448 271 1601 228.7
4. R.J. Toman.......... UNH JR 6 124 1185 215 1309 218.2
5. Kyle Havens......... UMAS JR 7 -44 1534 231 1490 212.9
6. Eric Ward........... RICH SR 7 181 1274 231 1455 207.9
7. Cory Christopher.... HOFS SR 8 196 1438 296 1634 204.2
8. Chris Whitney....... VU JR 8 561 975 247 1536 192.0
9. Chris Paul-Etienne.. URI JR 6 71 798 184 869 144.8
10.Peter Athens........ TOWS FR 6 132 691 143 823 137.2

[BDKJMU]

National QB efficiency ratings:
-Dudzik, JMU: 166.9 (not enough passes to be included in the national rankings, 166.9 would be 3rd behind Perrilloux and Armanti Edwards))
-8: Devlin, UD: 155.4
-10: Whitney, VU: 154.77
-34: Ward, UR: 136.73
-46: Archer, W&M: 130.33
-47: Smith, Maine: 130.3
-56: Christopher, HU: 124.81
-60: Toman, UNH: 123.42
-61: Carroll, NE: 123.42
-73: Haven, UMass: 115.29
-82: Paul-Etienne, URI: 106.5
-88: Athens, TU: 100.75
-Thorpe, JMU, 94.1, not enough attempts to be included in the national rankings, would rank 97th.

http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/natlRank.jsp?year=2009&rpt=IAA_playerpasseff&site=org&div=IAA&dest=O

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Both Ward and Whitney are superior on their feet to Devlin. That isn't reflected in any of these passing statistics.

I'm not saying that Devlin is a statue, but I am saying that Ward has a tremendous ability to get a 3rd and long with his feet when he needs to.

[jstclmet]

Nova- Cross match would be a shootout for sure. Just from what I've seen of Devlin. He has to be the best in CAA. Your guy and Ward neck and neck

Our guy, Whitney, see's our defense every week. Ward saw us last year when they were #1, and left the Mainline without that ranking. Whitney is 1 - 1 against UR having lost in 07 as a true frosh, and winning in 08.

Devlin has yet to see the Wildcat defense.

When Flacco last came to the Mainline, he got knocked on his backside repeatedly, and left with an "L". I'm sure that's all forgotten as he counts his millions from the Ravens.

Maybe Devlin will find the Wildcat "D" just as unbearable as Flacco did, but still go on to do great things in the NFL.

Your guy, Randolph will only get one chance. I don't think it's going to be a shootout. Remember Colgate last year???

[93henfan]

Both Ward and Whitney are superior on their feet to Devlin. That isn't reflected in any of these passing statistics.

I'm not saying that Devlin is a statue, but I am saying that Ward has a tremendous ability to get a 3rd and long with his feet when he needs to.

Actually, the total offense number I posted does account for rushing.

But since you brought it up, here are the QB Rushing-only stats of those three:

RUSHING GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G

Chris Whitney 8 117 701 140 561 4.8 2 45 70.1
Eric Ward 7 54 231 50 181 3.4 2 24 25.9
Pat Devlin 7 48 213 75 138 2.9 4 18 19.7

[BigHouseClosedEnd]

Actually, the total offense number I posted does account for rushing.

But since you brought it up, here are the QB Rushing-only stats of those three:

RUSHING GP Att Gain Loss Net Avg TD Long Avg/G

Chris Whitney 8 117 701 140 561 4.8 2 45 70.1
Eric Ward 7 54 231 50 181 3.4 2 24 25.9
Pat Devlin 7 48 213 75 138 2.9 4 18 19.7

Missed that. I'm not discounting Devlin ... see my posts above, but do you think the numbers are skewed a little because both Whitney and Ward have played a 1-A already and Devlin hasn't?

Also, both Ward and Whitney played in a monsoon Saturday and Devlin got the week off. Ward threw for 52 yards Saturday.

[GannonFan]

Missed that. I'm not discounting Devlin ... see my posts above, but do you think the numbers are skewed a little because both Whitney and Ward have played a 1-A already and Devlin hasn't?

Also, both Ward and Whitney played in a monsoon Saturday and Devlin got the week off. Ward threw for 52 yards Saturday.

Devlin played in a monsoon the week before against Towson, and played in a steady rain a few weeks back in Orono. No one's been immune to the weather this year.

[crusader11]

Your guy, Randolph will only get one chance. I don't think it's going to be a shootout. Remember Colgate last year???

Colgate can't pass, we can.

[smcwildcat]

archer is filth

[State Line Liquors]

Poll is inherently flawed for UD, UNH or Richmond fans. Abstain.

[caribbeanhen]

Devlin is one of the best QB's in the nation, nevermind the CAA

[Eight Legger]

Quit selling him short...Devlin is the eighth wonder of the world!

[LacesOut]

#1 ~ Ward.

I want the guy who has won the NC.

[SpidersSportsEditor]

Of the QBs on the list that I have seen play (many but not all), Devlin was the best passer, so if I couldn't take Ward, I'd probably take him. In terms of raw passing ability, I agree that he is probably one of the best I've seen in the FCS.

But, as Ward has shown, and Rodney Landers showed while at JMU, and Armanti Edwards has shown for his entire career, being able to run makes a quarterback much more of a weapon. Even though Devlin is the cream of the passing crop, I think Ward is the MVP of the group and Whitney might be more of an asset than Devlin for the right team.

[GannonFan]

Of the QBs on the list that I have seen play (many but not all), Devlin was the best passer, so if I couldn't take Ward, I'd probably take him. In terms of raw passing ability, I agree that he is probably one of the best I've seen in the FCS.

But, as Ward has shown, and Rodney Landers showed while at JMU, and Armanti Edwards has shown for his entire career, being able to run makes a quarterback much more of a weapon. Even though Devlin is the cream of the passing crop, I think Ward is the MVP of the group and Whitney might be more of an asset than Devlin for the right team.

Devlin moves plenty fine - if his offense called for him to run more he'd be plenty good at it. As it is, his offense doesn't call for him to move. I remember people saying Flacco was even less mobile than Drew Bledsoe, but then his first TD as a Raven wasn't a deep pass, but rather a 40 yard scramble. Just because your offense doesn't ask for the QB to run doesn't mean the QB couldn't run if put in a different offense. xthumbsupx

[Out To Lunch]

archer is filth

If you mean that literally, on what do you base your assessment?

If it's modern slang that's gone over my head, on what do you base your assessment?

[WrenFGun]

Just of what I've seen...

I think it's Ward, Devlin and a bunch of secondary stuff, a few of whom (Archer, Toman, Whitney, Young, Decker) are pretty interesting. Was not impressed by Kyle Havens, though I was impressed by the kid from Towson. He has a nice arm and is a true freshman. But yeah, Devlin and Ward are in a class by themselves, IMO.

Whitney's good for 'Nova's offense, but his arm is not all that special, frankly.

[molly]

If you mean that literally, on what do you base your assessment?

If it's modern slang that's gone over my head, on what do you base your assessment?

It's a pretty simple formula:

4th in passing yards/game + 4th in rushing yards/game + 3rd in total offense/game = fifth

[MacThor]

Missed that. I'm not discounting Devlin ... see my posts above, but do you think the numbers are skewed a little because both Whitney and Ward have played a 1-A already and Devlin hasn't?

Also, both Ward and Whitney played in a monsoon Saturday and Devlin got the week off. Ward threw for 52 yards Saturday.

And Devlin played a D-2.

[State Line Liquors]

Upon further review, I'd like to throw my hat in the ring for Chris Paul....Etienne. Something about dueling last names says greatness. If I can't vote Devlin, I vote for the best point guard in the NBA and his double personality as the URI QB.

[TheTribeHasSpoken]

I'd take Devlin in a heartbeat.

[bluehenbillk]

There are only 2 QB's that belong in the conversation. Ward is a great QB. He can pass pretty well, and has grown in that aspect & he obviously can run and/or scramble to give himself more time to find the open man.

If you want me to rank QB's though it's really really hard to not dismiss the question and just ask if you're crazy, of course it's Devlin. Look how bad UD was last year versus how they look in '09 and what's different? Just the QB. To be specific, there's not a throw he can't make, short, in the flat, deep, touch pass, fastball you name it. He knows the position, you can see him like very few college QB's regardless of level progress thru his reads, and when warranted he's a proficient runner.

We'll be watching Devlin play on Sundays in a few years.

[Oldhen]

Ward or Devlin. Toss up. They are asked to do different things and bring different things to the table. I've been a Ward fan for a couple of years. Complete player. Excellent leader. He's one of those guys you want with the ball in his hands when the game is on the line. Devlin, at least so far, is mostly an excellent passer, but seems to be becoming an excellent leader, too. Way, way ahead of Flacco at the same points in their careers. Flacco had a big arm and was a great thrower, but wasn't quite as accurate and didn't have the repertoire of throws Devlin has. Joe Pa is a freakin' idiot. Sky's the limit for Devlin. I just can't believe how fortunate we are. Maybe we deserve it after last year.

PS... it WILL be interesting to see Devlin against JMU, but moreso 'Nova. Flacco went up there as a senior with a patchwork OL and they were all over him in a very tough, close game, which some 'Nova fans keep bringing up. I expect the same level of aggressiveness from 'Nova, in a game that may be UD's play-in game. That'll tell us an awful lot about who this Devlin kid is...

I think this conversation needs to happen again next year. Devlin is about to start his eighth college game. This time next year, if everything keeps goes the way it's going, he's going to be looking at setting multiple CAA single-season records. Early on, I was very skeptical about our receiveing group, but have changed my tune. They could end up being the best in the CAA next year, and something Flacco never had. That and the fact that our new OC actually seems to have a clue about effective passing schemes.

Write it down.

[HensRock]

Though he has performed tremendously and even beyond Hen Fans' wild anticipation, I think it is still too early to annoint Devlin. He just has not seen the variety of defenses that Ward has. I voted for Ward.

[JMU Newbill]

As was said earlier, depends on what type of offense you are running.

Pro potential being considered, you would have to take Devlin. His pure passing skill set is far superior to anyone in the CAA, and ranks up there with all of FBS and FCS.

But if I wanted to win a game in the CAA, or in any FCS game for that matter, I think I'd take Ward. He is a proven winner. Not to discount Devlin by any means, but Ward gets the job done in the CAA, plain and simple.

I can tell you who I wouldn't take..... I'll give you a hint.... his name starts with Justi... and ends in Thor......

[Dukie95]

For JMU's system, Ward or Whitney would be the better fits.

[Oldhen]

Though he has performed tremendously and even beyond Hen Fans' wild anticipation, I think it is still too early to annoint Devlin. He just has not seen the variety of defenses that Ward has.


With only seven collegiate starts, that's no doubt true.

Lots of folks are blowing off JMU because of their problems on O. I'm not. That's a quality pass D, and will be a real yardstick of how far our offense (and Devlin, by implication) has come and provide us with a much better reading of how the rest of the season will evolve... particulary 'Nova.

[MacThor]

Until Devlin does this:

Richmond 1-10 at Richmond38 RICHMOND drive start at 01:44.
Richmond 1-10 at Richmond38 Eric Ward pass complete to Donte Boston for 7 yards to the RICHMOND45 (Mahoney, Josh).
Richmond 2-3 at Richmond45 PENALTY UNI offside (Ruffin, James) 5 yards to the 50 yardline, 1ST DOWN RICHMOND.
Richmond 1-10 at Richmond50 Eric Ward rush for 5 yards to the UNI45.
Richmond 2-5 at Uni45 Eric Ward pass complete to Donte Boston for 11 yards to the UNI34, 1ST DOWN RICHMOND (Nelson, Nick;Thompson, Jamar).
Richmond 1-10 at Uni34 Eric Ward pass incomplete.
Richmond 2-10 at Uni34 Eric Ward pass incomplete to Josh Vaughan.
Richmond 3-10 at Uni34 Eric Ward pass complete to Donte Boston for 8 yards to the UNI26.
Richmond 4-2 at Uni26 Eric Ward pass complete to Shawn White for 4 yards to the UNI22, 1ST DOWN RICHMOND (McMoore, Sean;Thompson, Jamar).
Richmond 1-10 at Uni22 Eric Ward pass complete to Jordan Mitchell for 9 yards to the UNI13.
Richmond 2-1 at Uni13 Eric Ward pass complete to Joe Stewart for 13 yards to the UNI0, 1ST DOWN RICHMOND, TOUCHDOWN, clock 00:14.

I'll take Ward. :)

[HenZoneNation]

Devlin is the best QB in the country. All you have to do is watch him play. Sirius NFL channel was discussing yesterday why certain players don't match up well in NFL after having great college careers and they said often times it's the talent level around them that makes their play and stats misleading. You take guys like Tim Tebow or Matt Leinart who have 6 or 7 NFL caliber players just on offense to work with and they will do well simply because their team is that much better than most schools they go up against. When Delaware played ASU in 07, ASU was a much better team than we were on both sides of the ball. Their OL and DL killed us.. They were the better team...however, I don't think anyone in their right mind would ever compare AE to Flacco. AE is very athletic, accurate passer who can run, especially against other teams whose talent level doesn't match up to their own. That is a great compliment to ASU's ability to recruit. A fantastic program. It doesn't make him a better college or pro QB than Flacco.

Devlin doesn't have the talent around him yet that he needs to really show what he is capable of...and that's scary. Our running game is getting better, but almost every team we go against, their backs are more productive than ours. Our WR's when healthy or not suspended have been very good but we've had a ton of injuries and missed time on the field .

The two factors however that really impress me about Pat's productivity is that our OL in average at best and our best offensive weapon Josh Baker is out for the year. This kid was a monster and had a great repoir with Pat. I truly believe that Pat Devlin will be considered one of the greatest QB's to have ever played at UD right along side Gannon and Flacco. I honestly don't think any other QB in the CAA with our talent up front could hang with what Pat does.

[jstclmet]

Devlin is the best QB in the country. All you have to do is watch him play. Sirius NFL channel was discussing yesterday why certain players don't match up well in NFL after having great college careers and they said often times it's the talent level around them that makes their play and stats misleading. You take guys like Tim Tebow or Matt Leinart who have 6 or 7 NFL caliber players just on offense to work with and they will do well simply because their team is that much better than most schools they go up against. When Delaware played ASU in 07, ASU was a much better team than we were on both sides of the ball. Their OL and DL killed us.. They were the better team...however, I don't think anyone in their right mind would ever compare AE to Flacco. AE is very athletic, accurate passer who can run, especially against other teams whose talent level doesn't match up to their own. That is a great compliment to ASU's ability to recruit. A fantastic program. It doesn't make him a better college or pro QB than Flacco.

Devlin doesn't have the talent around him yet that he needs to really show what he is capable of...and that's scary. Our running game is getting better, but almost every team we go against, their backs are more productive than ours. Our WR's when healthy or not suspended have been very good but we've had a ton of injuries and missed time on the field .

The two factors however that really impress me about Pat's productivity is that our OL in average at best and our best offensive weapon Josh Baker is out for the year. This kid was a monster and had a great repoir with Pat. I truly believe that Pat Devlin will be considered one of the greatest QB's to have ever played at UD right along side Gannon and Flacco. I honestly don't think any other QB in the CAA with our talent up front could hang with what Pat does.

It may be a little hard for most blue Hen fans to be objective, save the one with the Homer Simpson ICON. But, I think you're comparing the BH 08 team to the 09 team, which makes Devlin look like a saviour of sorts. There are no right answers, just a bunch of "What ifs", however, put Flacco from 07 in the BH 09 offense, do you think he'd have as many W's, more?? or less???

I wish you did have Devlin in 08, that would make this conversation more interesting. As Ward will graduate this Spring, next year it will be Whitney (QB of the Defending 09 NC Villanova Wildcats xsmiley_wix), Toman, Devlin, Havens & Dudzik that will be the front runners for QB supremacy.

[HenZoneNation]

That's a great question JST:

Honestly we should be 6-1 right now and probably in the top ten. Pat put us in position to beat Richmond and we had a chip shot blocked. Aside from throwing a last second TD against a very good Richmond D he couldn't have done anymore. The W&M game we just flat out sucked from top to bottom including the coaching. Keeler has said it multiple times that he did manage that game well. Pat had a very good game that day. I don't think Joe or Pat could have done much to help. With Joe in 07 we'd be 6-1. With Joe in 06 we'd still 5-2. Of course if Pat had Omar in the backfield with him we might be 7-0. xsmiley_wix

[Uncle Buck]

If you were picking a QB for your team, which one would you pick. Let's assume, you were second in the draft, and the QB from your team was taken. Who would you take next.

I would take anyone on that list over Cory Christopher and be thankful. CC has happy feet, poor vision, too heavy and slow, just flat out doesn't finish drives or make plays.

[jstclmet]

That's a great question JST:

Honestly we should be 6-1 right now and probably in the top ten. Pat put us in position to beat Richmond and we had a chip shot blocked. Aside from throwing a last second TD against a very good Richmond D he couldn't have done anymore. The W&M game we just flat out sucked from top to bottom including the coaching. Keeler has said it multiple times that he did manage that game well. Pat had a very good game that day. I don't think Joe or Pat could have done much to help. With Joe in 07 we'd be 6-1. With Joe in 06 we'd still 5-2. Of course if Pat had Omar in the backfield with him we might be 7-0. xsmiley_wix

You really don't think you could have beaten UR with Joe??? Remember, 07 was Joe's 2nd year. As for the W&M game, Joe, Gannon, nor Tom Brady would have made a difference.

[soccerguy315]

archer is filth

did you mean to type "5th"(fifth)?


It's a pretty simple formula:

4th in passing yards/game + 4th in rushing yards/game + 3rd in total offense/game = fifth

this is what I assumed too, but smcwildcat did say f-i-l-t-h, which I figured was a typo.

[89Hen]

Aside from throwing a last second TD against a very good Richmond D he couldn't have done anymore.
And considering they called three straight handoffs up the gut... xnonono2x Before they ever attempted that FG I said they should have tried to get the TD... I had recalled 2002 at UR.

[tribefootballfan]

Devlin did not look good at W&M to me. But thats me!

[GannonFan]

It may be a little hard for most blue Hen fans to be objective, save the one with the Homer Simpson ICON. But, I think you're comparing the BH 08 team to the 09 team, which makes Devlin look like a saviour of sorts. There are no right answers, just a bunch of "What ifs", however, put Flacco from 07 in the BH 09 offense, do you think he'd have as many W's, more?? or less???

I wish you did have Devlin in 08, that would make this conversation more interesting. As Ward will graduate this Spring, next year it will be Whitney (QB of the Defending 09 NC Villanova Wildcats xsmiley_wix), Toman, Devlin, Havens & Dudzik that will be the front runners for QB supremacy.

Don't worry about QB supremacy next year, jst, Whitney won't be in the discussion then either. Hey, the kid's a great competitor and he operates well in what they give him, but if you really think he's in the same class as a Devlin then I'm pretty sure you shouldn't be questioning anyone else's objectivity. Devlin makes throws you don't see college QB's, at any level, make. Whatever their respective teams do this year or next won't change that equation at all.

[ur2k]

I think Devlin can be good, but you guys are talking like he's the chosen one.

He looked good against UR but made some pretty bad throws in the 2nd half - granted the last one downfield was a beauty. But I think he needs more than 5 games (3 of those being Westchester, Del State and Towson) to be talked about as the best QB in the conference.

We'll know more after he plays JMU (the D is good and Moats is a beast), Navy and Nova.

[crusader11]

Is Toman really being considered for this? 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this year...

[HenZoneNation]

Joe Flacco 06 first 7 games Team went 4-3
Team yards td int comp % passer rating

WCU 110 2 1 50 126.89
Albany 177 0 2 51.4 82.48
URI 205 0 1 50 100.73
UNH 315 3 0 62.2 143.02
North Eastern242 1 0 58.5 116.17
Hofstra 168 1 1 69 122.11
Richmond 305 2 0 68.9 140.49

1,522 9 5 58.57 188.84

Pat Devlin 08 First 7 games Team 5-2

WCU 227 2 0 80 252.12
Richmond 167 0 1 48.4 87.19
DSU 227 1 1 65.5 135.75
W&M 302 3 0 67.3 135.75
Maine 329 1 0 67.7 167.54
UMass 284 4 1 73.1 207.91
Towson 127 2 0 60 175.12

1,663 13 3 65.3 155.40


Joe really started gaining national attention in his second year. His play from 06 to 07 drastically improved. I believe Pat’s will as well. Joe faced New Hampshire which I believe at the time was ranked number 1, aside from that the other teams he played during those first 7 games were not ranked. Pat has played the #1, #5, and #12 teams in the nation. His stats THUS far are better than Joe’s. We will have to see.

But yes, I do think with Joe 07 we beat Richmond.

[Oldhen]

I think Devlin can be good, but you guys are talking like he's the chosen one.

He looked good against UR but made some pretty bad throws in the 2nd half - granted the last one downfield was a beauty. But I think he needs more than 5 games (3 of those being Westchester, Del State and Towson) to be talked about as the best QB in the conference.

We'll know more after he plays JMU (the D is good and Moats is a beast), Navy and Nova.

Different kid today. In all honesty, I thought he was just OK against UR.

He made both bad throws and bad decisions with the ball in his first three games. Hadn't started a football game in nearly four years (played a little at PSU). The mistakes just don't seem to be there now. Ditto with the receivers. There were times I didn't think they could catch H1N1 (like six drops against UR), but they look like a different group. I think lots of the Hens' faithful are as impressed with his game-to-game progression as anything else, and expect to see the same trajectory continue.

I agree with you completely that JMU is going to speak volumes about where he (and the UD offense) really are. Not sure the USNA D is going to be the test you might think, but 'Nova's D certainly will be.

[jstclmet]

Don't worry about QB supremacy next year, jst, Whitney won't be in the discussion then either. Hey, the kid's a great competitor and he operates well in what they give him, but if you really think he's in the same class as a Devlin then I'm pretty sure you shouldn't be questioning anyone else's objectivity. Devlin makes throws you don't see college QB's, at any level, make. Whatever their respective teams do this year or next won't change that equation at all.

Are ya sure about that??? I remember reading somewhere that UD had a chance to sign Whitney out of H.S., but did not think he measured up. I'm sure the QB's you signed in 07 turned out great. Meanwhile, Whitney is currently 2 - 0 against the Hens xwhistlex

Say what you will, the kid's a winner. I'll take "W's" over stats any day, but that's just my objective thinking.

[DLS]

i wonder where scott riddle, cameron higgins, and matt nichols would fit in amongst these guys?

i would have

nichols
riddle
higgins
devlin
ward

[tribe_pride]

i wonder where scott riddle, cameron higgins, and matt nichols would fit in amongst these guys?

i would have

nichols
riddle
higgins
devlin
ward

Probably no where since this is a CAA quarterback poll :D

[GannonFan]

Are ya sure about that??? I remember reading somewhere that UD had a chance to sign Whitney out of H.S., but did not think he measured up. I'm sure the QB's you signed in 07 turned out great. Meanwhile, Whitney is currently 2 - 0 against the Hens xwhistlex

Say what you will, the kid's a winner. I'll take "W's" over stats any day, but that's just my objective thinking.

So you're a Trent Dilfer kinda guy then? "Hey, the guy's got a ring, can't argue with the W"?

As much as QB's are talked up, they are still just one position on the field. Takes more than just the QB to win and lose games. And no, I don't think Whitney would've been successful at UD - sure he was better than Schoenhoft - heck, I'm better than Schoenhoft (well, not really, but the sentiment is true). UD's offense needs the QB to make throws that Whitney just can't make. The kid has the heart of a lion and is a great competitor, but he's got a pop-gun arm and UD's coaching staff isn't the type, for good or ill, to make the major adjustments to the offense that would be required to accomodate a weak armed QB. xpeacex

[State Line Liquors]

I think Devlin can be good, but you guys are talking like he's the chosen one.

He looked good against UR but made some pretty bad throws in the 2nd half - granted the last one downfield was a beauty. But I think he needs more than 5 games (3 of those being Westchester, Del State and Towson) to be talked about as the best QB in the conference.



What about the process of UD bringing him in here and having last year's top 2 QBs exit stage right would lead you to believe he's anything other than 'the chosen one'? I'm pretty sure by definition he's the chosen one.

[foghorn]

I think Devlin can be good, but you guys are talking like he's the chosen one
Egads, Sacrilege!!! We all know that Tim Tebow (genuflect) is the Chosen One, but Pat Devlin's a better qb. xnodx

[molly]

For anyone who hasn't seen Devlin or Archer, here are highlights from the W&M game. I haven't seen Devlin play since then, but I'll take the Delaware fans at their word that he has improved.

http://www.tribeathletics.com/files/fb/2009/video/ud.html

[GoneTribal]

I voted for Ward based on the season as a whole....Devlin struggled early. By year's end, it could be totally different.

[Hoyadestroya85]

I didn't even bother voting because each one of these guys is a different style of player.. just about any one of them would work with Villanova's coaches but Devlin wouldn't work with Mickey Matthews.

[ur2k]

What about the process of UD bringing him in here and having last year's top 2 QBs exit stage right would lead you to believe he's anything other than 'the chosen one'? I'm pretty sure by definition he's the chosen one.


Egads, Sacrilege!!! We all know that Tim Tebow (genuflect) is the Chosen One, but Pat Devlin's a better qb. xnodx

The chosen one in the more biblical (or Tebow-like) sense like foghorn caught on to was more what I was going for.

[foghorn]

I think Devlin can be good, but you guys are talking like he's the chosen one.

Sacrilege!!! Tim Tebow (genuflect) is the Chosen One, but Pat Devlin is the better QB.xnodx

[DLS]

Probably no where since this is a CAA quarterback poll :D

thanks for ruining what was going to be one sweet hijack.

notice i didnt mention AE. that was going to be what sealed the deal.xwhistlex

[santosballnewhampshire]

Is Toman really being considered for this? 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this year...

And Havens is at what 9 TD's 13 INT?

6-1 v.s 4-3...xcoolx

[GannonFan]

For anyone who hasn't seen Devlin or Archer, here are highlights from the W&M game. I haven't seen Devlin play since then, but I'll take the Delaware fans at their word that he has improved.

http://www.tribeathletics.com/files/fb/2009/video/ud.html

We should all hope that our QB's "worst" day was a day when he threw 33 for 49 for 302 yards, 3 TD's, and 0 INT's. Considering that he was missing his top two targets in that game and the offensive line he played behind was completely overmatched, then I'll take that as a "worst" day any day of the week. Circumstances matter greatly. xthumbsupx

[molly]

We should all hope that our QB's "worst" day was a day when he threw 33 for 49 for 302 yards, 3 TD's, and 0 INT's. Considering that he was missing his top two targets in that game and the offensive line he played behind was completely overmatched, then I'll take that as a "worst" day any day of the week. Circumstances matter greatly. xthumbsupx


I agree. I wasn't meaning to imply that he looked bad in that game, just that I trust you and the other UD fans when you say he has gotten better since then. It just makes sense that he's better now than he was in game four of the season.

[State Line Liquors]

The chosen one in the more biblical (or Tebow-like) sense like foghorn caught on to was more what I was going for.

We take our football very seriously at UD. We were 4 and 8 last year. Now we're not. I understood what you were trying to say. Chosen One is an appropriate title. xthumbsupx

[Dukie95]

In Delaware, "chosen" is the opposite of "recruited". It's an old Native American term loosely translated as "Fallen into our lap".

[Hoyadestroya85]

In Delaware, "chosen" is the opposite of "recruited". It's an old Native American term loosely translated as "Fallen into our lap".

Pat Devlin: Anointed by KC to lead the hens straight into the ground.

[paward]

Is Toman really being considered for this? 7 touchdowns and 6 interceptions this year...

So it is fair to say Toman is not having the kind of year most thought he would have?

[crusader11]

And Havens is at what 9 TD's 13 INT?

6-1 v.s 4-3...xcoolx

Why is he on the list?

[UNHFootballAlum]

So it is fair to say Toman is not having the kind of year most thought he would have?

Yep

[GannonFan]

In Delaware, "chosen" is the opposite of "recruited". It's an old Native American term loosely translated as "Fallen into our lap".

Hall, Flacco, Devlin - why is it that we're the only school that seems to have QB studs "fall into our lap"? Mighty coincidental, if you ask me. xlolx

[BDKJMU]

Devlin is the best QB in the country. All you have to do is watch him play. Sirius NFL channel was discussing yesterday why certain players don't match up well in NFL after having great college careers and they said often times it's the talent level around them that makes their play and stats misleading. You take guys like Tim Tebow or Matt Leinart who have 6 or 7 NFL caliber players just on offense to work with and they will do well simply because their team is that much better than most schools they go up against. When Delaware played ASU in 07, ASU was a much better team than we were on both sides of the ball. Their OL and DL killed us.. They were the better team...however, I don't think anyone in their right mind would ever compare AE to Flacco. AE is very athletic, accurate passer who can run, especially against other teams whose talent level doesn't match up to their own. That is a great compliment to ASU's ability to recruit. A fantastic program. It doesn't make him a better college or pro QB than Flacco.

Devlin doesn't have the talent around him yet that he needs to really show what he is capable of...and that's scary. Our running game is getting better, but almost every team we go against, their backs are more productive than ours. Our WR's when healthy or not suspended have been very good but we've had a ton of injuries and missed time on the field .

The two factors however that really impress me about Pat's productivity is that our OL in average at best and our best offensive weapon Josh Baker is out for the year. This kid was a monster and had a great repoir with Pat. I truly believe that Pat Devlin will be considered one of the greatest QB's to have ever played at UD right along side Gannon and Flacco. I honestly don't think any other QB in the CAA with our talent up front could hang with what Pat does.

Perriloux from JSU leads the nation in passing efficiency, and its not like JSU has played a cupcake schedule. He was considered the top HS QB in the nation in 05'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Perrilloux

[HenZoneNation]

BDKJMU,

With all do respect to Perriloux and the terrific season he's having...you can't compare the teams that Ryan and Pat have played. The only two schools Perriloux faced that are ranked or 1A (#24 Eastern Ill and FSU...having a terrible year) he's lost and had fairly average games (nothing over 250 yards passing and only 1 passing td in both games...he did have a rushing td as well against Eastern Ill). The other teams he's faced are Alabama A&M, Nicholls, UT Martin, and Murray State. Now I'm not trying to put these programs down compared to Richmond, Umass, William and Mary, and Maine it's not really a strong arguement to make. Even with WCU (Pat was done after the 3rd quarter) and Towson (Pat pretty much was done at the half) being pretty bad teams Pat's faced better programs. I can't even imagine what he would put up against some of the schools that Ryan faced.

Again I'm not taking anything away from Perriloux...But Pat was a fairly high rated QB coming out of high school as well...not that it matters.

[SpiderJPO]

It is great to see the UD fans get some swagger back but I think it is a little too soon to annoint Devlin as the best quarterback in the CAA. When the word quaterback is used it is to me another word for leader. Your leader is the one who takes you into battle to come out with a victory. Eric Ward in that light is the best quarterback because he leads his team to victories as well as a National Championship. He also has had two productive trips to Tubby Raymond Stadium leading his team to victories agains Flacco and the newly annointed one. He has also led his team to victories at JMU twice, Duke twice, Northern Iowa, ASU and has a National Championship under his belt. Enough said! It is time this guy gets some credit. He has deserved it.

[HenZoneNation]

SpiderJPO,

I don't think anyone would question Richmond or Ward's ability to win. I think that became very clear this year. We had you beat and you found a way to win. As a team, right now, nobody can dispute that you're at the top of the mountain. As a UD fan I'm very excited about what we could do, that being said I'm not even sure we'll make the playoffs. Regardless, Ward vs. Devlin in regards to QB skills and future are not comparitable. I don't want to sound like a cocky UD fan. It just is the way it is. Pat is a NFL QB, Ward isn't. Ward is a winner and I wouldn't vote against him winning the NC again.

But this wasn't a post about being a winner...it was about being the best QB...and Pat certainly is better in that capacity.

[Head Cat]

One of the major things I look at is if a player would be starting if he was on someone else's team. There is little doubt in my mind that Pat Devlin would be the starter on any other team in the CAA and on most teams in FCS. Devlin appears to be a poised leader and has some of the best touch I've ever seen in my years of watching college football. People within the Delaware program will also tell you behind the scenes that Devlin is much further along at this point of his career than Joe Flacco was at the same period of his career. The only thing he lacks is Flacco's cannon arm. It will be interesting to see how good Devlin will be as a senior.

I also like Archer's athleticism and I think that Smith at Maine has a tremendous upside. And if you just look at pure athleticism, Villanova backup Antwon Young is as talented as any QB in the CAA and would probably start on 80% of the other FCS schools in the country, if not more. It is a shame that the knee injury and rehabilitation has cost this kid so much. Young was on the verge of being a Payton Award candidate when he was hurt.

[SpidersSportsEditor]

SpiderJPO,

I don't think anyone would question Richmond or Ward's ability to win. I think that became very clear this year. We had you beat and you found a way to win. As a team, right now, nobody can dispute that you're at the top of the mountain. As a UD fan I'm very excited about what we could do, that being said I'm not even sure we'll make the playoffs. Regardless, Ward vs. Devlin in regards to QB skills and future are not comparitable. I don't want to sound like a cocky UD fan. It just is the way it is. Pat is a NFL QB, Ward isn't. Ward is a winner and I wouldn't vote against him winning the NC again.

But this wasn't a post about being a winner...it was about being the best QB...and Pat certainly is better in that capacity.


We'll see about that. Ward won't be a starter in the pros, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him on a roster somewhere. And the question was who's the best QB in the CAA, not who will make the better QB in the NFL. I've already conceeded that Devlin is the better QB by your traditional definition, but at this level Ward is about as good as it gets.

[jstclmet]

Thorpe out duels Devlin, and it's not even close. Archer's stock just went up.

After this weekend, my top 5 are;

Ward
Whitney
Toman
Archer
Young
Devlin would be mixed in with Dudzik, Smith, Havens, & Thorpe

[MacThor]

One of the major things I look at is if a player would be starting if he was on someone else's team. There is little doubt in my mind that Pat Devlin would be the starter on any other team in the CAA and on most teams in FCS. Devlin appears to be a poised leader and has some of the best touch I've ever seen in my years of watching college football. People within the Delaware program will also tell you behind the scenes that Devlin is much further along at this point of his career than Joe Flacco was at the same period of his career. The only thing he lacks is Flacco's cannon arm. It will be interesting to see how good Devlin will be as a senior.

I also like Archer's athleticism and I think that Smith at Maine has a tremendous upside. And if you just look at pure athleticism, Villanova backup Antwon Young is as talented as any QB in the CAA and would probably start on 80% of the other FCS schools in the country, if not more. It is a shame that the knee injury and rehabilitation has cost this kid so much. Young was on the verge of being a Payton Award candidate when he was hurt.

So, if Devlin had transferred to Richmond, do you think London would bench Ward for him?

[mcveyrl]

Thorpe out duels Devlin, and it's not even close. Archer's stock just went up.

After this weekend, my top 5 are;

Ward
Whitney
Toman
Archer
Young
Devlin would be mixed in with Dudzik, Smith, Havens, & Thorpe


This may be homeristic (a word?), but just watching the game today, I think that Thorpe has more to work with around him than Devlin. That's not saying that Devlin would flourish more at JMU because it's a different system, but UD really had trouble running the ball today. The line was really able to key in on the pass.

I think rushing yards were something like 150 to 9 (of course seven sacks doesn't help that).

[paward]

Trust me on this one....Ward did not come to Richmond to be the best QB in the nation or CAA. However, he did came to graduate (check off), win a National Championship (check off) and leave the program as a legend (still pending). Ward has not been good for UR, UR has been good for Ward.

[HenZoneNation]

SpiderSportsEditor

It 100% indicates that one qb is better than another by their rise to the NFL and flourishing there. Take Flacco vs. Edwards. Would anyone say that Flacco was not the better QB. The QB in college does not have the impact in college as in the pros. You have more talent around you, you win. Take a look at a Tebow vs. a Tony Pike. Florida would kill Cinn. Tebow will be playing TE or holding a clipboard. Tony Pike can make every throw on the field and will have a fine career in the NFL. He's a better QB.Hell Manning lost to Florida all 4 years he was at Tenn. Are you going to tell me that the Gators QB was a better QB than Manning? Edwards was on a better team than Flacco. Flacco is a better Qb. To compare the two just isn't fair. Devlin vs. Ward is very much the same. Pat had a bad game. Doesn't change the fact that he's a better QB. I think Ward is terrific. I think Richmond has a real chance of winning the NC again...Pat's still better. Time will show that.

[BDKJMU]

We should all hope that our QB's "worst" day was a day when he threw 33 for 49 for 302 yards, 3 TD's, and 0 INT's. Considering that he was missing his top two targets in that game and the offensive line he played behind was completely overmatched, then I'll take that as a "worst" day any day of the week. Circumstances matter greatly. xthumbsupx

Uh, no you'r QBs worst day before today was against UR: 15 of 31 for 167, 0 TD, 1 INT
Now your QBs "worst" day was 19 of 42 for 215, 0 Tds, 2 INTs. xsmiley_wix

[BDKJMU]

Devlin is the best QB in the country. All you have to do is watch him play. Sirius NFL channel was discussing yesterday why certain players don't match up well in NFL after having great college careers and they said often times it's the talent level around them that makes their play and stats misleading. You take guys like Tim Tebow or Matt Leinart who have 6 or 7 NFL caliber players just on offense to work with and they will do well simply because their team is that much better than most schools they go up against. When Delaware played ASU in 07, ASU was a much better team than we were on both sides of the ball. Their OL and DL killed us.. They were the better team...however, I don't think anyone in their right mind would ever compare AE to Flacco. AE is very athletic, accurate passer who can run, especially against other teams whose talent level doesn't match up to their own. That is a great compliment to ASU's ability to recruit. A fantastic program. It doesn't make him a better college or pro QB than Flacco.

Devlin doesn't have the talent around him yet that he needs to really show what he is capable of...and that's scary. Our running game is getting better, but almost every team we go against, their backs are more productive than ours. Our WR's when healthy or not suspended have been very good but we've had a ton of injuries and missed time on the field .

The two factors however that really impress me about Pat's productivity is that our OL in average at best and our best offensive weapon Josh Baker is out for the year. This kid was a monster and had a great repoir with Pat. I truly believe that Pat Devlin will be considered one of the greatest QB's to have ever played at UD right along side Gannon and Flacco. I honestly don't think any other QB in the CAA with our talent up front could hang with what Pat does.

With all do respect, you've got to be kidding. xrolleyesx

[GannonFan]

Thorpe out duels Devlin, and it's not even close. Archer's stock just went up.

After this weekend, my top 5 are;

Ward
Whitney
Toman
Archer
Young
Devlin would be mixed in with Dudzik, Smith, Havens, & Thorpe

And in 2 years when Devlin's playing on Sundays I'll bring this quote up again. I understand you're a nova guy and you just aren't objective in this matter, but if you honestly think that Devlin is in the same class with whom you say he is, well, then it's almost not worth continuing the discussion. I'm pretty sure if you posted back in '07 you'd have the same thing to say about Flacco. Like I said, you lack objectivity. UD lost a game today - wasn't all Devlin's fault, although he didn't play great. There will be other days. xthumbsupx

[BDKJMU]

Joe Flacco 06 first 7 games Team went 4-3
Team yards td int comp % passer rating

WCU 110 2 1 50 126.89
Albany 177 0 2 51.4 82.48
URI 205 0 1 50 100.73
UNH 315 3 0 62.2 143.02
North Eastern242 1 0 58.5 116.17
Hofstra 168 1 1 69 122.11
Richmond 305 2 0 68.9 140.49

1,522 9 5 58.57 188.84

Pat Devlin 08 First 7 games Team 5-2

WCU 227 2 0 80 252.12
Richmond 167 0 1 48.4 87.19
DSU 227 1 1 65.5 135.75
W&M 302 3 0 67.3 135.75
Maine 329 1 0 67.7 167.54
UMass 284 4 1 73.1 207.91
Towson 127 2 0 60 175.12

1,663 13 3 65.3 155.40


Joe really started gaining national attention in his second year. His play from 06 to 07 drastically improved. I believe Pat’s will as well. Joe faced New Hampshire which I believe at the time was ranked number 1, aside from that the other teams he played during those first 7 games were not ranked. Pat has played the #1, #5, and #12 teams in the nation. His stats THUS far are better than Joe’s. We will have to see.

But yes, I do think with Joe 07 we beat Richmond.

Flacco 06' vs JMU (9th game): 29 of 43 for 291, 1 TD, 0 INT.
That was in a 44-24 loss to a playoff JMU team with a very good defense, probably better than this season's: led the nation in sacks (47 in regular season), d line was probably as good, LBs way better (both All CAA, including AA and Buchanon finalist Akeem Jordan, leading tackler for Eagles now), secondary as good.

I remember leaving that game thinking, damn that Flacco dude is GOOD.

Devin 09' vs JMU (8th game): 19 of 42, 215, 0 TD, 2 INT. I left today thinking, damn, after all the hype I've heard from UD fans, that Devlin kid is overrated.

[GannonFan]

Flacco 06' vs JMU (9th game): 29 of 43 for 291, 1 TD, 0 INT.
That was in a 44-24 loss to a playoff JMU team with a very good defense, probably better than this season's: led the nation in sacks (47 in regular season), d line was probably as good, LBs way better (both All CAA, including AA and Buchanon finalist Akeem Jordan, leading tackler for Eagles now), secondary a little better.

I remember leaving that game thinking, damn that Flacco dude is GOOD.

Devin 09' vs JMU (8th game): 19 of 42, 215, 0 TD, 1 INT. I left today thinking, damn, after all the hype I've heard from UD fans, that Devlin kid is overrated.

Didn't you just get done saying in the other thread that UD's offensive line is a sieve? You think there's any chance that had anything to do with Devlin's performance today?? And considering he's played behind that line all year, to have the numbers he has says a whole lot - it's not like UD's had a running game or protection much of the year.

And if I remember correctly, there were plenty of JMU people saying Flacco just had a lot of garbage time stats in that game - this may be actually the first time I've heard a JMU person talk well of Flacco in that '06 game. Hey, maybe in 3 or 4 years we'll get a different version of how Devlin did today! xlolx

[BDKJMU]

Didn't you just get done saying in the other thread that UD's offensive line is a sieve? You think there's any chance that had anything to do with Devlin's performance today?? And considering he's played behind that line all year, to have the numbers he has says a whole lot - it's not like UD's had a running game or protection much of the year.

And if I remember correctly, there were plenty of JMU people saying Flacco just had a lot of garbage time stats in that game - this may be actually the first time I've heard a JMU person talk well of Flacco in that '06 game. Hey, maybe in 3 or 4 years we'll get a different version of how Devlin did today! xlolx

GF- Flacco faced heat in that 06' game- probably not as much as Devlin did today, but Flacco was sacked 4 times, and I'm sure he had a lot of throws under pressure to from the JMU de line that led the nation in sacks that year regular season, on top of a record 17k+ JMU night crowd to boot as opposed to the friendly confines of the Tub.

I just remember how big he looked, and good he looked under pressure. 1st impression of Flacco was way better than Devlin.

Guess we'll have to wait a yr+ to see if my 1st impression was correct.

[GannonFan]

GF- Flacco faced heat in that 06' game- probably not as much as Devlin did today, but Flacco was sacked 4 times, and I'm sure he had a lot of throws under pressure to from the JMU de line that led the nation in sacks that year regular season, on top of a record 17k+ JMU night crowd to boot as opposed to the friendly confines of the Tub.

I just remember how big he looked, and good he looked under pressure. 1st impression of Flacco was way better than Devlin.

Guess we'll have to wait a yr+ to see if my 1st impression was correct.

Flacco may very well be better than Devlin. But you're also talking about a guy who now is certainly in the top 10 of all NFL QB's. Devlin's still going to be pretty good even if he's just a notch down from Flacco.

[SpiderJPO]

I guess the UD fans lost their swagger again and the "annointed one" lost some tarnish as the Hens go 0-3 versus VA teams . I hope for you guys sake he lives up to your grand expectations quickly before his eligibility runs out or you bring in another transfer to replace him. Just keep winning Eric Ward, 2009 First Team CAA QB.

[caribbeanhen]

It is great to see the UD fans get some swagger back but I think it is a little too soon to annoint Devlin as the best quarterback in the CAA. When the word quaterback is used it is to me another word for leader. Your leader is the one who takes you into battle to come out with a victory. Eric Ward in that light is the best quarterback because he leads his team to victories as well as a National Championship. He also has had two productive trips to Tubby Raymond Stadium leading his team to victories agains Flacco and the newly annointed one. He has also led his team to victories at JMU twice, Duke twice, Northern Iowa, ASU and has a National Championship under his belt. Enough said! It is time this guy gets some credit. He has deserved it.

be interesting to see what Ward could have done yesterday if he was the Hens QB

[caribbeanhen]

For anyone who hasn't seen Devlin or Archer, here are highlights from the W&M game. I haven't seen Devlin play since then, but I'll take the Delaware fans at their word that he has improved.

http://www.tribeathletics.com/files/fb/2009/video/ud.html

Thanks for the link, actually I thought Deviin looked better than Archer, Archer has more skill position talent, a better OL and there was no Delaware DB/LB within 5 yards of a receiver for the entire

[Tribe4SF]

be interesting to see what Ward could have done yesterday if he was the Hens QB

Probably the same thing as Devlin, which would be to pick himself up after being sacked. The Delaware offensive tackles were awful last year, and against teams with good DEs, they don't appear to be much better this year.

[ur2k]

be interesting to see what Ward could have done yesterday if he was the Hens QB

He beat JMU at JMU this year, so that's a fair comparison.

[caribbeanhen]

He beat JMU at JMU this year, so that's a fair comparison.
not really, as he used the Rich OL in that game

[Bettina90]

He was under a LOT of pressure the entire second half. JMU was dropping 8 and still getting tons of pressure on Ward, he had to dance through the JMU DL to make a play with his legs or find a seam to an open receiver.

[ItsyBitsySpider]

You can't measure Ward by stats. When Richmond needs a play, he finds a way (underhand, around his back, with his legs, whatever he needs to get 5 yards on 3rd and 4). The ultimate game manager and I mean that as a compliment.

[spdram]

I recall watchng film on Eric as a HS QB and the thing that stuck out to me was his OL was AWFUL and he never got sacked. He finds a way. I know I'm biased but I'll take him over any FCS QB I have seen.

I hope he gets a shot to go to the NFL with a team that 1) has a great QB coach and 2) has an established QB with 3-4 years left. This will give him a chance to stand on the sidelines and hold a clipboard while he improves his physical skills and learns the pro game. If that happens he could make some team a long term star.

[NovaHater]

be interesting to see what Ward could have done yesterday if he was the Hens QB



At least Ward could escape some of the pressure, Devilin has to be one of the slowest QB's in the CAA. No wonder he couldn't beat out Clark at PSU. Given an accurate arm but his lack of mobility keeps him from apart from Ward and Archer.


After Ward leaves, look for Thorpe to be take over as one of the best in CAA.

[paward]

After Ward leaves, look for Thorpe to be take over as one of the best in CAA.[/QUOTE]

I can not agree with you more. As much as I hate to admit it, JMU will be dangerous under him. He will only get better and his Junior and Senior year will be just brutal for any defense in the CAA. I really like what I see in Thorpe.

[spdram]

Thorpe has a scary upside in the JMU system, he will carry the Dukes to many great wins.

[BDKJMU]

After Ward leaves, look for Thorpe to be take over as one of the best in CAA.


I can not agree with you more. As much as I hate to admit it, JMU will be dangerous under him. He will only get better and his Junior and Senior year will be just brutal for any defense in the CAA. I really like what I see in Thorpe.


Thorpe has a scary upside in the JMU system, he will carry the Dukes to many great wins.

You guys are more optimistic than I am right now on Thorpe.

I'd as many JMU fans have said in the past month he can't read defenses, has trouble seeing open receivers, when he sees the primary isn't open panics and tucks and runs, not accurate, (mechanics), slow making decisions on the belly option or pitch option (or makes the wrong decisions), ball security problems.

Now all of the above is correctable, as he has the size, speed, athletic ability and arm strength, things that you can't correct as you either have them or don't (and even those should get better as he matures).

With all that being said he made a HUGE improvement yesterday that I honestly didn't think I would see yet this season. 11 for 15, 262 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, and most importantly, NO fumbles. He showed improvement on the belly read and option. Give credit where credit is due. Granted a lot of that had to do with the fact he did have to make his 1st 3 starts against likely 3 of the top 4 defenses in the CAA in UR, Nova, and W&M (with JMU being one of the top 4). UD was a definite step down from those 3 (note for next yr- notice though that UD had only one senior starter listed on defense).

I thought after the UR game through the Nova game, if not through the W&M game, he was bad now (although showing slight improvement), could be below avg by next season, avg by 2011, and maybe above avg by his senior yr 2012.

Now open to the notion that he could be avg by next year (compared to other QBs from scholly conferences that run similar offenses to JMU) (and when hopefully Dudzik is back healthy hopefully as the starter), above avg by 2011, and really good by 2012, although maybe not quite Landers good. And all of that is predicated on him not having any major injuries causing him to miss most of a season. So I'm not ready to put on purple colored glasses and say he is going to be good next year.

The next 3 games will tell a lot whether or not I fall more into the pessimist camp or the optimist camp for the future.