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Around SBN: Bob Sapp Denies Throwing Fights

You Tell Us: Robinson, O'Brien, Or Both for Maryland at QB?

I already talked about Maryland's QB situation at length a few days ago, so I won't do it again. But an option I didn't seriously include there (somewhat stupidly, admittedly) has emerged as a probability: a two-headed QB monster. And not the way I suggested (giving Robinson a shot, but with a short leash); the plan seems to be skewing more towards actually using both QBs on a regular basis. To be honest, I'm not exactly happy with it.

(For the record: I will ask your opinion, obviously, considering that poll down there. I just had to get mine across first, because I'm the one writing this, thank you very much.)

In theory, the plan seems pretty good and on the progressive side, which is a rarity for Ralph Friedgen and James Franklin. Jamarr Robinson can both throw and run; in fact, he might be more dangerous as a runner than a passer. He'd be like a premier version of the ever-popular Wildcat.

Here's my problem: Maryland's tried this before, and it didn't work a lick then. I have no real reason to believe it'd start working now.

Star-divide

Anybody remember the Portis Package? Two years ago, Josh Portis was in the purgatory of being too talented to keep off the field but not experienced enough to give a starting spot, especially not over entrenched starter Chris Turner. So instead, Fridge and/or Frank developed a formation solely for Portis, which seemed pretty awesome on the outside, except for one thing. If the plays themselves were any indication, there were exactly two plays in the package: run right and run left.

Seriously, out of the 20-odd plays or so that Portis had in the package, every last one was a run. I can't remember a single one that actually worked, mostly because it became predictable. Predictability takes out the entire reason to have a package like that in the first place.

The exact same thing happened last year to Jamarr, at least before Turner's injury. The coaching staff wanted to give him experience, but for whatever reason didn't let him throw the ball consistently. Again, he would run the ball, and with little success. Once it becomes clear he's not a threat out of that package, it loses its effectiveness.

I'm not opposed to the idea in theory, but it's failed before and it'll more than likely fail again. Friedgen and Franklin have a very notorious conservative play-calling streak, and it's popped up before prominently in the past. This is one of the best examples of it. Just sayin'.

My preference would be finding the QB that gives Maryland the best shot at winning, and sticking with him. If that's Robinson and his feet, so be it. If that's O'Brien and his arm (which I'm inclined to lean toward for the moment), so be it.

But that's just my preference. And really, I'm no better than you. So what would you like to see?

Poll
What's your preference for the Maryland QB position battle for next week against West Virginia?
Just go with Jamarr Robinson full time.
72 votes
Danny O'Brien, he's a better passer.
179 votes
Both QBs get playing time throughout the game.
234 votes
Jamarr to start, but he gets a short leash.
110 votes

595 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 15 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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To win against good teams we have to be able to pass the ball. O’Brien gives us the best chance to do that.

When you're rich you don't write checks - Randy Moss

by s.r.genovese on Sep 14, 2010 8:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Both

because neither has performed well enough to be considered THE guy. Keep rotating until one significantly outperforms the other. Also, helps if the one that outperforms gets injured later in the season, his replacement will have some game experience. I’m all for it for the next 2 or 3 weeks.

by Terperator on Sep 14, 2010 8:50 PM EDT reply actions  

Both

Until one proves that he can be the man. Best case scenario, we get a Leak-Tebow type deal. Worst case scenario…well, ya know.

by DIM91 on Sep 14, 2010 9:43 PM EDT reply actions  

I think...

everyone should be open minded about the 2 QB system….They can each run and pass..which the only thing we haven’t really seen is O’Brien run…and most agree that Robinson is a better runner than passer. What none of us can say factually is that Robinson CAN’T pass. Sure he has thrown 2 INT’s where one was obviously a miscommunication(middle of the field in the red zone against Navy) and the other was just weird(35 yard throw that I’m pretty sure was meant to go out of bounds, there wasn’t even any pressure…but I agree it looks like it was actually intended for the safety.)
My point is this….This isn’t Portis getting in on 2 plays a game and its not Torrey Smith in the backfield, its also not Chris Turner under center where him tucking the ball is a surprise… Its Jamarr under center and NO ONE knows what the play call is but him and the coaches. Same thing for DOB, just because he went 3 of 4 for 3 TD’s in his first real playing time doesn’t mean that the ball is airborne when he takes a snap.
Its very unpredictable and it will keep defenses on their toes…and that’s all without taking the RB’s into account. Its kind of like trying to prepare for 2 teams in 5 days.

by TerpNation1 on Sep 14, 2010 10:22 PM EDT reply actions  

NFL Comparisons

Jamarr Robinson = Michael Vick
Danny O’Brien = Tony Romo

Vick is a run-first QB that can pass when he needs to, and Romo is generally a pass-first QB that can run when he needs to. Now imagine having both on the same team. How the HELL do you prepare for that?

Robinson and O’Brien are the perfect elements for a 2-QB system.

by kckb8 on Sep 14, 2010 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

…….seriously……..?

by bloodwatermission on Sep 14, 2010 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions  

Am I serious with what?

I think those are the closes comparisons to NFL QBs for our two guys.

Not saying they are as good or as developed, though.

by kckb8 on Sep 14, 2010 11:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

The comparison is pretty invalid because neither are anywhere close to as good at their respective skills as their comparisons.

When you're rich you don't write checks - Randy Moss

by s.r.genovese on Sep 15, 2010 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

Both

If it ain’t broke, let it ride.

by 1 proud terp on Sep 14, 2010 10:52 PM EDT reply actions  

I am more concerned about containing Noel Devine and Tavon Austin. I hate to see the headlines in the B-Sun if Tavon Austin goes off.

by 7YearGrad on Sep 15, 2010 10:06 AM EDT reply actions  

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