Burning Question #3: Quarterback

by Jake Bertalotto on Jul 25, 2008 10:44 PM PDT in Football Comment 3 comments

Perhaps the most interesting and most talked-about storyline of fall camp will be the quarterback position.

After fluctuation behind center to start the 2007 season, all we hoped for was that the season would determine which sophomore quarterback would lead us through the 2008 and 2009 seasons. A year later, we have two junior quarterbacks and a better idea, but the problem isn't solved yet.

Lyle Moevao will be the starter heading into camp. Sean Canfield is coming off of shoulder surgery, and will have his work cut out for him to get the job back. After barely throwing any passes over the summer, one would think that Sean is a step behind Lyle. That's why, in my opinion, it's Lyle's position to lose.

Sean Canfield got the most playing time last season, throwing about 140 more passes than Lyle Moevao. However, I would bet that Beaver Nation was more impressed with Lyle Moevao. After all, Canfield was 5-4 as a starter, and Moevao was 4-0. Although Canfield won the Cal game, Moevao's four wins (Washington, Washington State, Oregon, Maryland) were more impressive than Canfield's five (Utah, Idaho State, Arizona, Cal, Stanford).

Jonathan Smith, Derek Anderson, and Matt Moore all improved greatly between their first and second year. It's time for history to repeat itself.

Unless Ryan Katz, Justin Engstrom, or Brennan Sim have a sensational fall, they will serve as the backups this season.

Previous burning questions: #1: Punter (Special Teams) #2: Running Backs

GO BEAVERS!

--JB--

Poll

Which quarterback impressed you the most in 2007?

Lyle Moeavo

49 votes

Sean Canfield

19 votes

68 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 3 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I’ll preface by saying I live in the Eugene area and didn’t watch the Beavs live except for two games in 2007—one being the Civil War.

I was thoroughly impressed with Moevao in the Civil War game. However, for me, I believe it was Moevao’s size and ability to pound people that really stood out most.

You see, he isn’t your typical QB in that he does look more like a linebacker or strong safety and he can definitely be a bruiser! Moevao didn’t particularly throw the ball well (52% completion, 2 TDs, 6 INTs), but always managed to get the job done going 4-0 as a starter last year.

Canfield on the other hand, does look like the typical QB with his size and he’s more mobile.

I know many don’t like a two-headed QB system, but I’m really wondering what the possibilities are for the Beavs to utilize such a system for the 2008 season.

Seems like having the best of both worlds could really keep opposing D’s on their heels.

Civil War Sports .::. www.CivilWarSports.com

by Pac10Rivalry on Jul 28, 2008 8:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes it is an interesting spot to be in this year.

I agree totally about the different make ups for each QB. I also agree with JB’s assessment of the previous QBs improvement over the 1st to 2nd year so personally think that will show more in Canfield than Moevao.

I sort of agree with the two-headed QB system and yes it does keep the D’s honest at times, plus this combo the Beavs have could prove very interesting with the very different styles.

BUT at the same time the two-headed QB thing does bite back you and can throw off your O if one QB is off or even worse you have both off and can’t find the situation that works for either one and keep going back and forth. I think it is better to keep one in there to keep the feel for the game consistent. Just as you noted both QBs are very different so I would imagine there will be different schemes in place for each one so switching too much back and forth can become complex.

But okay the question becomes what about keeping them both in the feel of the game? Both show different potential styles and why not keep them both clicking and jerseys dirty? Good questions I think so can’t say I can totally say ‘no’ to the two-headed QB possibility.

What I think back to is when Moore was struggling and Riley pulled him from the Washington game. Matt had to sit for a specific reason to view the game and get his mindset back in place. If Canfield could produce than all the better, but he didn’t and Matt stepped back in knowing yes it was his position to finish the game. He did and won the game and won the next seven out of eight. In no way am I saying either QB this year up to Matt’s level for that season, but it does seem to come down to consistent leadership and offensive rhythms (Oregon’s thing with Dixon and Leaf is another example).

-RVM

by rvm on Jul 28, 2008 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs