macbob
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11 years ago

Talks Packers' offense against Giants defense, not just Tolzien.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/100361/evaluating-packers-qb-scott-tolzien 

By Matt Williamson | ESPN.com

Mike McCarthy has been raving about Scott Tolzien, who the Packers promoted from their practice squad when Aaron Rodgers fell to injury.

Much like Seneca Wallace the week before, Tolzien was thrust into duty last week after most likely getting very little work in practice leading up to that game against Philadelphia, as the Packers had to give Wallace extra attention to get him up to speed. Green Bay fell to the Eagles at home, but Tolzien was impressive, especially considering the difficult situation he was presented with.

Sunday was the first regular-season action in the 26-year-old Tolzien's career, so we don't have a lot to base our evaluations on. But going back to his college evaluations and some good moments in the preseason with the 49ers -- along with what we saw last week -- there are some critiques we can take away from this young player. First off, Tolzien isn't a physically overwhelming specimen. He lacks a big arm, doesn't have outstanding size and isn't a high-end athlete for the position.

A mostly short to intermediate passer, we also know that Tolzien isn't bashful or “Just a Caretaker” at the position. He will attempt difficult throws, including back shoulder throws, and plays the game with swagger and confidence. Because he won't be able to fit the ball into tiny windows like Rodgers can, he is willing to pull the trigger. Tolzien probably will have some rough patches with defenders getting their hands on his passes, but I see his boldness as a positive, especially considering the strong set of weapons he is throwing to in Green Bay.

Expect the Giants' defense to key on the outstanding Packers' running game and Eddie Lacy, and to dare Tolzien to beat them through the air. While I wouldn't argue with that strategy, the group of Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jarrett Boykin have a major edge over the members of the Giants' secondary. Lacy, who has logged at least 20 carries in every game since taking over as the lead back in Week 5, was outstanding after contact last week. The Packers might have found another quality wide receiver in Boykin, who is big and physical with adequate speed and good body control. I love the way Boykin attacks the football and, like Tolzien, he is not a bashful player despite playing few meaningful regular-season snaps.

The Giants better be aware of tight end Brandon Bostick, who could be yet another break-out weapon for this offense. Bostick is a big time athlete who might be ready to create matchup problems from different alignments all over the field, which is something McCarthy excels at creating.

Tolzien moved the Packers' offense consistently against the Eagles, although he did make a few ill-advised throws and threw two interceptions. But Tolzien also just missed on a few big plays and should do a fine job of getting his receivers to use their strong after-the-catch skills. A turnover or two by Tolzien would not surprise me in New York, but I expect a very successful outing by Tolzien in his second game and first career start.

Everyone knows this is Rodgers' team, but if Tolzien is as effective as I expect after receiving a full week of preparation time as the Packers' starter, Green Bay should be able to keep their head above water in the NFC playoff race while Rodgers is out. And in the big picture, Tolzien might end up as the ideal young backup to Rodgers.

ESPN NFL Nation wrote:

nerdmann
11 years ago

Tolzien moved the Packers' offense consistently against the Eagles, although he did make a few ill-advised throws and threw two interceptions. But Tolzien also just missed on a few big plays and should do a fine job of getting his receivers to use their strong after-the-catch skills. A turnover or two by Tolzien would not surprise me in New York, but I expect a very successful outing by Tolzien in his second game and first career start.



You know what? The pundits keep talking about how he's got a weak arm, but I don't see it. I was pleasantly surprised by his arm. He underthrew that ball in the end zone and got picked off, but it didn't seem to me that he was unable to put the ball where he wanted it.

The biggest thing is his confidence. That really stood out, perhaps in contrast to Wallace's bitch move. But unlike Graham Harrell, he's not intimidated to be on an NFL field. He can "Dilfer" us through a few games.

I'm far more worried about the defense, than I am the QB.
“Winning is not a sometime thing, it is an all the time thing. You don't do things right once in a while…you do them right all the time.”
Porforis
11 years ago

You know what? The pundits keep talking about how he's got a weak arm, but I don't see it. I was pleasantly surprised by his arm. He underthrew that ball in the end zone and got picked off, but it didn't seem to me that he was unable to put the ball where he wanted it.

The biggest thing is his confidence. That really stood out, perhaps in contrast to Wallace's bitch move. But unlike Graham Harrell, he's not intimidated to be on an NFL field. He can "Dilfer" us through a few games.

I'm far more worried about the defense, than I am the QB.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 



That's the first thing that stood out to me too. Wallace went down, I thought we were going to get a Harrell. But he immediately seemed to be comfortable on the field and in control. I still think it was too early to judge Wallace on account of not going through a significant practice with the starters yet, but I have a lot more confidence in Tolzien than I do Wallace, and personally I'd rather see him start than Flynn. I think this kid has tremendous upside if he can get past his mistakes.
warhawk
11 years ago

You know what? The pundits keep talking about how he's got a weak arm, but I don't see it. I was pleasantly surprised by his arm. He underthrew that ball in the end zone and got picked off, but it didn't seem to me that he was unable to put the ball where he wanted it.

The biggest thing is his confidence. That really stood out, perhaps in contrast to Wallace's bitch move. But unlike Graham Harrell, he's not intimidated to be on an NFL field. He can "Dilfer" us through a few games.

I'm far more worried about the defense, than I am the QB.

Originally Posted by: nerdmann 



Agreed. His game comes the closest to a young Arod as I have seen in terms of what you pointed out here. I think we could have beaten Philly if they had him on the team all this time instead of wasting roster spots on the bozo's that were there.

The biggest question mark this week is the Oline and who can play and how they will do. If he's running for his life all day it won't be a very good afternoon. They have to give the kid a chance.





"The train is leaving the station."
steveishere
11 years ago

Agreed. His game comes the closest to a young Arod as I have seen in terms of what you pointed out here. I think we could have beaten Philly if they had him on the team all this time instead of wasting roster spots on the bozo's that were there.

The biggest question mark this week is the Oline and who can play and how they will do. If he's running for his life all day it won't be a very good afternoon. They have to give the kid a chance.




Originally Posted by: warhawk 



They got him onto the practice squad a week after he was available so he's been on the team about as long as was possible.
texaspackerbacker
11 years ago
When Tolzien was with the Badgers, as I recall, he did not put it up for grabs much at all. His arm may not be as strong as Rodgers, but it seems to be at least average. Also, he showed some mobility in college, in addition to the Eagles game. Basically, he is about what you expect in a backup QB. And if you can believe reports, he grew up a Packer fan, and probably would be content to hang around for a reasonable amount of money - assuming he succeeds and the Packers want to keep him.

I was as negative as anybody about Wallace. It was like a breath of fresh air when Tolzien took over. Maybe the best thing he has going for him is he ain't Wallace.

I predict he learns from the mistakes he made in the Eagles game and has a great game leading the Packers to victory against the Giants (and Vikings and if necessary, Lions on Thanksgiving).
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DarkaneRules
11 years ago
Rodgers was pretty rough in the beginning as well. This kid played like a young ARod. Not quite the arm strength, and the throwing mechanics still need refining but so did Aaron's. We will see how he deals with the pass rush on the road this week. It will be a stiff challenge.
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DoddPower
11 years ago

That's the first thing that stood out to me too. Wallace went down, I thought we were going to get a Harrell. But he immediately seemed to be comfortable on the field and in control. I still think it was too early to judge Wallace on account of not going through a significant practice with the starters yet, but I have a lot more confidence in Tolzien than I do Wallace, and personally I'd rather see him start than Flynn. I think this kid has tremendous upside if he can get past his mistakes.

Originally Posted by: Porforis 



I think it's amazing that he was able to do what he did considering most of the plays were his first time running them. That's incredibly impressive. I can't imagine him looking at least a little better if he's had a game plan designed around him.
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