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Learning curve Few QBs are effective in their first season on field
For every Daunte Culpepper who becomes a Pro Bowl quarterback the first season he takes the field, there are at least five absolute failures. Remember, Culpepper didn't play a down as a rookie -- he learned how to play the position before he started launching passes to Randy Moss. When rushed experiments crash and burn -- think of Ryan Leaf's tenure in San Diego -- the results aren't pretty. The highest risk in this year's batch of experiments is Quincy Carter, who isn't ready to lead the Cowboys anywhere despite the fact that Jerry Jones has handed him the starting job. Carter was 5 of 17 for 27 yards against the Saints. Most teams don't even scheme their defense during the summer, so defenses this early in the preseason are as vanilla as he's going to see all year.
Another rookie on the road to predictable failure is Chris Weinke. As in Carter's case, there's a big difference between winning the starter's spot during camp and being handed the job because there is little or no competition. Drew Brees is one of the lucky ones -- he's being brought along the right way since he already knows Doug Flutie will start this season in San Diego. Plus, he's being coached by Norv Turner. In 2002, Brees will be ready to win games for his team. I hope the Falcons will resist the temptation to put Michael Vick in too early, just to sell tickets. Playing sparingly behind Chris Chandler, Vick can make a few plays, learn the offense and prepare to contribute down the road. The Eagles did a masterful job preparing Donovan McNabb his rookie season; they held off playing him until late in the year and when he did play the package was limited. Look at the conservative philosophy the Jets have been taking with Chad Pennington. Despite media and fan pressure to see him behind center soon, they're taking their time with him. Against Baltimore on Saturday, the Jets called pass plays on four of the six series Pennington started. Most teams would be in a run call defense on those series and that could give Pennington a chance to be successful. For these young quarterbacks to become winners, they need to follow a plan that will build their confidence. Just look at Cade McNown and Akili Smith. The Bears can't even get a fourth-rounder for McNown and the Bengals don't intend to put Smith on the field again. They're in their third seasons; they should just now be getting the call to play. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.
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