Florida State Misses Opportunity

Beat BC. Check.

Beat Virgina Tech. Almost.

Those two things would have made people stand up and notice FSU - despite losing to rival UM. There would have been a buzz back in Tallahassee. Instead, it goes unnoticed.

Much like the injuries that affected this game (Weatherford and Smith), the suspension (Xavier Lee) and the non-calls (Taylor being sacked but ignored, the overturned pass downfield that resulted in the game winning TD).

Florida State definitely showed it can play with the big boys again. They beat BC last week and hung in there with VTech for 3 quarters, playing like the proud Seminole team of yore in the 3rd quarter. It just simply caught up with them in the 4th.

Too many turnovers - a fumble and 2 interceptions - did them in. And when you have a freshman quarterback, who hasn't taken a live snap all season, what can you realistically expect? Ponder did show signs of being a terrific QB, however, running the ball for a big first down and leading the team into the endzone for the go ahead touch down. He performed admirably in a hostile situation - on the road, losing, with your starting RB and QB out of the game.

Taylor, Virginia Tech's freshman QB, also filled in for their starting QB who got knocked out of the game. He played so well, he reminded me of Michael Vick as a freshman - and forced the question why is there a QB controversy? But Taylor has had the benefit of playing in games all season and working with the first team.

So even though FSU lost to Virginia Tech last night they missed out on an opportunity to really show the nation that FSU, as a program, is getting back to where it needs to be in order to be considered elite again. The talent is there, the coaching is there, now the results just need to follow.

Miami to Face ChiefsTonight

A big time pre-season game because ESPN is broadcasting Monday Night Football on Thursday Night. That isn't confusing at all! And neither is tonight's matchup as we get closer looks at Trent Green, Ted Ginn, even Chris Chambers.

In a sense of irony, or perhaps it was scripted, Trent Green will return to KC tonight and it will be interesting to note the reactions - from the fans to the players.

Further Reading:
Sporting News
Kansas City Star

It will remain to be seen how much time Cleo Lemon and John Beck get at the QB spot, but all signs point to them at least splitting the second half as Green is still being regarded as the starter.

Gameday Discussion

David Carr to Miami?

Why not?

The Houston Texans are apparently in love with collecting backup QBs, the latest addition being Matt Schaub from the Atlanta Falcons. If this happens, and it looks pretty likely, David Carr is done in Houston. Heck, he is done anyway even if this deal doesn't pan out.

So, why not bring him to Miami?

He would benefit from having really no expectations and would come in as Daunte Culpepper's backup. He would have an opportunity to shine and take the starting job, but most likely would just keep the backup seat warm should Culpepper go down to injury or even ineffectiveness.

In other words, Carr would have a shot at restarting his career and still delivering on his promise as a #1 pick.

Also keep in mind that head coach Cam Cameron helped shape Philip Rivers into the QB he is today and Carr possesses similar abilities - both are athletic with strong arms. Put Carr in the right offensive scheme, with some blocking, and good coaching and let him go.

The biggest knock on Carr is the knocks he took in Houston - he was sacked 249 times while playing QB for the Texans. In other words, a bad offensive line deteriorated his ability to play the game - he was constantly rushed and hurried and became totally shell shocked at the position. Get him some decent protection and you just might see this guy turn into the top-flight talent he was slated to be coming out of college.

If the Texans do end up releasing Carr, as the reports out of Houston start to surface, the Dolphins should take a shot on him and bring him into Miami as a backup.

Join the Discussion

Jags, Bucs making moves early

The Bucs re-signed Mike Alstott to a one year deal and also re-signed CB Buchanon to a 2 year deal.

The Jags grabbed RT Tony Pashos from the Ravens and signed him as a FA for 5 years, while also inking Scobee to a 5 year deal.

All these transactions may seem minor, but they will go a long way to helping their respective teams in the near future.

The Bucs need to maintain their running attack, and although Alstott has seen better days, he continues to be a dynamic enough FB to serve the Bucs' needs. Besides, the fans would riot here in Tampa if he was let go. Buchanon is a strong CB that will help shore up the Bucs' D against the pass.

The Jags may have addressed one of the more crucial needs of their team this offseason by signing Pashos. As a right tackle, he will be guarding the backside of whichever QB emerges as the starter - be it Leftwich or Garrard (it is looking like Garrard right now). Josh Scobee has emerged as one of the most reliable kickers in the game, and this shores up the special teams for the Jags as well.

Oh yeah, and don't forget they also re-signed Fred Taylor to a three year deal. All they need to do now is convince the ex-Gator that Jones-Drew will help endure his career, and not cut it short. That contract will help.

We ain't dead, just fixin' things...

Just a heads up - Floridagridiron.com is undergoing some changes to better serve the uptick in growth. We are reformatting all sections of the site; from the main page which will feature some major upgrades, to the blog and to the forums. Not to mention, we are adding our Fantasy Football Institute, located at http://www.floridagridiron.com/moodle.

We will be adding more writers, and more coverage. The stakes are being raised...so keep an eye on the site and our developments in the near future.