Bill O’Brien is no “quarterback whisperer”
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien developed a reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” for his work with Tom Brady during his time with the Patriots. The label has stuck with him, but today, Colin took a closer look at his resume, and doesn’t think O’Brien’s resume matches his reputation.
Everything O’Brien touches gets better after he leaves. Tom Brady got better after “The Whisperer” left. So did Ryan Fitzpatrick. Penn State popped after he left. The Texans signed Brock Osweiler to a massive contract without ever meeting him. That was a disaster.
The only quarterbacks who get better with him are clipboard holders like Ryan Mallett, Brian Hoyer and Case Keenum. Maybe “backup quarterback whisperer” is more fitting.
For some reason, O’Brien is never to blame for any of these failures because of his reputation and cool nickname. Colin just hopes rookie Deshaun Watson isn’t his next victim.
The Giants problem is Eli Manning
The Giants looked awful in their Week 1 loss to Dallas, and without star receiver Odell Beckham, Eli Manning was incapable of moving the ball, or pushing it downfield. Manning continues to get a pass because in two outlier seasons, he turned it on down the stretch and won the Super Bowl.
New York now faces a must win game in Week 2, and while many blame New York’s struggles on Beckham’s drama, a bad offensive line, or Ben McAdoo’s playcalling. Colin thinks the problem is Manning.
He’s a 59% passer who has led the league in picks twice, and has a lower career passer rating than Marc Bulger and David Garrard. Other than the two magical Super Bowl runs, Manning is average, at best.
If the Giants are trying to pinpoint their biggest problem, it’s easy. He’s wearing #10.
Guests:
Mark Schlereth – Fox NFL Analyst is in-studio to explain why Eli Manning will always need a supporting cast; if Bill O’Brien’s reputation as a quarterback guru is deserved; and why he likes Trevor Siemien.
Greg Cosell – Senior Producer of NFL Matchup and NFL Films joins the show to break down the tape on the Seattle’s struggling o-line; and Carson Wentz, Matt Staffford, and Tom Brady Week 1 performances.
Nick Wright – Co-Host of First Thing’s First joins the show to explain why Odell Beckham has masked the Giants demise; if Bill O’Brien is overrated as a quarterback coach; and if Brady is finally declining.