Darlington should only be getting snaps IF he is able to play. I can't imagine why a coach would waste practice time on a player who cannot actually play and lead the team successfully. If he has healthy worries at all, then he should not be our back up QB (no. 2 or 3 or even 4). Trouble is that the NFL mentality is to have a 'starter' who generally plays if he can walk from the huddle to take the snaps, normally. Then you have a pretty decent back up and after that, you probably rep a DB or something just to try to get you through the rest of the current game. Then you go shopping after the final play for another QB from around the league, etc. College of course is different and to win you need to have a QB who fully participates and can attack the defense with more than just his eyes and ears. We saw Fyfe pass for 400 yards last year and complete lots of passes (way too many to the opponent but we do know he throws a catchable ball when he throws it near somebody).
They're not starting Darlington next year. He will by far not be the best QB next year, plus I'm sure this staff wants to move on to what they're most comfortable with already, which is very West Coast Offense-like. No need to even think about that. This thread concerns will he be used at all vs. Maryland.
What is the best possible way to use Fyfe? If there was a better way to use him, I am sure the coaches would do it.
If the team around him can at least give him a chance to manage the game I would like to see what he can do. Can the o-line block well enough to allow a pass play to develop or a run play when the QB is not a run threat distracting the opposing defense. The team is so built around what Tommy can do his skills allow for some lazy play to be overlooked. So back to the question, I think Fyfe should be trusted to hand the ball off, perhaps try some designed QB runs (maybe it will work), and very safe passes. He is not going to be a QB with the skills to succeed under duress like Tommy can, so it is time for the offensive line to man up and show they can dominate the other team even when the play book is stripped down to fit the skills of the QB and the other team is looking to rattle Fyfe.
Ball cap on with a green jersey throwing sigNs into Armstrong or POB if Tommy can't go. Y
Darlington moved to WR last Spring, and has been only taking reps at QB on as as needed basis, with the injuries to Armstrong. Long-term Darlington's place on the roster is as a WR and most imortantly holder for PAT's and FG's.
