Panthers ML don't miss out

csimmalavong · 09-17-08, 06:06 PM

it looks way to easy, now that gus is starting...
anyone still backing up minny ?

etothep · 09-17-08, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by ediamonds2001

oh and Freaking Gus Ferotte is starting in place of Tavares

I don't think Gus is a world-beater by any means, but I do consider that an upgrade

HOMAR · 09-17-08, 06:21 PM

JAJAJAJAJ. GUS AN UPGRADE......well after all the line do not move...mmmmm....

McBa1n · 09-17-08, 08:03 PM

This is actually bad news for betting on Carolina. Minnesota doesn't need a star QB to win ball games. While 'ol Gus is no stud by any stretch, he is a solid backup and won't give the game away... And can actually make some throws in big spots to keep drives alive. This is very very bad news for those that have Carolina already. Minn might actually play to their potential!

I still like the +3.5, though:> it's going to be right around there.

Chi_archie · 09-17-08, 09:04 PM

doesn't give the game away???? have you looked at his interception numbers????

McBa1n · 09-17-08, 11:10 PM

Yes - they are not good. Also, his career starting record is below .500 by quite a bit.
However, he is established as a solid backup. That's not saying much being behind Jackson - but the thing is, they don't need him to do much. He has to make a few passes - that's it. He doesn't have to stretch the field - he just has to make first downs and make smart choices near the red zone - things Jackson has been MISERABLE at.

There are tons of backups in the NFL I'd rather have - but he is good enough to manage a team to victory - and right now, the Vikings are a damn strong team in several ways. The ONLY thing they desperatly need is production from the QB position and they will have that now. When I say production, I don't mean Tom Brady type of gamebreaking things - I mean he can convert 3rd downs at a much higher clip... That's a HUGE deal for Minnesota. The Vikes have already proven that they can run and have the best back in the league (right now) that is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. With Gus under center, the playbook is more available to doing some 'small ball' type of things that help move the sticks. Jackson was just incapable of doing anything important and doing it with any consistency.

I just don't think you can say Minn is done because they have Frerotte under center. If anything - they are more dangerous. Tavaris is not a threat and teams know this - and yet they STILL can't stop Adrian worth a damn.

The math focuses in heavily on Carolina to win this ballgame - but I think this shades the balance to Minnesota just enough for victory (and hopefully not enough to prevent Carolina from covering).
Also - QBs coming in for their first start have a tendancy (recently) of winning ballgames. This year, they are crushing that stat.