A rose by any other name...Trojan D shows us the real Mark Sanchez

by SoCalChief on Jan 16, 2009 2:55 PM CST Comment 32 comments

From the FanPosts. -Chris

The science of pressure is amazing. Pressure can turn a lump of coal in to a diamond, and it can turn a quarterback in to a lump of coal.

I am a Southern California native and have been a Trojan fan my entire life. I never miss a single play of ANY game, period. I re-watch most Trojan games over and over again. My friends and family talk Trojan football everyday, all year long. Allow me to share two tidbits of information we have agreed on all season; This years Trojan defense was the best in the Pete Carroll era and Mark Sanchez is masquerading as an all-star college quarterback.

I have read throughout the Arrowhead Pride comments about using the #3 pick to grab Sanchez assuming Stafford goes to the Lions. Being a SoCal local with great knowledge of Mark Sanchez I wanted to take a minute to try and completely strike the idea from anyone’s mind. Let’s take a break from the “should we take a QB, LB, OL, etc” argument and simply discuss Mark Sanchez. The easiest way to do this would be to compare Mark Sanchez situation at USC with Joe Flacco’s situation in Baltimore.

Everybody seems to have fallen in love with both of them. We hear about Sanchez’s numbers this season and his big Rose bowl performance. We hear about how Flacco is a rookie leading his team deep in to the playoffs. What is lost in both accounts is how neither of these quarterbacks have had the kind of pressure put on them that absolutely defines an all-star quarterback, except of course Sanchez in the Oregon State debacle.

Thanks to the Trojan defense…

USC enjoyed a lead at half time in every game this season except one. USC’s offense never had to overcome a deficit larger than 7 points in any game this season except one. USC’s offense never had to put together a fourth quarter drive to keep their hopes of winning alive in any game this season except one. Mark Sanchez never had to worry about an interception costing his team the game in any game this season except one. If you want to see the real Mark Sanchez, go back and watch this game. You can change “Trojan” to “Raven” and it almost perfectly describes this season for Joe Flacco as well. Well, almost throw me a bone here.

I know what the loyal to Mark Sanchez folks are all simultaneously screaming at this point, “THAT WAS ONLY ONE GAME”. So was the Rose bowl. We only have ONE season of Mark Sanchez by which to judge him as the #3 overall pick and as it turns out the Oregon State game was the most important game of the season for USC. Whether we trade down or trade up my friends, if we get Sanchez we will still be using the #3 pick or spending resources (I.E. trade) to do it.

I am giddy with excitement about the new Kansas City Chiefs. We WILL be competitive. We WILL be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come. We WILL make the playoffs. How big of a heart breaker is it going to be when this happens and the real Mark Sanchez shows up when the game is on the line?

Because I am a Trojan fan let me close by saying how happy I am for Mark Sanchez, his stock is WAY up and he is going to have a big payday because of it. He is definitely making the right decision coming out now, If he did stay another year at USC and come out in next years draft with Tebow, Bradford, and McCoy, we would all be calling Mark Sanchez what he really is; a 5th round pick just like John David Booty was.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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If not Sanchez

then we have to pick up at least one and we cant wait untill the 6th or 7th…

by paratrooper on Jan 16, 2009 3:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Good choice for Sanchez, and exactly why I don't want him.

He’s making a good choice in that, as you said, he’s coming out when he won’t have to compete with Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow.

However, the fact that he’s coming out when he won’t have to compete with Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow also says that he recognizes that can’t compete when compared to Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow.

And, that means that I’d rather stick with Thigpen for another year and see where we are at the end of that year and then, possibly, have a shot at Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow in the 2010 Draft.

Herm Edwards is Clark Hunt's guy. Herm and Carl forced Clark to choose between their differing visions on how to rebuild the Chiefs, and we all see who got their walking papers. Herm's going to be walking the sidelines at Arrowhead in 2009, and possibly even beyond, no matter who the new General Manager is.

by JacinB on Jan 16, 2009 3:09 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Would you

pick up a mid round qb?

by paratrooper on Jan 16, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pioli certainly will

Pioli will draft a QB, no SOONER than mid round, but probably in a late round. I think the Chiefs are either going to stick with Thigpen or grab a free agent. When it comes to QB’s in the later rounds of the draft you have to kiss a lot of frogs… if you catch my drift.

Some make it happen, some watch it happen, some say; "what happened?". Which one is Mr. Pioli?
SoCalChief

by SoCalChief on Jan 16, 2009 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Not liking the FA QB's

Doesn’t appear to be too many good qb’s to pick up. Maybe Cassle but if hes franchised, i hope not but we will see

by paratrooper on Jan 16, 2009 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

People will sream at this, but.....

Garcia. Thigpen needs at least a shot at it and I think he will get the reps this off season. Jeff Garcia could be a bit of a veteran teacher and is a decent insurance policy if Thigpen busts or goes down with injury.

Some make it happen, some watch it happen, some say; "what happened?". Which one is Mr. Pioli?
SoCalChief

by SoCalChief on Jan 16, 2009 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Garcia

I like garcia but i think him helping thigpen would slow thigpen way down thigpen would lose his starting position most likely and have to ride the pine for atleast 1 year by then we are moving on to bigger and better things i dont see garcia helping thigpen be a better qb if thigpen sits.

by sexassassin on Jan 16, 2009 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You think he based his entire decision on whether or not he’d have to compete with Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow? I sure don’t. But even if that were true, he’d certainly not have to worry about McCoy or Tebow (he’s a more pro-style prospect than they are), and Bradford wouldn’t do anything but knock him down a handful of slots anyway.

by burntorangehorn on Jan 16, 2009 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

PS

I should add that I in no way support drafting Sanchez in the first round. He’s a second- or third-round talent.

by burntorangehorn on Jan 16, 2009 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Tebow and Bradford

I don’t think they were the procuring cause for Marks decision. I just think they left the door open behind them and he jumped through it.

Some make it happen, some watch it happen, some say; "what happened?". Which one is Mr. Pioli?
SoCalChief

by SoCalChief on Jan 16, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

You think he based his entire decision on whether or not he’d have to compete with Bradford, McCoy, and Tebow? I sure don’t.
Not the entire decision, but I’m sure that played a major role in it. It’s the difference between being the 2nd best QB and the 5th best QB which is a TON of money.

by Joel Thorman on Jan 16, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

When we’re talking about Stafford, Bradford, McCoy, Tebow, and Sanchez, Sanchez would be no worse than third, and possibly second anyway. I’m a huge McCoy fan, but neither he nor Tebow is a very good (read: first round) QB prospect for the NFL. Sanchez and Bradford MIGHT be, but they’re still quite lacking. It’s a very bad year to need a QB when Stafford’s easily the top prospect at the position.

by burntorangehorn on Jan 23, 2009 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sanchez

I like him a lot—but he really needs more seasoning. He has not played a lot of football and you could tell the coach thought it was a huge mistake. I am liking that Broadstater guy a little bit these days.

by FrankPitts on Jan 16, 2009 3:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm high on Sanchez

but I’d be just as happy taking Willie Tuitama on day 2.

SoCalChief – sorry, but my boys are going to mop the hardwood with SC tomorrow.

Proud to be a part of the Conference of Champions and their complete bowl season domination.

by HIV 2 Elway on Jan 16, 2009 3:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'd throw the dice on Sanchez, but not til the 4th round.

The guy has potential, just not enough experience. Which is essential for the QB position.

Even Pete Carroll advise against Sanchez going pro. Pete knows that success against such odds are not favorable.

Opinions are like A--holes, everyones got one.

by aPacificChief on Jan 16, 2009 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is good information

I take one of two things from this post;
1) The author has something personal against Sanchez
or
2) He has taken notice of information we always don’t get

I can’t see a “Chief” fan from Calif having anything personal against Sanchez, so I have to believe the latter.

Thanks for the post!

We need a future defensive leader, his name is James Laurinaitis and he can be selected in round 1 of the upcoming Draft.

Ok already, if you don't agree with what I am saying, just don't email my mom again. She beat the crap out of me with my keyboard!

"But what do I know, I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"

by Lanier63 on Jan 16, 2009 3:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think if he had something personal against Sanchez he would have mentioned the RAPE charges filed against him his Freshman year i believe.

by rustdog on Jan 16, 2009 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

A big DISAGREE from a Trojan-Hater

I’m also a socal resident, a Cal Golden Bears fan, and a USC hater, but I see the “it” factor in Mark Sanchez, the kind of poise that defines a good QB.

First, yes, he hasn’t had to orchestrate a last-minute winning TD drive. But he also only had one opportunity (and keep in mind, they only lost the first half at OSU and almost came back to win in the second). Simply because he has had the luxury playing with the lead doesn’t mean he isn’t capable of playnig from behind.

Regarding the Booty comparison, the same year Booty came out, so did half his offensive line. The line that Sanchez played behind wasn’t that solid. He had pressure in his face a number of times, but proved to be a mobile enough QB with a sense for the rush to evade sacks and sling the ball downfield and in stride. Contrast that with Bradford, who was barely touched last season and didn’t have to move around much. Also, Sanchez runs an offense more closely resembling a pro model than either Bradford or McCoy. Also, check that article Primetime linked to on Big 12 QBs vs. Big 12 DBs. The Big 12 has ZERO defensive backfield talent and the numbers of Big 12 QBs are inflated because of that fact. Quite simply, Sanchez has been a leader, a winner, and an effective QB against better defensive talent than any Big 12 QB and within a system more styled towards the pros. If Sanchez stayed, he would be the #1 QB on the board next year.

You’re right insofar as he is NOT pro-ready, but I think he projects out to be the best pro player out of any college QB playing this past season. Stafford can start today, and will trudge along with a successful but underwhelming pro career. Sanchez cannot start in 2009 but has a greater potential if he lands in the right situation (read: One Arrowhead Drive). We won’t take him #3 overall, I don’t think he warrants that. But I have faith that if he is available at the right value, Scott Pioli will make it happen.

And even if you don’t think he’s the chosen one, and even if you do, I think none of us has the mind for finding talent at the QB position like Pioli. I will defer to his judgement on such matters. But as much as I hate USC, when I see Sanchez play and when I see him in an interview, I see a pro, I see a leader, and I see our QBOTF.

by Sudden on Jan 16, 2009 3:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

I wish (or hope) you are right. “It” factor is very, VERY expensive when you’re wrong.

touche !

Some make it happen, some watch it happen, some say; "what happened?". Which one is Mr. Pioli?
SoCalChief

by SoCalChief on Jan 16, 2009 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying we should take him 3rd overall

where it will cost that much money. I think he’s a late first or early second round prospect at best right now. We need to use our 3rd overall pick to stock the D or trade back for extra picks. And I think, based on what Ive seen (which living in L.A. Ive seen a lot of his games) that he has what it takes. But I’m not the hottest GM prospect in the last decade like Pioli. I trust that he will pick the right guy to be our signal caller.

BTW, since we’re both L.A. Chiefs fans, we should get together next season for some games. Hell, we could even meet up to see Tony Gonzales Golden Bears BEAT SC this coming year.

by Sudden on Jan 16, 2009 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL...Sure! Why not!

Sanchez stock is high enough to ensure he is gone by pick 20. If by some miracle he is there at pick 35 I won’t be too upset if we take him, but there are WAY better picks availible at that spot.

I’m in San Bernardino.

Some make it happen, some watch it happen, some say; "what happened?". Which one is Mr. Pioli?
SoCalChief

by SoCalChief on Jan 16, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think the consensus is growing

that we want an MLB with the #3 pick, and we are starting to look at Curry as that pick. I’m not saying this season was a fluke for Sanchez, but that he hasn’t put together the body of work needed to judge a #3 pick. But, he is probably the second best QB in this year’s draft and will get taken higher than he really deserves based solely on that fact alone.

by Chiefs4Life on Jan 16, 2009 3:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah i am starting

to like the idea of Curry more and more. He seems versatile enough to play in both a 3-4 and a 4-3. Also he gots the mental makeup, from what i hear, to be a leader in the clubhouse which was sorely lacked this year.

by wjp1982 on Jan 16, 2009 3:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

on the defensive side of the ball

i mean.

by wjp1982 on Jan 16, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

#3

exactly and we dont need a reach on the third pick we need a home run . WE cant chance our early big money pick on a bust it would ruin us for years .

by sexassassin on Jan 16, 2009 3:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Sims

by PVChiefsfan on Jan 16, 2009 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Loving

some linebacker action with the #3 pick.

Good ol Ryan Fatty Cake Sims, I can still recall Gunther losing his voice screaming at that guy, “Perfect, that’s just perfect, kneel down on the ground and let em KNOW you’re tired, let everyone KNOW just how tired you are, that’s great for this defense…”

Then Fatty and Captain I’m Frustrated I Don’t Have Anywhere Near The Talent To Justify the Pick The Chiefs Just Spent On Me EDDIE FREEMAN going to other teams and bad mouthing the way the org is run/operated.

Definitely don’t need a repeat of those no talent ass clowns getting drafted by the Chiefs

by Your_Moms_Boyfriend on Jan 16, 2009 4:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Re: Sanchez

I’m going to abstain from having an opinion on whether he’s the right guy or not and see what the new guy does. I think Pioli’s true opinion of where this team is will be fairly evident come draft day. Should be interesting. On a side note, what will Pioli do with LJ?

by RoyalFlush on Jan 16, 2009 7:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Personally,

I think and hope Pioli keeps him. He’s gonna bring in the kind of coaches that will create a culture around LJ where he will STFU and succeed. Randy Moss anyone?

LJ just wants the ball and he can still make plays if we get it to him. The worst part about this season is how Herm destroyed LJs will to play for the Chiefs.

by Sudden on Jan 16, 2009 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Whether we keep him or let him go, we’re on the hook for $8million+. If we let him go, we have yet another hole to fill. The guys we would have left over would not suffice. I would say that Pioli will at least try to reach out to LJ and make the relationship work. This is not the same Chiefs organization that LJ criticized the last time he spoke to the press a week ago.

by Buck'O on Jan 16, 2009 9:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This pick...

is freaking me out. I like Curry, but we have to decide on a philosophy before we can draft a defensive players. The most curious thing for me this offseason is what idenity we take on defense. Are we going to be a tampa-2 4-3, a jim johnson blizing 4-3 with Spagnaula or a 3-4, which is what Pioli has drafted for his entire career. I’m so confused!!! I have to constantly chant to myself “trust in Pioli”, “trust in Pioli” in order to stop freaking out about offseason options.

by chiefsfan1384 on Jan 17, 2009 6:23 AM CST reply actions 0 recs