In Quinn Ewers, Texas finds certainty at quarterback
Every Thursday prior to a Saturday game, Steve Sarkisian conducts a conference call with the media.
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Our Joe Cook is always there, like he will be again later this morning, looking for any meaningful news items he can pass along to readers of Inside Texas.
For much of this season, the biggest storyline has revolved around the situation at quarterback.
In fall camp, it was who was going to start. Then Quinn Ewers got hurt, and it was about when he might return.
So, now, for the first time in at least a month, Sark does not have to avoid or evade the question of who will be the starter.
Think about that. For the first time in a month, there’s finally some certainty around the most important position on the field.
Does that give this Texas team more confidence? It should, because they’ve faced some tough times already this season, and emerged the better for it.
Resiliency in the face of adversity is a key attribute of any good football team.
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I’ve read and watched multiple discussions of Quinn Ewers by national analysts since the Oklahoma beatdown.
The commentary ranges from Ewers is a prodigy, to Ewers looked great but Oklahoma sucks, to Ewers didn’t actually grade out that highly against the Sooners (yes, someone actually wrote that, clearly ignoring the context that it was a rivalry game and his first game back in a month).
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So where exactly do I come out on this discussion?
First, Ewers’ talent level is undeniable. Anyone questioning that gets an immediate dismissal from me, and should everyone else.
Second, keep in mind that Ewers is still learning the position on the college level. That means he’s not perfect. But it also means he can still improve.
Third, there are legitimate questions out there.
For example, we’ve yet to see him against a pass rush that can get home or in a scenario where he has to lead the Horns in a come-from-behind scenario. In other words, he still has so much to prove before anyone can label him a great QB.
In all, I see a quarterback who is as talented a passer as anyone who has ever donned the Burnt Orange. And I see a QB who appears relatively calm no matter the opponent or atmosphere, whether it be Alabama at home or Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl.
Yet we don’t see a finished product. Nor should we expect one, not yet at least.
My suggestion?
Take it all in with Quinn Ewers. There will be ups and downs. That’s how football goes.
But if he keeps getting reps, keeps working hard, and keeps improving, the number of good days at DKR, in the Cotton Bowl and on the road, will far exceed the bad ones.
IMO, Texas has a real dude at quarterback.
