NOW IT'S UP TO CAPTAIN KURT, BY F.MULDER (Aug
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The loss of Green is devestating not only because he is a quality QB IMHO, but also that he is a student of the Martz offense. I have no doubt that Green could teach it nearly as well as Martz. That is an attribute that cannot be overlooked. That is what has made Green so successful so far (and is my basis for optimism).
With Green out, and the realization that doing bad things to Harrison won't bring him back, there really only is one scenario. Over the last 2 seasons people have been clamoring for Warner as starter, or at worst, as the 2nd QB. Well, this is the chance. When people root for someone to be the 2nd QB it goes beyond the fact that they look really cool holding a clipboard and wearing a ballcap. It means that that is who you want to play in the event #1 goes down.
I've been on the fence with Warner since he's been here. Predominantly because he has no track record in the NFL at all. Here is how I see the Warner situation from both sides:
Positives:
has worked with this offense since day 1. Has run it in practice and in games.
will work with the 1st unit for the remainder of preseason.
has the physical tools to be a good QB
does not have to "win" games by himself. He has a load of offensive threats. His role is more to orchestrate rather than dominate.
Negatives:
no NFL exp
probably light years behind where Green is with this offense and its subtle nuances
does he have the stomach to be the starter?
from what I've seen of Warner, he is much more likely to force the ball into coverage than Green. This offense cannot allow that. It is an offense based on alternatives. When one isn't available you keep checking off until you find the correct one. This is not a downfield, force-the-ball offense, which so far seems to be Warner's approach.
one injury away from Joe Germaine. I like Joe G. a lot but this is not his year.
The only other options is to bring in Hoss (but I'd rather not) or (gasp!) Ferrotte. Other than that, it's up to Cap'n Kurt.
If Warner simply executes the offense, the Rams great offensive players will make plays. Warner handing off to Faulk is no different that Green handing off. Bruce, Holt and Az catching passes and making big plays does not depend on Green throwing the ball to them.
Warner must become more cerebral. He should rent an apt. with Green and talk about this offense day and night. Green really must show his leadership by tutoring and supporting Warner. He can be invaluable as a bridge between Martz and Warner.
Finally, the defense must step up. This was my original point-they need to make some stops. With this offense (even with Warner running it) you should see a lot of long, methodical drives that may not even lead to points. IF the offense does what it is designed to do, it will eat up large chunks of the clock. The number of defensive stops needed is far fewer (but even more necessary).