The funny thing is he actually had an average season statistically (22 TDs, 10 Ints). He has been fairly consistent in his career that way (until this season). He just got really hot in the playoffs. Flacco is known as a game manager and does what is called for (don't throw interceptions, run/pass balance, play great defense and special teams). It's a winning formula ever since he got there. And he has won more road playoff games than I think anyone in NFL history with 6. So if winning in the playoffs is your benchmark, then you're going to get paid, especially if you've just won the Super Bowl. And he was a dropped pass away from going to the Super Bowl the year before against the Pats. He has already taken his team to 3 AFC CG games in his first 5 seasons. The Ravens had no choice but to pay the man. He earned it.
“Has thrived under Cam Cameron, and shows off an ability to anticipate. Better weapons have helped his development, Kiper said.” He has the same two weapons he had last season. He has just gotten a lot better. I suspect these guys were open last season but Mettenberger didn't have the confidence to pull the trigger.
Not as many drops this year, better route running, better blocking down field. The WR's have stepped up. But Mett putting the ball in position for only them to have a shot at the reception helps also. He is making NFL throws, he is showing that hes NFL coach-able, some teams have to find this out after the draft.
Mettenberger has a high upside potential. Manziel, Murray, and McCarron are already playing at the top of their game. Mettenberger is just coming into form and still has room to improve. And the NFL loves them some tall quarterbacks. Manziel isn't going to grow 4 inches either.
Mettenberger's ball jumps out of his hand. He makes deep outs that travel some 40 yards across the field look effortless. He's 6'5". He has developed great touch on passes out to the backs (something he couldn't do last year). He leads his receiver perfectly on the slant routes, allowing for maximum YAC. He looks more NFL ready than anybody else on the collegiate level. He still has to work on pocket awareness, although it is so much better than last year. He still could get better at moving in the pocket to keep himself a clean throwing lane (ala Drew Brees) with just subtle movement with his feet. Again, he has gotten tremendously better in that aspect as well. He is better at working through his progressions, but still room for improvement there. His biggest asset in the draft may still be that he has been coached up by Cam Cameron.
Remember, Brees learned a lot of his NFL craft under Cameron at SD. Wouldn't you love to see Mett end up in nola and understudy with Brees for a couple of seasons?
That would be tremendous. The Pats drafted Ryan Mallett, a very similiar QB to Mettenberger. I think they feel comfortable that he could help the team continue to win if something were to happen to Brady. The Saints have never been able to make that statement since Drew Brees has arrived on the scene.
I think Manziel will be the next Michael Vick. He will be thoroughly entertaining to watch, but he will have his coaches scratching their collective heads a little too often.
