He is definitely not a running threat but he kept the ball enough to make him keeping it a factor where everyone knows Brennan never would and they can sell out to stop the RB. He’s also a bigger threat inside the 5 than Brennan. I’m sure this won’t be much of a factor moving forward as a scouting report is being developed right now. I fully expect Brennan to remain our starter. But if tonight was Finley’s floor (not saying it is), I can’t wait to see his ceiling.
He did throw the ball about as good as Burrow, but no way we give this kid the keys after 1 SC showing.
This, its 1 game. He did really well and im at ease with our future at the QB position for the first time in a long time. Hell I'm not even sure Brennan is the answer after 3 games. I say after tonight you open that sum bitch back up and let the best man win.
That’s the reservation I have too. Those throwing lanes were there but a better defense would’ve adjusted. His ability to make decisions, be accurate and not panic or rush throws were very encouraging though. Something to keep an eye on.
Having slept on it, I'd be comfortable with Oeaux declaring Finley the starter for next week. Aside from his arm strength and accuracy, the thing that impressed me most last night was that he never appeared confused or unsure of himself. Couldn't say the same for Brennan in his first start, and he had 3 years to prepare for that game. I'm sure Finley didn't have the entire offense at his disposal last night, but they can add some more this week.
I read somewhere they have roughly the same 40 time. I just think Finley wants to run where as Brennan doesn’t, so naturally he runs with more passion. He also has the ability to fall forward and get that extra yard. There is plenty for him to work on when keeping it. Like protecting himself for starters. I don’t want a pure running QB, but having that as an option, especially in the redzone is huge for your play calling. Think back to 2 key keepers Burrow had on that late drive in the Bama game last year. Mainly, I was very impressed with his pre snap reads, footwork, accuracy and decision making. He knew where he wanted to go with the ball and let it rip. To see that from a true freshman in his 1st career start is very rare. Either we witnessed a huge fluke, or this kid is going to be very very special. After all, this is only the beginning. I also felt like there was better chemistry out there. But a lot of that could be the team stepping up and responding to a 1-2 start, a bye week and the fact they knew that they had to take personal responsibility and help take pressure off Finley. Either way, the team played much more inspired last night than we’ve seen all year. Lastly, he played with some swagger. Very Joe Burrow like. Saw some shit talk, hyped up the crowd, and the moment never looked too big. I love Brennan’s skill set, but I’ve questioned why our team lacked swagger. Could be a thousand reasons and we as fans would never know the truth, but we’ve heard plenty stories about how Burrow won over the locker room, etc. we know the impact a QB has on a teams swag. Fact: Statistically Brennan has had a tremendous start and has done nothing to lose the starting job. I expect both QB’s to make mistakes. But Finely did enough last night create a controversy. At the very least, he just shortened the shit out of Blonde Jesus’s leash.
