The Bulger Challenge

[Guest]

On the con side are is locking onto targets and just not looking good.
On the pro side are his winning record and PB performance.

I'm sure there are more that people can add to each side.

I noted on the other board that some who expressed doubts about Bulger were called "cowards".

I have doubts about Bulger. I watched him play and he didn't look like a confident QB. And it was painfully obvious that he was locking onto targets. I wondered why other team's DBs didn't pick more off. If a mere amatuer like myself can see poor QB play, surely another teams DC can as well and instruct his players accordingly.

OTOH, Bulger has been a proven winner. A mediocre QB like Brad (?) Johnson won a ring with Tampa Bay, so surely Bulger can do so as well.

I think it is fine to have doubts about Bulger. Who says he can't improve? He certainly deserves a chance, and in the end, the bottom line is that he's won more than he's lost. He just didn't look very good doing it.

[txramsfan]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

The locking onto receivers, I don't buy it. Improvements, absolutely.

1. Needs to get better on first and second down. The boy was money on third down but struggled in this category.
2. Pocket presence. Needs to be a bit more of a gunslinger.
3. Red zone. The whole offense needs help in this category.

[rampower]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

I think, also, that having a birdseye tv camera view of the qb's play puts us at an advantage over the guys picking the ball off, they don't have that luxury, or the luxury of being able to just concentrate on 1 player all the time.


like we can.

[r8rh8rmike]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

The cons have been discussed to death. Until he gets into competitive game situations, no one can say whether the knocks on him are legitimate or a thing of the past. Improvement is needed, hopefully it's there.

[AvengerRam_old]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

He needs to throw fewer interceptions and do better in the red zone.

Otherwise, for a QB that has been a starter for only 1 and 1/2 years, his play has been extremely good, and he clearly has the potential to get even better.

Expressing doubt about Bulger does not make one a coward.

Predicting failure does.

[PTHOR]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

I'd like to get hold of Bulger in the off season for some serious weight training, put about 15 to 20 pounds on him and send him in with a bit more zip and distance on that ball...

Why does he stay so damn skinny?

[Nick]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

Marc Bulger's fine in the red zone, IMO. It's a misconception that he struggles there. Rather, I believe the lack of consistency from our tight end, fullback, and interior offensive line was a big contributor to how much the Rams could do in the red zone.

In terms of what Marc needs to improve, I'd like to see him make better reads on the defense and have a better understanding of where the ball needs to go. I'd like to see more dump offs to Marshall Faulk if the primary or secondary target isn't open or at least likely to be open.

In terms of what Marc is already good at, he's got a very accurate arm. He has a quick release and for someone who has played in a little over one season of pro ball, has done exceptionally well in my opinion when you consider where he came from and what he's done up to date in the NFL. He seems to be a smart quarterback with leadership skills that can do what it takes to win (multiple comeback victories), and is liked by the team.

[HUbison]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

In terms of what Marc needs to improve, I'd like to see him make better reads on the defense and have a better understanding of where the ball needs to go. I'd like to see more dump offs to Marshall Faulk if the primary or secondary target isn't open or at least likely to be open.

In terms of what Marc is already good at, he's got a very accurate arm. He has a quick release and for someone who has played in a little over one season of pro ball, has done exceptionally well in my opinion when you consider where he came from and what he's done up to date in the NFL. He seems to be a smart quarterback with leadership skills that can do what it takes to win (multiple comeback victories), and is liked by the team.

Nick my man, you spoke volumes here. Bulger making better reads and better understanding of openings are all mental adjustments which come with experience and comfort. The experience is being gained everyday. And Bulger's comfort level should go through the roof without Warner on the sideline. I'm a huge Warner fan, but you can't tell me that Bulger was comfortable knowing a 2-time MVP was waiting for the opportunity to take his team back.

[Nick]

Re: The Bulger Challenge

I'm a huge Warner fan, but you can't tell me that Bulger was comfortable knowing a 2-time MVP was waiting for the opportunity to take his team back.

Especially after the Chicago game, when it was leaked that Martz himself approached Kurt about making a change. It'd be one thing if Bulger got smacked around and Kurt was forced to take over and a controversy came up that way, but when the coach himself approaches his back-up about making a change, the confidence level is damaged much more IMO. With Warner gone and a new contract, Bulger should know for certain that it's his team (see: Avenger's cliche thread) and that the organization is behind him.