Report: Broncos May Use QB Brady Quinn On Third Downs

by Neal Coolong on Jan 8, 2012 12:41 PM EST

Fox Sports' Jay Glazer tweeted Sunday morning Denver plans to use back-up QB Brady Quinn on third down situations if struggling starter Tim Tebow isn't playing well.

It's certainly an unorthodox move. If this has been done before, it hasn't been done often. Legendary coach Bill Parcells had a saying in his time with the New York Giants. "If you have two quarterbacks, you have none."

Quinn hasn't played a snap since 2009 when he was with Cleveland. Quinn led the Browns to a win over Kansas City in Week 14 of that year. The week before it, his 6-for-19 passing and 90 yards were enough to beat Pittsburgh in one of the bigger upsets of recent Steelers memory.

The question is whether the Steelers can seamlessly adjust to two quarterbacks with such differing skills. The aspect of their game they have the most in common is the fact neither of them are very good passers. Quinn has a stronger arm, and there are obviously concerns with Tebow's decision-making, so the move could be because the absence of Tebow on passing downs is more valuable than his participation in them.

Denver is mostly a run-based team that wins on first and second down, setting up third and short situations. They will need to complete passes, but much of their game plan is likely scheduled for their running attack. Their defense is strong enough where success on third down and 10 points could be enough to win.

It remains to be seen whether Quinn is the guy to do it.

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Interesting. I think our secondary will keep Quinn in check on third and longs though. He has gotta be rusty, and he never was good. A little worrisome though somehow.

Elway in such a difficult position with Tebow and the QB situation there. Still really surprised he let Orton walk but Elway always was a class act professionally and personally for the most part.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 12:49 PM EST reply actions

I don’t think Coach Dad is worried about Quinn. This makes me feel good.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions

Im not sure going away from tebow is a good idea. From what few denver games I’ve seen, it appears the team and the fans have gathered around and support tebow. You have to put the ball in his hands, even on third down, and hope he and his teammates come through.

by steelerintexas on Jan 8, 2012 1:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions 1 recs

this

by shleeve on Jan 8, 2012 1:15 PM EST up reply actions

I get a really bad feeling this move is what everyone will be talking about after this game.

I hate in-game QB changes. They always seem to have a leg up on the defense. Quinn spent all week preparing for the Steelers defense, but the Steelers defense didn’t prepare this week for Quinn. They haven’t seen him throw a pass in a live game since 2009.

Ugh….hate these kinds of things!

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Jan 8, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I honestly doubt the broncos will do it. I think they are just trying to get into the steelers heads with some last minute rumors.

by steelerintexas on Jan 8, 2012 1:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Agreed

I m not comfortable with both Quinn and Tebow playing

"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there."
- Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).

by Han on Jan 8, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Unless Quinn finds a way to become more talented, it won't matter.

by Anthony Defeo on Jan 8, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

No bad feelings bro'

Everyone will be talking about the #1 defence after this game and the continued demolition of the Tebow Myth. Confidence and knowledge we will win.

The Steelers D. will win this game. Book it. Take it to the ATM. Just stay positive. Try anyway. I sure am.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

Denver would be crazy not to attack a weakened secondary. Quinn is a better passer and would make the Steelers defend differently.

by Yinzer Z on Jan 8, 2012 1:04 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

And when you have two crappy quarterbacks, you're better off punting on first down.

by Anthony Defeo on Jan 8, 2012 1:15 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Lol

by SixBurghRoethlamalu on Jan 8, 2012 1:20 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Hahahahaha! +1

by steelerintexas on Jan 8, 2012 1:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

Bring him on!

I agree with Parcells (this is troubling because I detest Parcells). Platooning QBs, especially on 3rd downs, is the worst thing a coach can do. You’re telling your starting QB that you have no faith in his ability to pick up the key 1st downs. Plus, you’re sticking a cold QB into the heat of the battle (and Quinn is about as cold as you’ll find in the NFL today). I really hope they try this boneheaded strategy today.

by Billy52 on Jan 8, 2012 2:03 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Brady Quinn

Secret weapon lol

by Crizzle12 on Jan 8, 2012 2:06 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Bringing in two different QB's in different situations is bad management

It prevents both from getting into a rhythm. I think they keep Tebow even if he is not playing well because if plays badly it gives them an excuse to trade him.

by steeler_in_maryland on Jan 8, 2012 2:10 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Here’s the thing, though, and this is what I keep getting stuck on. No team was supposed to be effective in running an option either. Granted, they’re not lighting the world on fire with it, they have had, at times, some good success with it.

The same untested theory exists with platooning QBs. If you’ve got one that can throw and one that can run, would it be bad to get them in on those specific downs?

How much rhythm does a passer really need, anyway? By that logic, they’d be ice cold at the start of the game, and considerably better at the end of it. That’s obviously not consistently what happens. But what evidence suggests platooning them is a bad idea?

The quarterbacks will all say it wouldn’t be good, but our quarterback has broken limbs and openly speaks about how much pain he’s in, and he still refuses to sit down. Maybe the ego is speaking more than the logical mind.

In Denver’s case, they’ve clearly thrown the norm out the window this season. The fact is, though, no one has current game tape on Brady Quinn. He hasn’t played in so long, the Steelers can’t possibly prepare adequately for him. If he’s not playing a full game, the amount of adjustments and re-adjustments to them rotating in will be pretty huge.

I dunno…I’m crazy, but I think it may work in their favor.

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Jan 8, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I understand in theory, but we're talking about a guy who couldn't beat out Tebow or even Kyle Orton

I think everyone is just a little nervous, and rightfully so, it’s the playoffs, but if someone would have told me before the season that the Steelers would be a road team in the playoffs, and they would open up against an 8-8 Broncos team, I would have taken it.

I’m not saying the Broncos can’t win—I’m just as nervous as everyone else—but this Broncos team was a few fluke plays away from losing 10 or 11 games this year.

I know it only takes one game to ruin a season, but if Pittsburgh is in trouble today, they’re going to be dead-to-rights next week.

by Anthony Defeo on Jan 8, 2012 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I think you hit the nail on the head, and that’s exactly why I’m nervous.

but this Broncos team was a few fluke plays away from losing 10 or 11 games this year.

But they kept making those plays. Over and over. In my opinion, the reason they had the success (ahem) they had is because you cannot prepare for a 4th quarter drive. In those situations, it’s all about confidence and will. Those are Tebow’s strengths. The defense is good enough to stand up for 4 quarters and get him the ball at the end of the game.

Maybe Tebow is such a horrible passer, Quinn doesn’t need to be Drew Brees, throwing darts all over the field. Maybe he just needs to extend two or three drives, help get them in range for their nuclear-legged kicker who can keep them in a one-possession game.

It’s really hard to prepare for teams that play short the way the Broncos do. The Steelers are great game-planners, but that is all basically thrown out against a limited skilled team with nothing to lose.

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Jan 8, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

It just feels like we are trying to find reasons to worry.

You look back at the games where Tebow lead comebacks and you will see the other team was just plain stupid. You have to feel confident enought to know our Steelers are at least not stupid. Injured maybe, but not prone to stupidity.

"Aye, do tiitieboy twochainz got twitter?"

by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Jan 8, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Exactly.

Why should we worry? I don’t think our players are too worried. No jitters. January is their time and they have been here before.

Can’t help but feel some tension though. It’s just hard not to feel tense as a mere fan.

Answer: drink more.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

Isaac Redman

Rushes for 100+. BR throws for three TD’s. Harrison and the gang sack Tebow/Quinn at least five times. Four turnovers by the Steelers.

Only good things will happen today. We win by four touchdowns!

STEELERS!

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

Certainly a plausible prediction

I can see that.

Follow me on Twitter

by Neal Coolong on Jan 8, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

See it and feel it Neal. Feel that.

Every Steeler fan must feel that. Please. Positive feelings lead to positive things.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions

Neal

I continued my correspondence with Michael Silver. You saw the exchange of emails we had re the Steelers as I sent it to you and other overlords at this site.

He is in Denver. I told him to go there and learn! He listened. Good boy Mike!

He WILL show the Steelers the respect they deserve or God help him. lol

I am going to hammer him if he does not push our team up the rankings and give way way way more credit and love to Pittsburgh this week in his columns. lol

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

His Flacco/Raven love affair makes me sick!

That will be put to rest soon enough one way or another.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions

I find comfort in how horrible the Broncos looked against the Lions and Patriots--the only two playoff teams they've faced during Tebowmania

by Anthony Defeo on Jan 8, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I find comfort in that and Southern Comfort.

I gotta drink for this one. Well, I have to drink for every Steeler game. Just the way this fan is constructed.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

If we are not afraid of Tebow, why should we be afraid of the scrub who backs him up?

Give me a break. We are talking Brady Quinn here! Brady Freaking Quinn. Let’s not lose our minds.

"Aye, do tiitieboy twochainz got twitter?"

by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Jan 8, 2012 2:20 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

You know who I am not afraid of?

THIS GUY

"Aye, do tiitieboy twochainz got twitter?"

by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Jan 8, 2012 2:43 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

If He is with us, who could be against us?

"Aye, do tiitieboy twochainz got twitter?"

by DwightWhite's Missing Tooth on Jan 8, 2012 2:48 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

LOVE IT! LOL

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions

I have one concern ...but it's a big one

forget about he Denver offense. If they succeed today then we should go home and get ready for next year.

My lone concern is the ability if this QB-7 to get around on a bad ankle WITHOUT making mistakes. You want to play big man then perform.

Im very concerned that he thinks he can get by on just physical moxie not some Football acumen. I know that the O-coordinator cant control him because thats a one way marriage.

What BB says goes. You what to play? You want to tell everyone you had a set back?

Then get it done today

by delisixburgh on Jan 8, 2012 2:52 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

And God said to his only son: Sorry Tesus. Not today.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:53 PM EST reply actions

And God said to his only son: Sorry Tesus. I created the whole universe and this is

my day off. You are on your own kid. Good luck.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 2:56 PM EST reply actions

95 MORE minutes of hell waiting for THE game to start.

Hurry up time. Time waits for no one but the Steelers I hope. lol

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 3:04 PM EST reply actions

Atlanta has gone into their familiar Suck Mode.

Giants lead 17-2.

by Billy52 on Jan 8, 2012 3:11 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

'Matty Ice' is ugly and way overrated. I hate the Falcons and really hope they lose!

Go Giants!

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 3:13 PM EST reply actions

A brief respite for the G-men before Green Bay wipes them off the map next week.

by Billy52 on Jan 8, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Sure hope so.

That would keep alive my fantasy of a Steeler-Pack rematch in Indy in February for the Lombardi.

Loathing the Habs with every fibre of my being since 1963.

by Pyramid Power on Jan 8, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

Finally!!!

A transformer blew this morning and I’ve been without power until just now.!
But all is good now…
HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!
HERE WE GO STEELERS, HERE WE GO!

"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert.

"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.

"Chuck Noll is building one hell of a football team up in Pittsburgh. I look for the Steelers to be the team of the future. Just remember I said that."
- - - Immortal Packers coach Vince Lombardi in 1970, two years before the Steelers even made the playoffs under Noll

by HtownSteelerFan on Jan 8, 2012 3:13 PM EST reply actions 1 recs