Let me say that again:
Andy Dalton is not an NFL starter.
He was a nice college quaterback who fit perfectly into Texas Christian’s offensive system. He often demolishd Air Force. He won a massive pile of college games, but a dozen other college quarterbacks would have collected just as many victories.
And maybe a couple more. (Thinking about that 2010 bowl battle against Boise State and TCU’s 2007 loss at Air Force. Dalton’s throw to AFA’s Carson Bird remains the single dumbest throw I’ve ever seen in person.)
Dalton does not have the arm strength to succeed in the NFL. He might spend four or five years as a backup, but I don’t see him starting another game in his life.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated believes the 49ers should select Dalton with the 11th pick in the first roud.
This is football insanity. Guess King believes the 49ers need two severely overrated Mountain West quarterbacks on the roster. The other, of course, is former Utah QB Alex Smith, who somehow fooled scouts into believing he was a big-time prospect. Smith, the first pick in the 2005 draft, ranks as one of the bigger washouts in NFL history.
Andy Dalton is not worth a first-round pick.
Andy Dalton is not an NFL starter.
Classy, and way to back up your opinion with facts.
Guess it was something you felt you had to say and hope your happy showing off your tremendous football IQ.
JimmieMac – Thanks for the complimenting my football IQ. Nice to see I have a fan among the Frog Faithful.
All seriousness aside,why do you disagree with me? There are dozens and dozens of highly successful college quarterbacks who find no success in the NFL.
What makes you think Dalton will be different? Look forward to your answer.
Yeah, Dalton doesn’t have the arm strength of a JaMarcus Russell or a Ryan Leaf, but how does he compare coming out of college to Drew Brees or Tom Brady. You realy offer no reasons why Dalton would be good other than arm strength, whch is actually good, but not the biggest arm in the draft, that belongs to Mallett. How does Dalton compare to Mallett otherwise?
You pick one area that is important, but not as important as fottball intelligence, ability to read defenses, quick release and accuracy. Where does Dalton stand on those other measures which ultimately prove to be far more important than arm strength?
Dalton had a great pro workout and has been visited by every program in the league and impresses everyone he visits and as you admit, he’s a winner. Who else has won more games (and also lacks big league arm strength)? Answer that and maybe you will finally get a clue as what you are talking about (incorrectly).
You compare him to Brees and Brady.
Are you serious?
Alex Smith, like Dalton, won every game he played as a senior. No doubt, Dalton was big-time college winner. Doesn’t make much difference when you head to the pros.
Nobody can ever take away all Dalton did for TCU, but he’s hit his peak as a football player.
Look me up in a year., We could argue for the rest of the month about Dalton, but he’s the one who will deliver the answer.
AFA fan here but the writer shows his lack of football knowledge by stating that the Dalton verdict will be in next year. Please tell me how many QBs define their careers their rookie year. Bottom line is that NFL scouts are a bit more knowledgeable on evaluating talent than the arm chair QB that wrote this article. Hey Mr. Ramsey, since you seem to be an expert at all things, I would appreciate it if you could come over and tell us how to win the war in Afghanistan… and get the country out of debt while you are at it…. There is a reason you are not the GM for an NFL team.
Falcon Fan – Please tell me where I said Dalton would “define” his career in his rookie year.
We will certainly know more in a year than we know today.
Get out of debt? That’s easy. Spend less than you earn. Mom taught me that lesson when I was 5.
What’s your next question?
You say “several dozen other college quarterbacks would have collected just as many victories”. Wow! So lets see you back that up by providing a list of the “several dozen” and detail why each would do just as good as Dalton. Perhaps you were turned down for an interview and now you have sour grapes? That’s really the only thing that makes sense here. Seems that most of the NFL experts that have worked him out would disagree with your opinion as well but they probably don’t know as much as you.
You, sir, have idiotic logic – maybe that’s why you’re stuck in Colorado Springs and not in beautiful Bristol.
“Look me up in a year” That implies that you will be proven correct after one year of pro-ball.
“Get out of debt? That’s easy. Spend less than you earn” – If you can let Washington know about this brilliant idea I would appreciate it.
“Dalton’s throw to AFA’s Carson Bird remains the single dumbest throw I’ve ever seen in person” Wasn’t this his freshman year? Would it be reaching to say that most freshman QBs make big mistakes? Its a steep learning curve.
I for one am happy to see Dalton leave. Unfortunately it is the TCU defense that owns us… maybe this will be our year
My daughter goes to school with Andy. She graduates in May. She told me that in 4 years at TCU, the only place she has ever seen him was at class. He supposedly spent 4 years studying schoolbooks and playbooks. That’s it. The TCU players are very fond of him because they know he spends more time in preparation than imaginable. That’s leadership. The Dolphins sent him their playbook a few days before their meeting and was stunned with his grasp of their offense at the meeting. He had met with other teams in the interim. His pro day resolved any issues about physically being able to perform at the next level. Instead of a wild aimless opinion, give us some real insight into your insider’s knowledge” about Andy.
I would also like to know about your evaluation process. Did you attend Andy’s pro day? The combine? How many hours of tape have you consumed on this in order to make this a qualified claim?
The basis for your argument is that Dalton can’t make it because Alex Smith is not starting and they both play in the Mountain West? Brilliant. You’ve got it all figured out.
Several dozen other qbs…. really… there are close to 48 other college qbs who played last year who could have done what Dalton did last year… really. Then why didn’t they? Who are they? I guess anyone with a pulse could qb TCU and win big. You have any eligibility left? Want to play for TCU? You might just be the next run of the mill TCU qb that interests the NFL. Could be a career defining move… better than writing sports in Colorado Springs.
David, I appreciate you putting more spotlight on AD. However, it amazes me that you have a job. A. You are not an expert on scouting. If you were, you wouldn’t be in Colorado Springs. B. Have you seen Dalton in every game of his career, broken down his film, talked with him or even studied his game to the point that the professionals do? You are correct in the fact that Dalton has average arm strength and hopefully that can improve over time like Brady’s and Brees’ did. However, he is extremely good at making progression reads and his ability to recognize check-downs is important at the next level. He is an extremely hard worker and his accuracy may be the best in the draft behind Gabbert. What are you going to say next, that since he is a ginger he won’t be a starter?
As for the comment about several other starters collecting as many wins as Dalton did. Where are they? Why didn’t they collect that many wins? What makes you think that? That is like saying if Dalton played at LSU, he would win as many games as Russell because Russell is a draft bust who can’t start anywhere; which is where Dalton is going in your opinion?
As for comparing Dalton to Alex Smith; Yes, they are similar and both played in the MWC and won a ton of games. However, why don’t you compare Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford. Bradford got hurt a lot while McCoy didn’t. Both won a ton of games and were the rock behind their teams. However, they didn’t end up the same? Alex Smith was and will never contain the same level of football knowledge as Dalton. Football busts happen every year. Just because he was in the MWC and has a similar overall career record as Dalton doesn’t mean Dalton will follow. I have a similar batting avg. as a guy that played for TCU 5 years ago and he isn’t in the pros, but that doesn’t mean I can’t work my way up.
Point is, you have ZERO…. and I mean ZERO concrete evidence about why Dalton will not be a starter in the NFL. We will talk again in a couple of years and make sure to bring your crow, you will be mighty hungry.
I do admire those who can voice their opinion and be willing to take criticism, so for that I say thank you for being honest.
Dave, I think the flaw in your editorial is semantics.
You state: “Andy Dalton is not an NFL starter.”
I reply: “Cam Newton is not an NFL starter.”
We are both correct.
I think what you mean to imply is: “Andy Dalton does not have the potential right out of college to be a successful NFL starter. He might at some point start in the NFL, but it will be because the #1 and #2 QBs have gone down to injury. In other words, I never foresee him becoming a regular starter on an NFL roster.”
If you had said it that way, and rested your case on arm strength, the Fiesta Bowl, and the Air Force interception, then you wouldn’t be met with such vitriol. As written, your piece comes across as gutter work, and maybe that was your intent. I’ve seen your column or blog, so maybe that is a schtick? That said, here is my take…
If Dalton is drafted in the 1st or 2nd round by a team that will throw him into the fire day-one, then you could very well be right with your sentiment, but your prognostication will be wrong. After all, he will have been a starter, right?
Semantics notwithstanding, I contend that if he has an opportunity to learn for a few years under somebody like Brady, Manning, or even Hasselbeck, then he could easily become the next Aaron Rogers or Tony Romo.
Here is what your assessment is: Andy is an “All American” kid…humble…hard-working…with a laundry list of intangibles that many teams in the league desperately need. He’s a leader. He’s smart. He’s been a four-year starter. Short of the National Championship Game, he’s played (and won) on the biggest stage in college football. He has never been over-hyped. He wasn’t in the contention for the Heisman (unlike winner Alex Smith). Andy comes from a hard-nosed team, played for a hard-nosed coach, and has a chip permanently implanted on his shoulder. He’s everything a prima donna is not.
History has shown that there are more “busts” than “boons” when it comes to highly rated QBs in the draft. With so many question marks around this upcoming season, teams would be wise to look for proven winners who can both lead AND check their ego at the door. In other words, adding a stabilizing force to an unstable situation is always a good investment. Andy Dalton may not have the big-play- deep-ball arm, but he does have poise, accuracy, confidence, and is a proven winner.
All we are saying…..is give Red a chance.
Two words: ignoratio elenchi.
Arm strength is one of the most hyped and least relevant QB attributes. If you look at the statistics, very few passes are long enough for arm strength to be relevant. If the long passes neither float nor lack enough touch to avoid throwing it to the db, then long passes are not an issue. Perhaps this is what you mean by arm strength, notwithstanding the usage being contrary to its plain meaning. If this is what you mean, you might build an argument based on recounting throws where lack of touch were an issue. This maybe what you attempted to do.
On the other hand, it would have been far easier if you cnoted that Dalton had a very good collegiate line in front of him, that his mobility will be negated in the pros by the faster defenses and the fact that he will no longer run a zone-read, or that he lacks the ability to go through his progressions quickly enough for the pro game. But you didn’t.
Having followed college & professional football for almost 40 years now, I would say that the quarterback Andy Dalton most reminds me of is Roger Staubach…big, strong, athletic, intelligent, driven, deeply religious and a natural leader.
Staubach often used his feet to get out of trouble early in his career, but quickly adapted to the pro game after a couple of seasons. He didn’t have the arm strength of a Joe Namath or Dan Fouts, but he was smart and deeply driven to win…and that is the bottom line in professional sports…stats are for Fantasy Footballers.
If you had personally seen how AD took over the & carried the Horned Frogs on his large shoulders last year in Cowboys Stadium or the Rose Bowl you might understand why NFL coaches and GM’s are so impressed by him…he is the type of guy you would want to hire to work for your corporation or marry your daughter.
Obviously this guy is a complete nutcase.
Most QB’s drafted outside of the first round, do not start in the NFL for 3-5 years (and normally then because of an injury, or failure on the part of the GM to find a replacement for an outgoing free agent)
Please show me the articles where everyone praised Tom Brady, saying he was the next NFL Superstar. He was a late round pick, that was basically thought of as a LIFETIME BACKUP (sound familiar?). Its proven that a winner in college, drafted late, is a much safer pick then a LOSER drafted early (Carolina found that out the hard way).
Your obviously not a very knowledgable football writer. I would bet you $100 right now, that within 5 years Dalton is a starter, and will have a successful career. May not be Tom Brady, or Drew Brees… but he will do better then all but one person drafted ahead of him (Gabbert). Newton is a joke, a one year wonder who will probably follow the way of Ryan Leaf (suck at football, and get arrested for drug charges). Mallet has an arm, but NOTHING ELSE. Christian Ponder is a great QB who has a chance of success in the right circumstance. But Andy Dalton will suprise you. And HOPEFULLY before he does, your horrible blog will be removed, and t hey will put someone with a tad bit of intelligance in your place.
I hope you get fired for basically insulting one of the top 10 QB’s in the country this year, as a flop.
No ones a flop, until they flop. Which you have just done.
Thanks for all the kind words. Really encouraging to have so many new TCU friends.
A few things:
I’m not in control of Andy Dalton’s future.
Andy Dalton is in control of Andy Dalton’s future.
For those who talk about what a great guy he is, I believe you.
Doesn’t change my view: I do not see Dalton starting for an NFL team. That’s my opinion.
Glad to hear from those who disagree with my opinion. Disagreement is what makes life fun.
Have a great Easter everyone, and that goes especially for you, dasdms.
Looks like Dave was wrong. The Bungles have put all their eggs in one basket by taking A.D. @ #35…the Palmers will be gone and lots of on-the-job training very soon for A.D. Wish him luck!!
This article is a joke, right? Seriously. LOL This is the dumbest opinion based article I have ever read. I’m betting Andy Dalton even writes better than you do Dave. I’m gonna save this for a year, come back and lmao again.
A joke?
Well, let’s take a look back at what I wrote.
“Dalton is not a first-round pick.”
Last time I checked, Dalton was not a first-round pick.
Look forward to hearing from you soon, jce. Look forward to hearing from all my new TCU friends.
I’m a Bengals fan. Brett Favre was a 2nd round pick. Look how he turned out. Was he not worthy of being a 1st round pick? No intelligent human being would base their opinion of a quarterback being a successful NFL starter on one dumb pass in a college game. You also said he’s not an NFL starter. I’ve got news for you. He will be a starter, at some point this season for the Bengals. I think he’ll do quite well in Jay Gruden’s new west coast system. So, you’re wrong on that count. Especially since Carson Palmer won’t likely be back. I take him at his word. Just because you saw him make one dumb pass doesn’t mean he won’t be a starter for the Bengals. You back up none of your opinions with facts, just your own opinion. What I look for in a good NFL quarterback is, how smart is he? He’s a very intelligent football player. It was wise of the Bengals not to take him in the 1st round. They used that on his potential target, A.J. Green. If A.J. Green drops the ball once, does that make him a bad receiver? NO. It just means he made a mistake. Andy Dalton will be a great quarterback for the Bengals, if they get him the pass protection he needs.
“No intelligent human being would base their (his) opinion of a quarterback … on one dumb pass in a college game.”
Strong observation.
I based my opinon on watching him play (in person) four times. He beat Air Force three times and looked good doing it. Also watched him several times on TV. Also talked over the years with a few dozen people who watched him play more than I did.
I hope Dalton excels for the Bengals, jce. I really do. You guys have suffered enough.
“I based my opinon on watching him play (in person) four times”
LOL Put the crack pipe down for a minute. So you seriously think that means he won’t be a successful starter for the Bengals? Just because you saw him play (in person) four times? You base your unfair opinion of him on that? Let’s continue:
“Also watched him several times on TV.”
So you’re an Andy Dalton expert now? Because you saw him on tv? What about what real experts say about him? You know, NFL scouts at the combine. Marvin Lewis got the chance to coach him. Don’t their opinions matter? I trust them over some blog writer who has no NFL experience in anything.
“Also talked over the years with a few dozen people who watched him play more than I did.”
LOL And their NFL resumes include what? More personal opinions that agree with yours.
Andy Dalton is a true leader. He’s quite capable of learning rather quickly. He has the potential to make everyone around him better. He’s just what the Bengals need. His arm may not be perfect. But I would much rather have him on the roster than Scam Newton, any day of the week.
Guess someone was wrong.. this guy “who will never be an NFL starter” is now 4-2 through 6 weeks with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Just in case you missed it, he’s 4-2. That’s a 67% winning pct with… the bengals, and has thrown more TDs than picks.
Looks like someone was completely wrong. Did you never watch when TCU came into town to pick up an easy win from AF?
Yeah, great call. 4-2 as a starter for the Bengals so far. Numbers may not be overly impressive, but 4-2 is 4-2. Also, how about you put blame on the offensive coordinator for a terrible call against Air Force in 2007 that put his RS-Freshman in a bad position. A RS-Freshman who had started TWO games prior to that (Baylor and Texas).
How’s that crow taste David?
Mr. Ramsey,
How do you like your crow, roasted or fried.
As those of us who watched Dalton for 40+ games at TCU (not just 4) could tell you, Dalton is a winner. Now in his rookie year he is starting in the NFL and Cinci is 4-2 and he sits ranked in the middle of the pack among NFL QBs and way ahead of Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert.
Oh and by the way, have you taken a glance at what Alex Smith and the 49rs are up to?
Guess it didn’t take a full year to show that Dalton can indeed be an NFL starter….
Hey Dave–how about an update on your “soothsayer” status…
CoD4 Hacks…
[...]Andy Dalton often tormented Air Force, but he’s not an NFL starter – David Ramsey Says What? : Colorado Springs Gazette, CO[...]…
Don’t even have to wait a year to know you don’t have a clue as to Dalton’s ability. He’s a winner. Some people have it and some don’t. Dalton’s got it and you don’t.
Glad to see that Dalton is a back up and is 7-5. (Yes 7-5 in Cincinnati) That’s unheard of for a a quarterback in Cincinnati, let alone a rookie as a starter.
Andy Dalton and Payton Manning are the only two NFL QBs to pass for 3000 yards in each of their first two years. AD is a Pro Bowl QBS in his second year. You, Mr. Ramsey, are an arrogant lightweight amateur evaluator.