First, let me state and any of you can go back and check my posting history for verification, that I love PT, on paper, as a quarterback, I really do. 6'5, almost 250lbs and a rocket arm with good speed, AND a local product......what more can you ask for? I have been patient with him, defended him and I still, to this day, understand that he is working with a new OC and behind what appears to be a woeful offensive line and with some WR's who drop more than their fair share. I get all of this.
However, it is time for him to put this team on his back and lead. We are banged up and scrapping to get to 6 (possibly 7) wins. The defense is tired and losing confidence in itself, and really misses Big Melvin Lewis. The offense is stagnating with penalties/turnovers killing any positive momentum it seems to muster. This team needs to see some points on the board to gain some confidence and it needs to see it now - these next 4 games will likely define the Mark Stoops era. Touchdowns, like the proverbial "rising tide," can lift all boats - i.e. - defense and special teams. Patrick Towles has had some great games and some nice wins, but the inconsistency and indecisiveness need to stop now. He needs to take that next step and will this team to compete; I am not even saying we must win in Athens, but for the love of god we cannot play like we did against UT - unacceptable. Fair or not, the rest of the team looks to the QB in uncertain times to take the reigns and lead - PT needs to accept this challenge in the next game or we need to see a change (and I never thought I'd say that). An SEC 11th ranked passer rating of 120.9 with 9 TD's and 10 INT's is not acceptable for a redshirt Jr. with his talent and the kind of receiving weapons he has around him. Yes, I understand he isn't getting much time, I see that just like everyone else. Well. too bad, PT needs to accept the fact that he won't have much time and get us in the right play to quickly (and accurately) get rid of the ball to the right receiver. He needs to tuck the ball and run with authority at the right time to make yards and keep the sticks moving, and most importantly he needs to show his teammates that he will, through the sheer force of his will, get this offense in the endzone come hell or high water. If not, and we are seeing the same old thing in Athens this Saturday then I am on board that after 3 or 4 offensive series we need to see Barker; see if he has that "it" factor that can motivate teammates to elevate their play above their own skill set.
Bottom line is that this is Patrick Towles team and he needs to act like it. Lead this team to a bowl and competitive, hard-hitting, hard fought games for the rest of the season, lead by example.......or its time to see Drew (and I never thought I'd say that).
However, it is time for him to put this team on his back and lead. We are banged up and scrapping to get to 6 (possibly 7) wins. The defense is tired and losing confidence in itself, and really misses Big Melvin Lewis. The offense is stagnating with penalties/turnovers killing any positive momentum it seems to muster. This team needs to see some points on the board to gain some confidence and it needs to see it now - these next 4 games will likely define the Mark Stoops era. Touchdowns, like the proverbial "rising tide," can lift all boats - i.e. - defense and special teams. Patrick Towles has had some great games and some nice wins, but the inconsistency and indecisiveness need to stop now. He needs to take that next step and will this team to compete; I am not even saying we must win in Athens, but for the love of god we cannot play like we did against UT - unacceptable. Fair or not, the rest of the team looks to the QB in uncertain times to take the reigns and lead - PT needs to accept this challenge in the next game or we need to see a change (and I never thought I'd say that). An SEC 11th ranked passer rating of 120.9 with 9 TD's and 10 INT's is not acceptable for a redshirt Jr. with his talent and the kind of receiving weapons he has around him. Yes, I understand he isn't getting much time, I see that just like everyone else. Well. too bad, PT needs to accept the fact that he won't have much time and get us in the right play to quickly (and accurately) get rid of the ball to the right receiver. He needs to tuck the ball and run with authority at the right time to make yards and keep the sticks moving, and most importantly he needs to show his teammates that he will, through the sheer force of his will, get this offense in the endzone come hell or high water. If not, and we are seeing the same old thing in Athens this Saturday then I am on board that after 3 or 4 offensive series we need to see Barker; see if he has that "it" factor that can motivate teammates to elevate their play above their own skill set.
Bottom line is that this is Patrick Towles team and he needs to act like it. Lead this team to a bowl and competitive, hard-hitting, hard fought games for the rest of the season, lead by example.......or its time to see Drew (and I never thought I'd say that).
