On Landry Jones

[Flasteel]

the "value"of drafting a 3rd string QB? In the 4th round? Are you serious with this sh!t?

I don't hate the player at all. I hate the pick and the position.

can you get it through your thick skull that this is the backup to the backup QB?

look at the depth at FS, OG, OT, TE, CB and MLB.

If you think you're getting good value with Jones, then you cannot look at it as spending a 4th round pick on a 3rd string QB. You look at it as a guy who is going to be Ben's primary back-up sooner than later. Who cares that Gradkowski signed a 3-year contract? He's gritty, gutsy, and a guy I'd like to have on our team, but there is a reason he's bounced around the league like he's made of flubber. This is a critical position and given Ben's injury history, we need to make sure we have a guy who can step in and lead this team to victories.
Unfortunately, everything I've seen or read about Jones backs up SKL's initial assessment of him in this thread...he crumbles under pressure. Unless he can prove that assessment wrong, it is indeed a waste of a pick (gotta love that hindsight).
At this stage, I'm pretty much taking the opposite view and hating on the player; not the pick or position.

[Captain QB]

I thought it was a bad pick long before we saw him in training camp. Needed help in other areas.

[Oviedo]

I'm far more concerned about the underachieving Left OLB 2nd round pick than I am a 4th round pick rookie who wasn't ever projected to play for the next two years.

The angst about L. Jones after two weeks of camp is ridiculous.

[Eddie Spaghetti]

by all means, lets get back to your regularly scheduled diatribes against lebeau.

those are so much more entertaining for everyone.

[BradshawsHairdresser]

Too early to call Jones a bust. But not too early to say that he may not be ready to contribute this season.

[hawaiiansteel]

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat transcript: 8.12.13

MONDAY, 12 AUGUST 2013 WRITTEN BY RAY FITTIPALDO

DormontyDawson: Any anti-buzz on Landry Jones? I've seen high school kids with stronger arms than his, and with far more confidence. He looks like the 6th grader who hates football but his parents are making him play.

Ray Fittipaldo: Landry Jones did look a bit overwhelmed in his first NFL game and he hasn't had a particularly strong camp, but it takes time for QBs to learn a new playbook and get comfortable in their surroundings. It's not like he's a first-round pick. They're expected to come in and make a difference right away. Jones is a fourth-round pick. He's not getting a ton of reps in camp. He is watching Roethlisberger and Gradkowski get most of the work.

[URL]https://plus.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/chats/ray-fittipaldo-chat/122277-ray-fittipaldos-steelers-chat-transcript-81213[/URL]

[feltdizz]

DormontyDawson:He looks like the 6th grader who hates football but his parents are making him play.

wow... that's harsh

[flippy]

wow... that's harsh

If you saw him in camp, you might think that was generous. He even struggles in 7 on 7 with no pressure.

[Shawn]

If you saw him in camp, you might think that was generous. He even struggles in 7 on 7 with no pressure.

Flippy not to doubt your eye because I have heard it elsewhere. But, Jones has a gun...can make all the throws...just watch the tape. I haven't seen a scout doubt the guys arm. If he is timid right now...well I expect that from a rookie.

[flippy]

Flippy not to doubt your eye because I have heard it elsewhere. But, Jones has a gun...can make all the throws...just watch the tape. I haven't seen a scout doubt the guys arm. If he is timid right now...well I expect that from a rookie.

Granted, maybe it's all mental and he's not comfortable or processing info fast enough and as a result is hesitant/tentative. And it's not like he's getting significant reps, but the ones I've seen, he's been inaccurate and his arm looks weak.

Ben and Gradkowski look great. JPW is hit and miss and some of his throws have looked bad too, but JPW looks like he has as much velocity on his throws as Ben. Landry's throws vs all the QBs look like night and day. And maybe it's the mental impacting the physical at this point.

I haven't seen the 2nd half of the Giants game yet and am looking forward to seeing him play in the game to see if he was much better.

[hawaiiansteel]

Steelers Third-String QB Position: Landry Jones Versus John Parker Wilson

Aug 15th, 2013 by Lori Paddock



I have been thinking about this topic on and off since the draft, where I was surprised to see the Steelers pick up a QB in the fourth round. When camp started, I was hoping we would hear a little more about the capabilities (in an NFL-style setting) of Landry Jones and John Parker Wilson. Unlike some faithful fans, I’ve never been convinced that L. Jones was going to be an automatic fit to the NFL. I’m not denying he has talent and did well in college, so don’t read into this that I am going to slam Landry Jones.

Now that the Steelers are past their first preseason game and all four quarterbacks played, you can perhaps make some assessments about the quarterbacks. I’ve read several blogs who suggest some and they all make great points. Mike Dyce, at FanSided NFL; Ivan Cole, at Behind the Steel Curtain; Mark Marczi at Steelers Depot have some good takes.

Why should this even be discussed? Landry Jones was drafted and he has to be put on the active roster, right? Well, that’s one school of thought. I can see that perspective, but it doesn’t leave me comfortable. Being drafted doesn’t make L. Jones competent. Also, there really doesn’t seem to be enough information to evaluate one way or the other. Additionally, the Steelers’ track record of developing young QB talent when it is sitting at third string is suspect. The most recent example of Dennis Dixon comes to mind.

It’s the third string position, who cares? If Roethlisberger’s history has taught us anything, the back up positions matter. Bruce Gradkowski is second string and that doesn’t seem to be up for debate. He looked poised and controlled with his first time out with the Steelers. So what about L. Jones and John Parker Wilson? I’m not sure they have been seen in the best light since neither really get first-team reps or played with the first-team during Saturday’s game. However, from what I see, I’m not sure it will be an easy decision about who to keep at the 3rd QB position.

During the game, I didn’t get a feeling of confidence from L. Jones. I don’t know if it was the adreneline or the speed of play, but I thought L. Jones looked hesitant and somewhat confused. Maybe I was looking for that though because L. Jones got some unfavorable press before the game (see PPG article). Gerry Dulac stated that L. Jones had struggled during the first two weeks of camp and Tomlin was quoted:

[Jones has] done some good things, but, obviously, what he does in stadiums is really going to be the litmus of where he is”

Well, after the fumble from the collision with Baron Batch and the Giants’ safety, Landry Jones was trending on Twitter and NOT in a good way. I’m not sure he is going to get favorable press for a while; however, I don’t think it will live on as long as the butt fumble has.

On the other side, I thought Wilson looked stronger in the pocket I’m not saying that John Parker Wilson should be the choice either; however, he was getting a lot of positive “press” during camp before the Giants game. Again, maybe I was looking for that because of what I read. I saw at least two tweets from Mark Kaboly, of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, that Wilson looked good at QB and had a strong arm. James Wexell, who is a columnist for the Steel City Insider and writes for the Uniontown Herald, tweeted that Wilson looked terrible during spring OTAs but great during camp. None of that makes Wilson an obvious pick for the third position, but you have to think that the Steelers are factoring that into their decision.

So, what about the game stats? Landry Jones was in for four series and the only score was the safety for the Giants. He completed 5 out of 9 passes for 48 yards and he wasn’t sacked at all. I noticed that most of his passes were short passes, as if Haley was keeping a tight rein on him. John Parker Wilson was in for three series and was sacked FOUR times. FOUR! He completed 4 out of 5 passes for 35 yards and no score. While I’m sure you can’t divorce Wilson from all responsibility for the sacks he took, I saw defensive lineman just breaking through the line without much trouble, so I’m not sure Wilson got a fair look either. He also stuck to short passes and I wasn’t surprised by that.

What’s my conclusion? Good question. I’m not sure. First, I beg the Landry Jones fans to not take this personally. I’m not against him. I just don’t think he should be the automatic third string because he was drafted. But, why draft him if you aren’t going to keep him? Well, not everyone works out for the team that drafts him. So, my bottom line is, don’t decide on the third string just yet. I’d like to see more from both. I also don’t think that the Steelers should be wed to either one. The QB pool is a little deeper (for third-string positions) than tight ends I would think. Perhaps there should be some “out-of-the-box” thinking here. Second bottom line: Don’t think the third string quarterback position doesn’t matter. Did you hear the collective gasp out of New England when Tom Brady was writhing in pain on the ground like a English Premier League soccer player? All of a sudden there was a spotlight shining on Ryan Mallett and Tim Tebow. Patriots fans saw their dreams of a championship season threatened because Brady might be injured and confidence is low in Mallett and Tebow. This is a quarterback-driven league. All three QB positions matter; they matter a great deal.

[URL]http://nicepickcowher.com/2013/08/15/steelers-third-string-qb-position-landry-jones-versus-john-parker-wilson/[/URL]

[hawaiiansteel]

Landry Jones will be the Steelers’ No.3 QB

AUGUST 17, 2013 BY MICHAEL RICHTER

The Steelers shocked many when they selected QB Landry Jones in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. I myself, was not particularly thrilled with the pick, but I was intrigued. That selection is starting to look the worst out of the entire Steelers’ 2013 draft class. But you can’t evaluate draft classes so very early. Landry Jones wasn’t very impressive in his first preseason game, and many media members have said Jones did not have a good training camp.

The Steelers may be left with a No.3 quarterback dilemma. John Parker Wilson has looked sharp in camp and on the playing field. I think it’s safe to say Bruce Gradkowski will be the team’s backup quarterback. But the Steelers could be facing a tough decision between JPW and Jones.

First off you have to ask: Are the Steelers willing to throw away their fourth draft choice? Honestly, I find that very hard to believe. Secondly, you have to ask: How exactly do the Steelers view Landry Jones? Quite frankly, I’m not sure how to answer that question. I don’t know if the Steelers see Jones as a possible starter years down the road or not. Likely, the Steelers see Landry Jones as a valuable backup that can learn under Roethlisberger.

I also have a hard time believing the Steelers are going to cut Jones because of him not having a great training camp. They didn’t bring Landry Jones in to be a starter; they didn’t even bring Jones in to be the backup. John Parker Wilson is playing very well, but ultimately, he’s playing for a job somewhere else. The Steelers have simply invested way too much into Landry Jones to give up on him in his rookie season.

And don’t think for a second the Steelers would be willing to keep 4 QBs on their 53 man roster. It’s nice to see John Parker Wilson perform the way he has, but in the end, he is just a “camp arm.”

Landry Jones will be the No.3 QB for the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers.

[URL]http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/landry_jones_will_the_steelers_no3_qb/14314652[/URL]

[Oviedo]

Landry Jones will be the Steelers’ No.3 QB

AUGUST 17, 2013 BY MICHAEL RICHTER

The Steelers shocked many when they selected QB Landry Jones in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. I myself, was not particularly thrilled with the pick, but I was intrigued. That selection is starting to look the worst out of the entire Steelers’ 2013 draft class. But you can’t evaluate draft classes so very early. Landry Jones wasn’t very impressive in his first preseason game, and many media members have said Jones did not have a good training camp.

The Steelers may be left with a No.3 quarterback dilemma. John Parker Wilson has looked sharp in camp and on the playing field. I think it’s safe to say Bruce Gradkowski will be the team’s backup quarterback. But the Steelers could be facing a tough decision between JPW and Jones.

First off you have to ask: Are the Steelers willing to throw away their fourth draft choice? Honestly, I find that very hard to believe. Secondly, you have to ask: How exactly do the Steelers view Landry Jones? Quite frankly, I’m not sure how to answer that question. I don’t know if the Steelers see Jones as a possible starter years down the road or not. Likely, the Steelers see Landry Jones as a valuable backup that can learn under Roethlisberger.

I also have a hard time believing the Steelers are going to cut Jones because of him not having a great training camp. They didn’t bring Landry Jones in to be a starter; they didn’t even bring Jones in to be the backup. John Parker Wilson is playing very well, but ultimately, he’s playing for a job somewhere else. The Steelers have simply invested way too much into Landry Jones to give up on him in his rookie season.

And don’t think for a second the Steelers would be willing to keep 4 QBs on their 53 man roster. It’s nice to see John Parker Wilson perform the way he has, but in the end, he is just a “camp arm.”

Landry Jones will be the No.3 QB for the 2013 Pittsburgh Steelers.

[URL]http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/landry_jones_will_the_steelers_no3_qb/14314652[/URL]

Totally agree with everything said. Jones was brought in as part of a longer term plan (yes the front office actually does that) and he was never envisioned to play a single down in 2013 or maybe even 2014.

IMO the plan with Jones has always been for him to watch and learn in 2013. If disaster strikes in 2013 and both Ben and Gradkowski go down the Steelers will find a journeyman QB out there to bring in. They won't rush Jones like many of the fans want to.

[DukieBoy]

Steelers Third-String QB Position: Landry Jones Versus John Parker Wilson

Aug 15th, 2013 by Lori Paddock



I have been thinking about this topic on and off since the draft, where I was surprised to see the Steelers pick up a QB in the fourth round. When camp started, I was hoping we would hear a little more about the capabilities (in an NFL-style setting) of Landry Jones and John Parker Wilson. Unlike some faithful fans, I’ve never been convinced that L. Jones was going to be an automatic fit to the NFL. I’m not denying he has talent and did well in college, so don’t read into this that I am going to slam Landry Jones.

Now that the Steelers are past their first preseason game and all four quarterbacks played, you can perhaps make some assessments about the quarterbacks. I’ve read several blogs who suggest some and they all make great points. Mike Dyce, at FanSided NFL; Ivan Cole, at Behind the Steel Curtain; Mark Marczi at Steelers Depot have some good takes.

Why should this even be discussed? Landry Jones was drafted and he has to be put on the active roster, right? Well, that’s one school of thought. I can see that perspective, but it doesn’t leave me comfortable. Being drafted doesn’t make L. Jones competent. Also, there really doesn’t seem to be enough information to evaluate one way or the other. Additionally, the Steelers’ track record of developing young QB talent when it is sitting at third string is suspect. The most recent example of Dennis Dixon comes to mind.

It’s the third string position, who cares? If Roethlisberger’s history has taught us anything, the back up positions matter. Bruce Gradkowski is second string and that doesn’t seem to be up for debate. He looked poised and controlled with his first time out with the Steelers. So what about L. Jones and John Parker Wilson? I’m not sure they have been seen in the best light since neither really get first-team reps or played with the first-team during Saturday’s game. However, from what I see, I’m not sure it will be an easy decision about who to keep at the 3rd QB position.

During the game, I didn’t get a feeling of confidence from L. Jones. I don’t know if it was the adreneline or the speed of play, but I thought L. Jones looked hesitant and somewhat confused. Maybe I was looking for that though because L. Jones got some unfavorable press before the game (see PPG article). Gerry Dulac stated that L. Jones had struggled during the first two weeks of camp and Tomlin was quoted:

[Jones has] done some good things, but, obviously, what he does in stadiums is really going to be the litmus of where he is”

Well, after the fumble from the collision with Baron Batch and the Giants’ safety, Landry Jones was trending on Twitter and NOT in a good way. I’m not sure he is going to get favorable press for a while; however, I don’t think it will live on as long as the butt fumble has.

On the other side, I thought Wilson looked stronger in the pocket I’m not saying that John Parker Wilson should be the choice either; however, he was getting a lot of positive “press” during camp before the Giants game. Again, maybe I was looking for that because of what I read. I saw at least two tweets from Mark Kaboly, of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, that Wilson looked good at QB and had a strong arm. James Wexell, who is a columnist for the Steel City Insider and writes for the Uniontown Herald, tweeted that Wilson looked terrible during spring OTAs but great during camp. None of that makes Wilson an obvious pick for the third position, but you have to think that the Steelers are factoring that into their decision.

So, what about the game stats? Landry Jones was in for four series and the only score was the safety for the Giants. He completed 5 out of 9 passes for 48 yards and he wasn’t sacked at all. I noticed that most of his passes were short passes, as if Haley was keeping a tight rein on him. John Parker Wilson was in for three series and was sacked FOUR times. FOUR! He completed 4 out of 5 passes for 35 yards and no score. While I’m sure you can’t divorce Wilson from all responsibility for the sacks he took, I saw defensive lineman just breaking through the line without much trouble, so I’m not sure Wilson got a fair look either. He also stuck to short passes and I wasn’t surprised by that.

What’s my conclusion? Good question. I’m not sure. First, I beg the Landry Jones fans to not take this personally. I’m not against him. I just don’t think he should be the automatic third string because he was drafted. But, why draft him if you aren’t going to keep him? Well, not everyone works out for the team that drafts him. So, my bottom line is, don’t decide on the third string just yet. I’d like to see more from both. I also don’t think that the Steelers should be wed to either one. The QB pool is a little deeper (for third-string positions) than tight ends I would think. Perhaps there should be some “out-of-the-box” thinking here. Second bottom line: Don’t think the third string quarterback position doesn’t matter. Did you hear the collective gasp out of New England when Tom Brady was writhing in pain on the ground like a English Premier League soccer player? All of a sudden there was a spotlight shining on Ryan Mallett and Tim Tebow. Patriots fans saw their dreams of a championship season threatened because Brady might be injured and confidence is low in Mallett and Tebow. This is a quarterback-driven league. All three QB positions matter; they matter a great deal.

[URL]http://nicepickcowher.com/2013/08/15/steelers-third-string-qb-position-landry-jones-versus-john-parker-wilson/[/URL]

In that pic, he looks like George Harrison. Hoping he throws better than George (Harrison, not Jeff).

[hawaiiansteel]

Another Jones impresses, too

Fourth-round pick Landry Jones, who has struggled in training camp, entered in the second half and led the Steelers to their first touchdown drive. Jones completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Derek Moye to complete an eight-play, 76-yard drive. It was the first touchdown the offense produced in the preseason.

"He did a good job, got his first touchdown and completed a lot of good passes," Roethlisberger said.

[URL]http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/steelers-notebook-injuries-force-dwyer-to-work-overtime-700037/#ixzz2cXJDoWtR[/URL]