Weis Cop Out on Sharpley

[jonesman]

I just saw Irish Illustrated's lead article where Weiss is saying that Sharpley plays better in the games than he practices. Some guys are better when the pressure is on. But, I think this was a freaking cop-out by Charlie. It did not take a brain child to see the difference how the two QB's are performing on game day. Put the Jimmy dream on hold for a little while.

 

[johnnd05]

Jonesman, your Weis (one 's', btw)-hatred is hysterical. How is what he said a COP-OUT?!

Honestly it is hard to take anything you say seriously when all of it drips with this sort of hysteria.

 

[NDFan78]

There's a big difference in starting a game and coming in half way through. I agree that Sharpley should start next week but just because he looked good in the second half doesn't mean that he can put together a complete game that is any better than Clausen.

 

[goldenlid]

If the best guy plays than the team with Sharpley in clearly looks the better of the two, Sharpley should start just because of that. I don't kow but JC's arm does not look live. It has been said all year that guys on this team has roles well JC role has been to manage the game and Sharpley's role is to be the gunslinger. Play the man!!!!!!!!!

 

[Epitome]

I don't see it 11-29 completions is not good. They need to start Clausen and open up the offense from the get go. This will also open the run game.

 

[NDFan4Life]

I don't see it 11-29 completions is not good. They need to start Clausen and open up the offense from the get go. This will also open the run game.

If Jimmy is to remain the starter, Weis needs to give him some freedom to call plays at the line.

 

[Steve]

man, i can't wait till next year lol

 

[jonesman]

John,
Maybe I was a bit rash, but Weiss has some questions to start answering about his so called strategic advantage of his offensive mind. Go IRISH beat SC.

 

[NDFan4Life]

man, i can't wait till next year lol

Me neither.

This team will be phenomenal!

 

[stonebreakerwasgod]

We could all make an argument for either starter. You have to admit tho....in two games thus far, the offense has responded when ES has entered the game.
I say give ES a chance and see what he does for 4 quarters.

 

[NDFan4Life]

We could all make an argument for either starter. You have to admit tho....in two games thus far, the offense has responded when ES has entered the game.
I say give ES a chance and see what he does for 4 quarters.

I agree. What do we have to lose?

 

[johnnd05]

I don't see it 11-29 completions is not good. They need to start Clausen and open up the offense from the get go. This will also open the run game.

Nor is 7-20 with two picks. The team was down 20-0 with Clausen at the helm and up 14-7 (should have been at least 21-7, if not better) with Sharpley. Two of those incompletions came on his first two passes, and four in desperation on the final drive. He wasn't perfect, but he played well enough to nearly win the game, and the same certainly can't be said for JC.

Just like last week the right thing to do was to avoid controversy and leave Clausen in there, the thing to do this week is make Evan the #1 for the time being.

 

[Junkhead]

I thought the statement was weird. He doesn't start because he doesn't show as much in practice, but plays better in the game. Well the game is what matters!!!

 

[johnnd05]

I thought the statement was weird. He doesn't start because he doesn't show as much in practice, but plays better in the game. Well the game is what matters!!!

Well obviously practice counts for SOMETHING. Does anyone know more of the context in which that statement was made, aside from what's reported in the Rivals teaser (which isn't even a direct quote, btw)?

 

[kmoose]

Nor is 7-20 with two picks. The team was down 20-0 with Clausen at the helm and up 14-7 (should have been at least 21-7, if not better) with Sharpley. Two of those incompletions came on his first two passes, and four in desperation on the final drive. He wasn't perfect, but he played well enough to nearly win the game, and the same certainly can't be said for JC.

Just like last week the right thing to do was to avoid controversy and leave Clausen in there, the thing to do this week is make Evan the #1 for the time being.

John,

I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but I think that most agree that Sharpley earned the start against USC. But I think we are unwillingly to buy into the fact that it is an obvious decision, or that Charlie has been blockheaded for not seeing this earlier. Weis was right... he sees these two guys every day, while we see them once a week. Maybe Sharpley really doesn't throw the ball well at practice. Sharpley should have had at least two picks last night, as well. There were at least two balls that BC defenders just flat out dropped. He had Kamara open more than once, only to throw him balls that Manute Bol would have had a hard time going up and getting. The biggest advantage I see to playing Sharpley is that it appears to allow them to open up the playbook a little. I don't think Sharpley is going to suddenly make this team a complete team, though.

 

[johnnd05]

Nice post, KMoose. I think that Sharpley should definitely start, and I'm definitely not unwilling to say that Weis deserves some flack for having misjudged Clausen's abilities. But you're right: he DOES see more of them than we do, and how they perform in practice is an OBVIOUS factor in determining who should start. Moreover, as I said the last couple of weeks and I still think now, it just wasn't reasonable to sit Clausen after how he played against UCLA or Purdue. But the kid did not look AT ALL good yesterday, and I'll be SHOCKED if he starts against SC. That's no reason for Weis to throw him under the bus, though.

 

[kmoose]

Nice post, KMoose. I think that Sharpley should definitely start, and I'm definitely not unwilling to say that Weis deserves some flack for having misjudged Clausen's abilities. But you're right: he DOES see more of them than we do, and how they perform in practice is an OBVIOUS factor in determining who should start. Moreover, as I said the last couple of weeks and I still think now, it just wasn't reasonable to sit Clausen after how he played against UCLA or Purdue. But the kid did not look AT ALL good yesterday, and I'll be SHOCKED if he starts against SC. That's no reason for Weis to throw him under the bus, though.

In his post game presser, Weis mentioned that Clausen was dinged up. That's no excuse, but maybe it was a case of a Freshman "stretching the truth" a bit, when his coaches asked him how he felt, leading up to the game? As I have listened to Weis talk about the QBs, since the season started, I have always had the feeling he is talking about "the lesser of two evils", so to speak. I think he knows he doesn't have a good QB, right at this moment. I don't think he has misjudged Clausen's abilities. I think he knows very well that Clausen is limited in what he can do. But I think that Sharpley hasn't shown Weis enough in practice to supplant Clausen. Maybe he performs better under pressure? Maybe he is coming in with ND already behind, and defenses playing a little softer than when Clausen is in? Maybe he is lazy in practice, and Weis is trying to motivate him to take practice more seriously? Maybe Sharpley is a head case, and a disruption at practice? I've never seen any indication that he is any other than a normal guy, but do you honestly think any of his teammates would call him out in the media, if he was? I just don't know. I'm in Oregon, and can't watch practices. I see his production on the field, just like everyone else. But I know a guy who referees high school football in Southern California. This guy has a GREAT football mind, and is not prone to embellishing. He told me, back when, that he did a half dozen or so Clausen games, and that the kid is for real. Maybe Clausen tears it up at practice, and the coaches can't justify sitting him? I think they can now, but up until now..............?

 

[WaveDomer]

I would agree that Sharpley deserves to start next week. However, and I hope I'm reading this wrong, it seems like some are saying Clausen is not as advertised. Again, the guy is a freshman who is hounded on every snap. It's not like he's playing behind the Colt's O-Line out there. I didn't see a bunch of snaps out there where he had a lot of time. He did make some poor throws. Again, I don't count the first INT because of situation. I also thought he made some really great throws to areas where only his receiver could get it. I want to win as much as anyone on this board. Unfortunately, we have to deal with the reality that we are a team in development right now.

I will also say that I am mighty impressed with the attitudes on the team. You can just tell that Clausen is made of something from how he reacts. Imagine ripping it up for years in high school and then having a year like this year. How would a loser act? Clausen is not acting like a loser. He was pumped when Sharpley drove the team. He wants to win. I see the same from the other guys too. This team, if it stays intact, will be so mentally tough in a year. They fight like hell.

By the way, where can I get some of what "The Rocket" is taking?

 

[Epitome]

How on God's green earth has Charlie misjudged Clausen's abilities? Every one has seen the passes this kid threw in high school. When given an open offense he is unmatched with his accuracy. Therefore dubbed the 10 year prospect. Charlie needs to extent the same oppurtunities to Clausen as he has to Sharpley. Then and only then will we get better as a team. I love CW, but am really questioning what the hell he is doing.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I just saw Irish Illustrated's lead article where Weiss is saying that Sharpley plays better in the games than he practices. Some guys are better when the pressure is on. But, I think this was a freaking cop-out by Charlie. It did not take a brain child to see the difference how the two QB's are performing on game day. Put the Jimmy dream on hold for a little while.

Go look at the stats. The kids are even. Go look at the Purdue game...same stats...and during that game Sharpley got to face a Purdue Defense that had somewhat packed it in...they were barely playing.

Clausen needs to learn to throw quicker, Sharpley needs to learn to read a defense.

 

[kmoose]

Go look at the stats. The kids are even. Go look at the Purdue game...same stats...and during that game Sharpley got to face a Purdue Defense that had somewhat packed it in...they were barely playing.

Clausen needs to learn to throw quicker, Sharpley needs to learn to read a defense.

I think Sharpley probably reads defenses just fine. That's most likely why he is able to get the ball out so much faster than Clausen. What Sharpley is NOT, is accurate with his throws.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

I think Sharpley probably reads defenses just fine. That's most likely why he is able to get the ball out so much faster than Clausen. What Sharpley is NOT, is accurate with his throws.

Sharpley gets the ball out precisely because he CANNOT read a D. He throws into double and triple coverage all the time.

He knows exactly where the receiver is going to be and he chucks it there. He does not read the D to see if they are going to be smothering that guy.

If you have a video tape of Tivo of the game (or MSNBC actually)...go look at Sharpley's passes. He throws nice and hard, but there will be guys draped all over the receiver.

We all saw at least three passes that went through BC defender's hands yesterday...cause Sharpley barely reads, he just throws. He's a gunsligner. You have to pray he hits the mark though.

I am NOT saying that Clausen should start. I am trying to remind everyone that neither guy has played well and that the backup QB is always the favorite when things are going poorly.

 

[kmoose]

Sharpley gets the ball out precisely because he CANNOT read a D. He throws into double and triple coverage all the time.

He knows exactly where the receiver is going to be and he chucks it there. He does not read the D to see if they are going to be smothering that guy.

If you have a video tape of Tivo of the game (or MSNBC actually)...go look at Sharpley's passes. He throws nice and hard, but there will be guys draped all over the receiver.

We all saw at least three passes that went through BC defender's hands yesterday...cause Sharpley barely reads, he just throws. He's a gunsligner. You have to pray he hits the mark though.

I am NOT saying that Clausen should start. I am trying to remind everyone that neither guy has played well and that the backup QB is always the favorite when things are going poorly.

*nods* You don't have to convince me that the offense is not going to suddenly break out, with Sharpley under center.

 

[LOVEMYIRISH]

*nods* You don't have to convince me that the offense is not going to suddenly break out, with Sharpley under center.

I am cool with having him start at SC.

But I just hope people realize that instead of a flat offense where we are dying to see Golden Tate or Parris get some throws we are going to see them get thrown at...and then they are going to be chasing the INT down the field. It would be interesting to see someone on offense move up the chart for tackles made.

Clausen needs rest after all the beatings he has taken. And Sharpley needs more snaps so he can learn how to really read a D.

 

[NDsuperfan09]

Sharpley has deserved the start. After rewatching the game on TIVO it's ovious the team responds better to him, than JC. IMO Clausen hasn't recovered from the surgery he had, and he should probably sit the rest of the season. He has talent, I think thats fairly evident but he lacks arm strength right now whether that is because his arm is still recovering, or if it's because he has never had a strong arm. Sharpley's lively arm allows us to open up the offense, and be a little creative with the playcalling which allows us to move the ball. Whoever starts this week is in for an ass kicking physically because USC is going to be pumped to play us. If Clausen starts and Weis runs the same offense we have no shot in hell, if he starts Sharpley with the offense he ran in the 2nd half we will lose but we may score a TD or two but Sharps is also going to make some mistakes. If he allows Clausen to play with a more creative playbook we may move the ball a little better than in previous games with him but we will still struggle to score. Sharps should start the rest of the year but IMO the QB competition will run into next fall practice. If Sharps doesn't become more accurate, and Clausen's arm strength and ability to read defenses and make a decision doesn't improve we may see Dayne Crist starting next year.

 

[NDsuperfan09]

I am cool with having him start at SC.

But I just hope people realize that instead of a flat offense where we are dying to see Golden Tate or Parris get some throws we are going to see them get thrown at...and then they are going to be chasing the INT down the field. It would be interesting to see someone on offense move up the chart for tackles made.

Clausen needs rest after all the beatings he has taken. And Sharpley needs more snaps so he can learn how to really read a D.

Same here.


My take on Clausen, sit him unless it's necessary to play him. Have him the weight room, and rehabilitate his arm also have Charlie work with him on reading defenses. He can become the QB most of us thought he would if his arm gets stronger, and he learns how to read a defense. Sharpley also could take his spot if he learns to become more accurate. The 2nd staright offseason in which we will have a QB competition, not exactly a good thing but hopefully we cn find our QB for the future.

 

[johnnd05]

I would agree that Sharpley deserves to start next week. However, and I hope I'm reading this wrong, it seems like some are saying Clausen is not as advertised. Again, the guy is a freshman who is hounded on every snap. It's not like he's playing behind the Colt's O-Line out there. I didn't see a bunch of snaps out there where he had a lot of time. He did make some poor throws. Again, I don't count the first INT because of situation. I also thought he made some really great throws to areas where only his receiver could get it. I want to win as much as anyone on this board. Unfortunately, we have to deal with the reality that we are a team in development right now.

I will also say that I am mighty impressed with the attitudes on the team. You can just tell that Clausen is made of something from how he reacts. Imagine ripping it up for years in high school and then having a year like this year. How would a loser act? Clausen is not acting like a loser. He was pumped when Sharpley drove the team. He wants to win. I see the same from the other guys too. This team, if it stays intact, will be so mentally tough in a year. They fight like hell.

By the way, where can I get some of what "The Rocket" is taking?

I completely agree with this post. Clausen has taken it like a man each time he's been pulled from a game, unlike certain other individuals *cough*DemetriusJones*cough* *cough*MattLeinart*cough* - sorry I must be coming down with something. I've really been proud to watch the way he's handled himself through all of this.

How on God's green earth has Charlie misjudged Clausen's abilities? Every one has seen the passes this kid threw in high school. When given an open offense he is unmatched with his accuracy. Therefore dubbed the 10 year prospect. Charlie needs to extent the same oppurtunities to Clausen as he has to Sharpley. Then and only then will we get better as a team. I love CW, but am really questioning what the hell he is doing.

I just DON'T see how you can blame Weis for Clausen's woes. The kid was 7 of 20 yesterday, playing primarily a dink-and-dunk game. How do you think he would have looked any BETTER if he'd aired it out?

I thought JC's first two downfield passes looked very good, but the one that was intercepted near the end of the half was WAY underthrown; if he'd gotten it where it needed to be, Kamara could have picked up some major yardage.

LMI, I agree with you that there are risks with Sharpley in there. But based on yesterday I think that he's both (1) the QB who gives us the best shot to win, and (2) the best choice if Weis wants to avoid controversy. Like I said the past couple of weeks when I was arguing to keep JC in, I think that latter consideration is a pretty big one.

The team is 1-6; give Evan a real shot and see what he can do.

 

[johnnd05]

Here's what Weis said today, via Ben Ford:

Weis undecided on QB
Posted: October 14, 2007 01:47 PM

Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said Sunday he hasn't decided whether Jimmy Clausen or Evan Sharpley will be the team's quarterback next week against USC.

"I'll let you know on Tuesday," Weis said.

Weis said he hasn't watched the game with the offensive coaching staff yet and will make his decision after doing that. But so far this season, Clausen has outplayed Sharpley and has earned the starting job.

"Trust me, if I felt, together with Ron (Powlus) and Michael (Haywood) and the rest of the offensive staff, that Evan was the best, Evan would be playing, because I really don't care who plays," Weis said. "I just want whoever gives us the best chance of winning. It's closer. Every week it's closer, and who knows? I don't know what I'm going to tell you on Tuesday, but I still have some work to be done."

Weis scoffed when it was suggested he was obligated to play Clausen simply because Clausen is a high-profile player.

"I could care less, I promise you," Weis said. "May God strike me dead — I could care less."

 

[loomis41973]

I dont really see all the calls for Evan to start. If he was that much better than Jimmy he would be the starter. He is wildly inaccurate. This season is a wash anyway....lets take our lumps with Jimmy and see if we can build on that for next year.

 

[Timugen]

I dont really see all the calls for Evan to start. If he was that much better than Jimmy he would be the starter. He is wildly inaccurate. This season is a wash anyway....lets take our lumps with Jimmy and see if we can build on that for next year.

In all fairness, Clausen has been "wildly inaccurate" many times when the pass has been longer than 5-10 yards.