New Ground for Tommy Rees

[TDHeysus]

Tommy has started games before, but he was never 'the starter'; he was the backup that was filling in for the starter. He could really do no wrong because he was the 'guy filling in' and anything that Tommy produced was a positive. Very little pressure on Tommy last year...

Now Tommy is the starter, he is now thee guy that will need to produce. If you remember when Rees and Montana began to make mistakes in the Michigan game, BK didnt criticise them (on-field) as he did Dayne Crist (the starter). Partially because they were not prepared, but also because they were not the starter.

Does BK now treat Tommy differently because he is the starter? (no more mr nice guy)

How does Tommy react?

 

[DomerInHappyValley]

I think Tommy's biggest strength is preparation.
He's a kid that has been breaking down film according to him since he was 11 years old.
Coach said it best the game just comes easy to him.

 

[ulukinatme]

Tommy is going to shoulder a little more criticism now since he's the official starter, at least for Michigan, but I think he'll handle it well. I can't think of another freshman that has come in and performed like he has, and he has only improved since last year. He's still young, but theres potential to continue to grow, and thats what I like. Think about it this way...when Lynch and company are Sophomores and Juniors, Rees will be an upperclassman, hopefully leading an established offense. That could be a very good couple years.

 

[kmoose]

Tommy has started games before, but he was never 'the starter'; he was the backup that was filling in for the starter. He could really do no wrong because he was the 'guy filling in' and anything that Tommy produced was a positive. Very little pressure on Tommy last year...

Now Tommy is the starter, he is now thee guy that will need to produce. If you remember when Rees and Montana began to make mistakes in the Michigan game, BK didnt criticise them (on-field) as he did Dayne Crist (the starter). Partially because they were not prepared, but also because they were not the starter.

Does BK now treat Tommy differently because he is the starter? (no more mr nice guy)

How does Tommy react?

Yeah, true freshmen starting against USC in the Coliseum? No sweat!! True Freshman starting a bowl game? Not a worry.

There is never "very little pressure" on the QB that is playing, at Notre Dame.

 

[ulukinatme]

Yeah, true freshmen starting against USC in the Coliseum? No sweat!! True Freshman starting a bowl game? Not a worry.

There is never "very little pressure" on the QB that is playing, at Notre Dame.

I gotta agree, and Tommy looked pretty cool in those situations. The good thing is he has a short memory, which you need at QB. If you make a mistake you just have to try and correct it and move on the next series. QBs that get gunshy after a bad INT don't produce points, they just hamper their offense.

 

[DomeX2 eNVy]

I think he loves the big stage. As well documented, he started in ND stadium, Yankee stadium, the LA Coliseum, and then the Sun Bowl. Now he gets another classic venue . . . the Big House and around 110,000 people.
I'm not worried - he'll be ready and step up to add another big notch to his belt.

 

[MacIrish75]

His biggest ability seems to be able to "move on" after a mistake or a teammates misstep during a game. It sort of reminds me of Brett Favre. We all know Favre threw his share of picks, but he always came out ready to sling it on the next drive, showing no fear, no trepidation, and no mercy. The other 10 guys in the huddle knew he was ready to go and ready to move on.

Tommy seems to have this "moxie." He's developing the tools, but from a standpoint of mindset, he seems beyond his years as a true sophomore. That's how he differs from Dayne. Dayne comes out and if everything goes right, he's just fine. But, after his first mistake, you can see that its in his mind for a good while afterward. It impacts his ability to lead and get all 11 offensive guys on the same page. Just like with cattle, all it takes is one to panic to set off a stampede.

 

[HereComeTheIrish]

Yeah, true freshmen starting against USC in the Coliseum? No sweat!! True Freshman starting a bowl game? Not a worry.

There is never "very little pressure" on the QB that is playing, at Notre Dame.

Well said.

 

[TDHeysus]

Yeah, true freshmen starting against USC in the Coliseum? No sweat!! True Freshman starting a bowl game? Not a worry.

There is never "very little pressure" on the QB that is playing, at Notre Dame.

I didnt say there was no pressure playing QB at ND. I said there was little pressure on Tommy last year. Because even if he had failed it would not been held against him. Because he was only a freshman, and not the starter.

the pressure you speak of, is a given.

 

[irishtrinity]

i tell you this tommy is big time, he played and won in the hardest games for us and huge stages... i really think tommy has the skill to take us bowling.... ND/USC/YANKEE STADIUM/SUN BOWL/BIG HOUSE... go tommy help us beat Michigan..

 

[alohagoirish]

IMHO fella's , the pressure this week will be on a fairly pourous michigan defense. That pressure will be applied by the passing of Tommy Rees and the play of WOOD/FLOYD/EIFERT. This weeks game will put a smile on that frown we all developed after last week.

 

[irishff1014]

Not to mention that he played for his dad. I know it wasn't at the college level but if any has ever had your dad coach your team you know what i am talking about. Your dad always harder on you and laways counts on you. Its like no matter what sometimes you can'twin at all. So i have a feeling him dealing with Coach Kelly isn't that bad.

 

[irishfan]

Thought Rees was the next Lovecchio going into this year, but I was really impressed with him Saturday. Like many have said, he probably wont be the QB that can single-handedly win you a game (Quinn/Clausen) but he can definitely be one who will never lose you one. I'm really excited to see how he progresses this year.

 

[DuffHouse12]

why don't we just have a QB/Prediction/Uniform MEGA THREAD TO END ALL THREADS... haha.

 

[mgriff]

He's the son of a coach, he's been around it his whole life in a different capacity than most other football players in the country. It shows when he is on the field, he's pretty cool and goes through his reads. I'm not saying he's an All-American, but he can do the job in BK's offense, that much he's proven. Consistency is where we'll have to evaluate.

 

[phgreek]

Tommy has started games before, but he was never 'the starter'; he was the backup that was filling in for the starter. He could really do no wrong because he was the 'guy filling in' and anything that Tommy produced was a positive. Very little pressure on Tommy last year...

Now Tommy is the starter, he is now thee guy that will need to produce. If you remember when Rees and Montana began to make mistakes in the Michigan game, BK didnt criticise them (on-field) as he did Dayne Crist (the starter). Partially because they were not prepared, but also because they were not the starter.

Does BK now treat Tommy differently because he is the starter? (no more mr nice guy)

How does Tommy react?

...some part of this will likely be the case, in that Tommy will make mistakes, and he will not get the frown, and arm-around-the-neck lecture...he'll get the the full frontal BK WTF are you doing explosion.

I'm thinking, like most younger siblings, he's already thought through the scenario, having seen big brother Dayne get eaten...he already knows its coming, and is prepared mentally for it. I think Tommy takes his medicine, and keeps doing the un-emotional, grounded Tommy thing...oh yea, and he keeps winning...

 

[tankjeep]

Tommy has started games before, but he was never 'the starter'; he was the backup that was filling in for the starter. He could really do no wrong because he was the 'guy filling in' and anything that Tommy produced was a positive. Very little pressure on Tommy last year...

Now Tommy is the starter, he is now thee guy that will need to produce. If you remember when Rees and Montana began to make mistakes in the Michigan game, BK didnt criticise them (on-field) as he did Dayne Crist (the starter). Partially because they were not prepared, but also because they were not the starter.

Does BK now treat Tommy differently because he is the starter? (no more mr nice guy)

How does Tommy react?

did you not watch the last game? tommy took some heat from bk after throwing the 2nd INT. also, when TJ messed up by not looking toward the qb with the ball bouncing off his helmet....bk went off on TJ. who was there trying to settle his head coach down? tommy. it looked as if he was trying to say that the play was his fault.

to me that shows a great amount of leadership. i think rees will do just fine in "the starter" role. every time that bk's been on him, he's been right there toe to toe with his head coach.

 

[ndfi78]

Thought Rees was the next Lovecchio going into this year, but I was really impressed with him Saturday. Like many have said, he probably wont be the QB that can single-handedly win you a game (Quinn/Clausen) but he can definitely be one who will never lose you one. I'm really excited to see how he progresses this year.

I'm going to cry foul here, Rees can and will single-handedly win us games. He almost did it on Saturday in case you forgot

 

[josejose4482]

I think BK has a little bit of favoritism towards Rees than with Crist. What I mean, is that Rees was "his recruit" while Crist was Weis' guy. Makes me think that BK is not too harsh on Rees.

Rees really won me over yesterday. I was watching footage from the USF game and on the INT (pass to TJ), after the scolding BK gave TJ, Rees went up to BK and signaled to him "it was my fault" (Rees pointed to his chest).

One comparison that I've made ever since last year, is that Rees reminds me a lot of Colt McCoy. Remember Colt came in as a freshman and sophmore year, really turned it up and lead the longhorns to really great seasons.

 

[goldandblue]

Thought Rees was the next Lovecchio going into this year, but I was really impressed with him Saturday. Like many have said, he probably wont be the QB that can single-handedly win you a game (Quinn/Clausen) but he can definitely be one who will never lose you one. I'm really excited to see how he progresses this year.

Why do you say or even anyone say this? Oh yeah... He was only a 3 star recruit and isn't 6'5" and 230....

Has anyone really went to look how Tommy Rees compares to say a Brady Quinn or a Jimmy Clausen???

Here is you some food for thought.

Rees 24-34 for 296 with 2 interceptions this past game. As well as 70.59% pass completion. One of those interceptions we all know was not entirely his fault which I know can be argued either way. Now keep in mind... This is in ONE HALF of a football game... With a defense that could be certain to defend the pass and operate in particular formations or schemes to defend it...

Let's take a deeper look....

Tommy Rees Career Statistics

2010
CMP - 100
ATT - 164
YDS - 1106
CMP% - 61
YPA - 6.74
LNG - 36
TD - 12
INT - 8
RAT - 132.0
2011
CMP - 24
ATT - 34
YDS - 296
CMP% - 70.6
YPA - 8.71
LNG - 37
TD - 2
INT - 2
RAT - 151.4



Brady Quinn First two seasons

2004
CMP - 191
ATT - 353
YDS - 2586
CMP% - 54.1
YPA - 7.3
LNG - 54
TD - 17
INT - 10
RAT - 125.9
2005
CMP - 292
ATT - 450
YDS - 3919
CMP% - 64.9
YPA - 8.7
LNG - 80
TD - 32
INT - 7
RAT - 158.4

Jimmy Clausen First Two Seasons
Season
2007
CMP - 138
ATT - 245
YDS - 1254
CMP% - 56.3
YPA - 5.1
LNG - 44
TD - 7
INT - 6
RAT - 103.8
2008
CMP - 268
ATT - 440
YDS - 3172
CMP% - 60.9
YPA - 7.2
LNG - 69
TD - 25
INT - 17
RAT - 132.5

Clausen and Quinn have been some of the most successful passing quarterbacks in Irish History. So what do these stats tell us? According to first year alone, Rees is on par or greater than two of the most prolific passers Notre Dame has ever seen. Rees just has it. He may not be the highest rated guy on the roster. He may not have all the physical tools deemed necessary to be considered even having a chance to be a great quarterback. What about Joe Montana? 6'2" 205 lbs? How about Doug Flutie? Neither of these guys were what you would consider an amazing physical specimen. But they had it. They could make it happen on the field. Almost as if they possessed some greater quality that overcame the lack of physical superiority.

I for one am glad Tommy Rees has been chosen by the ND staff to lead our team. Anyone who thinks that he's not strong enough, fast enough, smart enough, etc to lead this team to victory should think about some of the Joe Montanas, Doug Fluties, Muggsy Bogues', and Wayne Chrebets of the world.

Go Tommy Rees! Lead us to victory!

 

[GoldenDomer2357]

Good comparison with McCoy. I think that Rees is indeed our guy. Watching the second half of the game this past Saturday, I felt as though our offense played with more poise and fluidity. We were much more efficient and played with a quickness I didn't see in the first half. Now I could simply be feeling this was because we passed the ball a lot more the second half and completed more passes, resulting in this feeling of moving the ball more properly. Whatever the case, I just felt more confident when the ball was in Rees's hands. He has no problem finding the playmaker Floyd. As BK said in the press conference, he may turn to Floyd too much at times, but I'm ok with this. If you are in a jam you throw the ball away or leave it to your playmaker to make a huge play. Rees has control over the mental aspects of the game that Crist seemingly has little control over. Where Crist understands the offense and can process the play call in an efficient way, he lacks decisiveness on the field. Rees almost seems to have ice water in his veins, and makes decisions quickly. It is one thing to understand and process and a completely different to decide and execute, which I feel Rees has done a better job of doing when he was given the opportunity.

 

[ndfi78]

That is completely it GoldenDomer2357, his new name is Tommy "Ice Water" Rees.

 

[GoldenDomer2357]

That name has a nice ring to it. Let's hope it sticks throughout the season.

 

[aubeirish]

Tommy wasn't BK's recruit, he was Charlie's. I'm not so sure that BK would have recruited Tommy if he had a full year to recruit that year. But, i'm certain he's glad he has him now.

 

[phgreek]

Why do you say or even anyone say this? Oh yeah... He was only a 3 star recruit and isn't 6'5" and 230....

Has anyone really went to look how Tommy Rees compares to say a Brady Quinn or a Jimmy Clausen???

Here is you some food for thought.

Rees 24-34 for 296 with 2 interceptions this past game. As well as 70.59% pass completion. One of those interceptions we all know was not entirely his fault which I know can be argued either way. Now keep in mind... This is in ONE HALF of a football game... With a defense that could be certain to defend the pass and operate in particular formations or schemes to defend it...

Let's take a deeper look....

Tommy Rees Career Statistics

2010
CMP - 100
ATT - 164
YDS - 1106
CMP% - 61
YPA - 6.74
LNG - 36
TD - 12
INT - 8
RAT - 132.0
2011
CMP - 24
ATT - 34
YDS - 296
CMP% - 70.6
YPA - 8.71
LNG - 37
TD - 2
INT - 2
RAT - 151.4



Brady Quinn First two seasons

2004
CMP - 191
ATT - 353
YDS - 2586
CMP% - 54.1
YPA - 7.3
LNG - 54
TD - 17
INT - 10
RAT - 125.9
2005
CMP - 292
ATT - 450
YDS - 3919
CMP% - 64.9
YPA - 8.7
LNG - 80
TD - 32
INT - 7
RAT - 158.4

Jimmy Clausen First Two Seasons
Season
2007
CMP - 138
ATT - 245
YDS - 1254
CMP% - 56.3
YPA - 5.1
LNG - 44
TD - 7
INT - 6
RAT - 103.8
2008
CMP - 268
ATT - 440
YDS - 3172
CMP% - 60.9
YPA - 7.2
LNG - 69
TD - 25
INT - 17
RAT - 132.5

Clausen and Quinn have been some of the most successful passing quarterbacks in Irish History. So what do these stats tell us? According to first year alone, Rees is on par or greater than two of the most prolific passers Notre Dame has ever seen. Rees just has it. He may not be the highest rated guy on the roster. He may not have all the physical tools deemed necessary to be considered even having a chance to be a great quarterback. What about Joe Montana? 6'2" 205 lbs? How about Doug Flutie? Neither of these guys were what you would consider an amazing physical specimen. But they had it. They could make it happen on the field. Almost as if they possessed some greater quality that overcame the lack of physical superiority.

I for one am glad Tommy Rees has been chosen by the ND staff to lead our team. Anyone who thinks that he's not strong enough, fast enough, smart enough, etc to lead this team to victory should think about some of the Joe Montanas, Doug Fluties, Muggsy Bogues', and Wayne Chrebets of the world.

Go Tommy Rees! Lead us to victory!

not disagreeing with you necessarily...but Tommy has had Floyd...Quinn didn't have shark until '05, Clausen didn't have Tate until '08 and really '09...and by that I mean Shark and Tate as fully developed, mature receivers. So their first two years may not be apples to apples here...to be fair.

Now do I think Tommy is way more than he gets credit for...heck yea. Kid is a gamer. Do I think he can do great things...lets put it this way, he has a QB brain...he has the QB demeanor, and he has shown he can, and is willing to work on the physical stuff, and make big improvements. With the emergence of Wood, and the (hopefully) improved play of Eifert, Jones, and Riddick, he could be the most successful QB to leave ND since the Holtz era.

 

[JDAtlanta]

I admit I am a Crist "guy"

I admit I am a Crist "guy"

But, you would have to be blind, not to see Rees is a talented, easily underestimated, QB. He does one thing really well. He just wins. He's that guy in a pick up basketball game that can't run, can't jump, but stays on the court. I am glad he's on our side. i.e...See Kellen Moore.

 

[General Colon Bowel]

Do y'all remember Todd Reesing who played for Kansas a couple years back? He was short and didn't have a great arm and he certainly didn't look like the typical big-time qb. That's who Tommy reminds me of. He's not the perfect qb and he makes his mistakes, but he WILL put the team on his back and win us a game if he needs too. I think he nearly proved that on Saturday.

 

[josejose4482]

That is completely it GoldenDomer2357, his new name is Tommy "Ice Water" Rees.

Saturday...I was calling him Tommy "the Machine Gun" Rees ..LOL

 

[ToledoGoIrish]

he might lack the huge arm or nimble legs but the one thing he does SEEM to have is composure. I (as well im sure all of you) would like to believe he reacts well and can get it done.

 

[ulukinatme]

Saturday...I was calling him Tommy "the Machine Gun" Rees ..LOL

I don't think we should be bringing up Rocky 5 references when referring to our starting QB, that could be bad