Lionbackers.com

Matthew Cauz wrote an interesting column last week for cfl.ca on the eerily similar backgrounds of the most successful CFL quarterbacks. He wrote it in the context of the Johnny Manziel hype, but his point extends to Freeman. Ricky Ray was the only example cited of an American QB who had success in his first year in three-down football. Even Doug Flutie, with his past and future accomplishments, struggled in his first year in B.C.

The prototypical CFL quarterback is a former big star at a small, pass-oriented NCAA school. QBs with big FBS and NFL resumes, including Heisman Trophy winners, tend not to adjust well to the Canadian game. Vince Ferragamo, Andre Ware, Eric Crouch, Troy Smith and Vince Young are among a long line of big-name QBs who did not carry their success to the CFL.

CAUZ: HISTORY IS NOT ON JOHNNY MANZIEL’S SIDE

Very good article.

DanoT wrote: ↑

Mon Jan 15, 2018 9:29 pm

I think the QBs that have the best CFL careers are the ones with the talent but not the height and weight that the NFL is looking for. So, the ones with the least NFL experience are more likely not the big guys.

No one can convince me that Mike Reilly couldn't run an offense down south, plus he has the requisite size. However, he would never be taken seriously due to an unorthodox throwing motion (and why he bounced around NFL rosters). He kind of half-cocks his arm and sidewinds it.


DH