Fixing The O-Line Will Not Solve Much

[brownfish]

It's less about protecting the QB and more about opening holes in the line so that defenses have to guess run or pass...if we can't open holes for a backs what's the point of even having a running back. Very few if any have the speed needed to get to the corner and turn 5 - 6 yards up field.

Packers have amazing recievers and a stronger running game(ryan grant and james starks both averaged above 4.0 yds during reg season)

Cowboys have good recievers and decent backs

Steelers have good recievers and a strong running attack

Houston and 49ers....running game pushed them into contention with a strong line that could open holes.

I agree that I would rather take a Hall of Fame QB over a Hall of fame offensive tackle

I would take Rogers over Thomas any day

I'll agree that the line should not take most of the blame but if there is a weak link in the line it destroys the QBs chances, it destroys the RBs chances and it destroys the ability for recievers to finish their routes...I also would rather look at hurries then sacks...many more INT are created do to hurries then do to sacks.

Colt may not be the answer...but he sure is not the problem

[The Cysko Kid]

Oh shit, its ghoolie and rich's lost triplet.

[The Cysko Kid]

I've yet to see anyone pushing for o-line with any top picks

[WebsterSlaughter]

@brownfish said:

It's less about protecting the QB and more about opening holes in the line so that defenses have to guess run or pass...if we can't open holes for a backs what's the point of even having a running back. Very few if any have the speed needed to get to the corner and turn 5 - 6 yards up field.

Packers have amazing recievers and a strong running game

Cowboys have good recievers and decent backs

Steelers have good recievers and a strong running attack

Houston and 49ers....running game pushed them into contention with a strong line that could open holes.

I agree that I would rather take a Hall of Fame QB over a Hall of fame offensive tackle

I would take Rogers over Thomas any day

I'll agree that the line should not take most of the blame but if there is a weak link in the line it destroys the QBs chances, it destroys the RBs chances and it destroys the ability for recievers to finish their routes...I also would rather look at hurries then sacks...many more INT are created do to hurries then do to sacks.

Colt may not be the answer...but he sure is not the problem

Good post. But if you think the Packers have a strong running game than so do the Browns. The Packers are ranked 27th overall and the Browns are ranked 28th. AVG is almost identical 3.7 of the Browns and 3.9 for the Pack. I agree with you though. I would take Rodgers over Thomas any day.

[jnuh]

@the-cysko-kid said:

I've yet to see anyone pushing for o-line with any top picks

Exactly. People who aren't pushing for RGIII want to either add more talent to a very good defensive foundation or they want to add playmakers on offense (WR's and RB's)

I personally think adding some playmakers on the outside would help keep defenses honest and will help the offensive line because defenses won't be able to rush 7 or 8 guys and just simply out man our O-line.

It will be nice to have someone lining up on the outside for the Browns that would have to keep the safeties back ... Desean Jackson, anyone??

[hoorta]

@the-cysko-kid said:

I've yet to see anyone pushing for o-line with any top picks

You can get a quality RT in the third round. Pashos needs to be replaced.

[PoeticG]

Stats do not always tell the whole story. While we had just as many sack allowed as the Packers, Cowboys and Steelers, we most likely had many-many more QB pressures and hits on our QB. Rushed passes and collapsing pockets keep QBs uncomfortable. If Colt was a lesser QB or didn't make as many QB escapes as he did, our sacks allowed numbers would be through the roof. I can't remember how many times Colt pulled a Houdini and got away from instant death. He was constantly pummeled after his passes and rushed into throwing into poor passing lanes resulting in batted balls and tipped passes... There are no accurate stats that tell those stories. When your best running back wasn't even on an NFL roster the week prior and your RT is a milkman, it's going to put more than just pressure on your QB(not to mention your teammates leading the NFL in dropped passes).

Everyone that's been dogging Colt is going to eat crow next season. People have been really mean and unsupportive of young Colt McCoy. The poor kid didn't ask to come to the mess that is Cleveland. This position that he's in must be the single toughest position in the entire NFL- Browns Quarterback. I've been watching the Browns for 14 years and it's easily the most suicidal job you could have. All the kid has ever known is winning on all levels imaginable, he's a fierce competitor and all he wants to do is win... then he's forced to come here- AND ALL HE WANTS IS TO MAKE US WINNERS! He never gets a break, he plays in the very toughest division in football, period. No quarterback could have come in here and done better, NONE.

Is Colt giving up? Hell no, he's a warrior. I support Colt and it's goddamn time we support him with an offense that is capable of success instead of set up for failure. While I don't think it will be easy- next season I do believe that we will blossom into a winning team and make the playoffs with Colt McCoy under center.

We've got a lot of pieces that are primed to break out next season on offense as well as defense.

1)Most would agree that Jason Pinkston has been pretty good for a late rounder, I think he continues to get better under the tutelage of our OL.

2)Greg Little is coming off his first season in two years, one in which he LEAD ALL rookies in catches last year. He's in a position to explode into a playmaker.

3)Owen Marecic- he can't possibly do worse and that in itself is a positive.

4)The next is what I personally feel is the Browns "secret weapon" on offense, Jordan Cameron. This kid is really gonna be special- better than even Gresham in my opinion. I don't have stats or any evidence for my conclusion but I've just KNOWN it from the first time I saw the kid at the NFL combine. What's even better is that he was able to sit and learn, take notes and be groomed last season by three established veterans. When they hand the kid the reigns this year he's going to explode in the Kellen Winslow/Vernon Davis stratosphere.

5)Colt McCoy himself will be much improved from what we've seen from him. He's come into each of his first two NFL seasons in discord and confusion. New offenses, new schemes and new coaches each year don't make the transition easier but what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. He was almost killed- he WILL be that much stronger, he's going to have a massive chip on his shoulder and I don't think that he will let Pittsburgh beat him again. The kid is a winner and it's time that he finds his inner strength and comes out of his shell this year. He will win.

On Defense we have a bunch of Studs and we'll continue to build up our defense. Right now we have a fortified Keep- soon however we WILL have an impenetrable fortress. There are a lot of guys that are on the verge of becoming great... Haden, Ward, Sheard, Taylor, Rubin, DQ and Skrine. That's 7 we just need 4 more guys and it's an All-Pro Defense. Bump Sheldon to Safety and he'll join that group there. Draft Minnifield and you've got Haden, Minnifield and Skrine across the board with Sheldon and Ward protecting their backs. Our front four is almost dominating save for one guy and our LBs need one more playmaker... someone Defenses really fear and they too will be set.

It may seem like we need a lot but we were in a lot of games and we are young. This season we turn the corner and never look back. Stay strong Brownies- it's coming.

[WebsterSlaughter]

Sorry PoeticG. Colt was drafted in the 3rd round for a reason. He has the same numbers as Charlie Frye, another 3rd round great. Colt has never even shown flashes of elite talent. The chances of him leading the Browns to the Super Bowl are the same as me becoming President of the United States. He is inaccurate on deep throws and makes poor reads. That has nothing to do with the talent around him. Teams are moving their safeties up to the LOS because they know that Colt McCoy will not throw deep. Besides his breakout game against New England and a loss to the Bengals in 2010 he has been terrible. Everyone can see it except for Browns fans who are comfortable with mediocrity and are afraid to take a chance to succeed. Repeated losing really damages fans emotionally.

[c-dawg]

@websterslaughter said:

Sorry PoeticG. Colt was drafted in the 3rd round for a reason.

C'mon. Really?

Tom Brady - 6th Round.

Joe Montana - 3rd Round.

Checkmate.

Next!

[WebsterSlaughter]

c-dawg said:

C'mon. Really?

Tom Brady - 6th Round.

Joe Montana - 3rd Round.

Checkmate.

Next!

They are exceptions. Over 50% of all Super Bowls have been won by first rounders. Sorry.

[WebsterSlaughter]

An overwhelming 82.6 percent of all Super Bowls (38 of 46) have included at least one first-round starting quarterback. That includes the past nine in a row, indicative of the position only growing in importance and as a factor in reaching this game.

In nearly one in four SBs (11 of 46, or 23.9 percent), both QBs were 1R-pedigreed.

First-round draftees in fact account for more than half of all Super Bowl starting quarterbacks — 49 of 92, or 53.3 percent.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/05/2625171_p2/first-round-quarterbacks-have.html#storylink=cpy

[PoeticG]

...so half were first rounders and the other half weren't... 50/50 huh? I'll take my chances with Colt. He's a Stud.

[hoorta]

@websterslaughter said:

Sorry PoeticG. Colt was drafted in the 3rd round for a reason. He has the same numbers as Charlie Frye, another 3rd round great. Colt has never even shown flashes of elite talent. The chances of him leading the Browns to the Super Bowl are the same as me becoming President of the United States. He is inaccurate on deep throws and makes poor reads. That has nothing to do with the talent around him. Teams are moving their safeties up to the LOS because they know that Colt McCoy will not throw deep. Besides his breakout game against New England and a loss to the Bengals in 2010 he has been terrible. Everyone can see it except for Browns fans who are comfortable with mediocrity and are afraid to take a chance to succeed. Repeated losing really damages fans emotionally.

I'm not going to jump on the bash Colt bandwagon yet- but guys who know more about football than I do certainly are in concurrence Colt has limitations he will never be able to overcome. Like his deep passes lack zip, he's slow going through his progressions, and move him off his spot, he's lost. Maybe he can be adequate if everything around him is perfect- but in the NFL it rarely is.

I will say this- recent history in the NFL says you don't get to multiple Super Bowls with just an "adequate" QB running the show.

I'll let H&H make the decision- if they've determined Colt isn't the long term answer- we don't have much choice but to go after RGIII- even if that means giving up the other first round pick. (Man, I hate to do that.) They have to be right Griffin IS the long term answer, or this franchise is screwed for another three years.

If we move up to #2, the Atlanta trade really doesn't look that bad- Julio Jones for Phil Taylor, Greg Little, Marecic, and RGIII.

[Kosar_For_President]

2 words, Don Strock.

[cdl15]

@websterslaughter said:

An overwhelming 82.6 percent of all Super Bowls (38 of 46) have included at least one first-round starting quarterback. That includes the past nine in a row, indicative of the position only growing in importance and as a factor in reaching this game.

In nearly one in four SBs (11 of 46, or 23.9 percent), both QBs were 1R-pedigreed.

First-round draftees in fact account for more than half of all Super Bowl starting quarterbacks — 49 of 92, or 53.3 percent.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/02/05/2625171_p2/first-round-quarterbacks-have.html#storylink=cpy

So if what your saying is true about first round qbs, why cant we wait till next year to sell out for Matt Barkley. If hed been in this years draft I really dont think wed be having an RG3 discussion. HE IS BETTER SORRY RG3 HOMERS.

Trade down get more pieces to the damaged puzzle, more draft picks (012 @ 013) and set yourself up like you did this year.

Never ever bring a high first rounder to a struggling franchise like the browns. We've seen that mistake time and time again not just by us but other franchises. One more year of Solid cant miss picks, a few nice free agent pickups and we should be ready to sell high quality draft picks for a True Franchise type QB Barkley not flash in the pan guys like Rg3.

BTW if Barkley would have come out youd probly be in position to draft him or luck. Not RG3 in the 4 hole, and I will quit watching if we move up to grab "Flash Griffin". U gonna move up to grab his dumb azz you better move all the way and get the only A qb in the draft.

[miktoxic]

@websterslaughter said:

I continue to hear many misguided Browns fans say

so every fan that doesn't agree with websterslaughter is a poor misguided fool.

@websterslaughter said:

And by the way, Colt McCoy is not a good player and probably never will be.

fuckin Retarded. he's done nothing but win since his h.s. football days. what a flamer for RG3 you Retards are. do you know how to read. then read this(sorry it's so long but i know some people don't like links):

Colt McCoy

He attended Jim Ned High School in Tuscola, Texas,[19] population 714,[18] where he was coached in football by his father, Brad McCoy. He achieved several distinctions as a high school player, including two-time Associated Press 2A Offensive MVP and First-team All-state selection.[19] Over his career, he completed 536-of-849 passes (63.1%) for 9,344 yards[20] and 116 TDs.[19] He ranks as the all-time leading passer in Texas Division 2A high school history and is fourth overall in Texas high school history.[21] McCoy also served as Jim Ned High School's punter as a junior and senior.[22] During his sophomore year, McCoy was also playing free safety. However, after he suffered a concussion on a tackle by 215-pound Bangs High School running back Jack Tripper (not to be confused with the Houston Texans wide receiver of the same name, nor with the character from the TV show Three's Company), his father decided not to let him play defense anymore. At the time Jim Ned was 8–0, but as McCoy missed the next two games due to the concussion, Jim Ned's season unraveled.[23] McCoy also played in the 2003 Texas 2A State Championship against the San Augustine Wolves. Jim Ned lost 28–7.

College career

2005 season

As a freshman, he was given a redshirt year so he did not play during the team's 2005 national championship season. He served as the quarterback for the scout team in practice against the starting defense. During this time, he was officially listed as the number three quarterback behind Vince Young and Matt Nordgren. Instead of Colt, Brown chose to play Matt Nordgren[24] in four separate game situations where Texas had a commanding lead. This led to confusion on the parts of many sportscasters, as they would mistakenly refer to Nordgren as Matt McCoy whenever Matt would enter a game since Colt was third on the depth chart.[25] With Young forgoing his senior year to enter the NFL, and with Nordgren graduating, the position of starting quarterback for the defending National Champion Texas Longhorns fell to Colt McCoy for the 2006 football season after he won the job over true freshman Jevan Snead.[26]

[edit] 2006 season

McCoy hands off to Jamaal Charles vs. Ohio State

2006 season was the year for Colt McCoy as he finally became the starter for the University of Texas.In the season opener on September 2, 2006, he led the Longhorns to a 56–7 victory over North Texas, throwing three touchdown passes, rushing one yard for a touchdown, and throwing no interceptions. He was 12-19 in passing, and ran for 27 yards to help set up a touchdown. During the game, McCoy threw a 60 yard touchdown pass on only his second pass as a college quarterback. He was the first Texas freshman quarterback to start and win a season-opening game since Bobby Layne in 1944.[18] The next week, the Longhorns faced #1 Ohio State at home. McCoy went 19-32, 156 yards, one TD, and one INT while rushing four times for a total of eight yards. Ohio State defeated the Longhorns 24–7, ending the Longhorns 21-game winning streak.

Following wins over Rice, Iowa State, and Sam Houston State, McCoy got his first win over a ranked team, as well as his first come-from-behind victory, when he threw two touchdowns, and led the Longhorns to defeat Oklahoma 28–10 in the Red River Shootout on October 7, 2006.[27] The two touchdowns by McCoy gave him 12 touchdown passes for the season, tied for third with Longhorn passer James Brown in the list of most touchdowns by a Texas freshman.[28]

On October 14, 2006 McCoy threw a Texas record six touchdown passes in the win against Baylor.[29][30] The previous record of five touchdown passes had been held by James Brown (set vs. Baylor in 1994) and Chris Simms (vs. Oklahoma State in 2001). On October 25, 2006, he was 9th in the nation with a quarterback rating of 165.4.

In the 2006 Oklahoma State game McCoy threw for his 27th passing touchdown of the season, giving him sole possession of the single-season Texas record and putting him two TD's shy of the NCAA single season record for freshman quarterbacks (29).[31] Coincidentally, this 27th pass was also for 27 yards.

During the November 11, 2006, game against Kansas State, McCoy suffered a stinger shoulder injury[32][33][34] while rushing for a touchdown against Kansas State.[35] The Longhorns lost in an upset to the Wildcats 45–42. There was speculation that Snead might be the starter for the final regular season game, because it was unknown whether McCoy would return for the Longhorns season closer against rival Texas A&M on November 24, 2006.[36][37][38] However, McCoy was cleared to play the game against the Aggies.[39]

McCoy prior to being taken off the field near the end of the Texas A&M game

With 20 seconds remaining in the Lone Star Showdown versus the Aggies, McCoy was injured by a "vicious, stadium-hushing tackle"[40] as Aggie defensive end Michael Bennett connected with his helmet against McCoy's upper body after McCoy had thrown an incomplete pass.[41] Replays showed both on television and in the stadium revealed the hit might have included "helmet-to-helmet"[42] contact which is illegal in NCAA football only if done intentionally,[43] but no flag was thrown. When the replay was shown in the stadium, the Longhorn fans erupted in boos[44] before lapsing back into silence as McCoy lay on the ground writhing for ten minutes before being taken off the field on a cart.[45] Mack Brown said after the game "I didn't see it, but it sounded like 88,000 (fans) thought it was dirty."[41][44] Fellow Longhorn Selvin Young said he thought the hit was a clean "textbook" hit.[46]

McCoy in 2006

McCoy was taken to Breckenridge Hospital where he spent more than three hours undergoing an evaluation that included an X-Ray, MRI, and a CAT scan.[41][47] Longhorns trainer Kenny Boyd said the injury was a severe pinched nerve in McCoy's neck.[41][47] Boyd said that McCoy was expected to make a full recovery, but no timetable was set for McCoy to return to play.[41][47] The injury to McCoy came one game-clock minute after an A&M player, #91 Kellen Heard had been ejected from the game for vicious blindside block on McCoy after he threw an interception, which was ruled excessive.[48][49][50] An X-Ray, MRI exam and CT scan showed "no structural damage to McCoy's neck or shoulder", said Dr. Carey Windler, the team's orthopedic surgeon.

On December 1, 2006, the Longhorns issued a statement confirming that back-up quarterback Jevan Snead had left the team and would transfer to an unspecified school;[51] this meant there would be no scholarship quarterback ready to play in the Longhorns' bowl game if McCoy was not ready. On December 21, 2006, Texas announced that McCoy was cleared to start in the Alamo Bowl for Texas on Saturday, December 30.[52] in the 2006 Alamo Bowl on December 30, McCoy threw two touchdowns against Iowa to tie the NCAA freshman record of 29 touchdown passes established by Nevada's David Neill in 1998. This record has since been broken by Oklahoma's Sam Bradford in the 2007 season.[53]

[edit] 2007 season

McCoy on the sidelines during the home loss to Kansas State

After just one season with Texas, McCoy received a lot of media attention, including appearing on some lists of the nation's top players of 2007. In June 2007, McCoy appeared on the cover of Dave Campbell's Texas Football alongside Texas A&M quarterback Stephen McGee and TCU defensive end Tommy Blake. Additionally, Rivals.com named McCoy one of the top-10 quarterbacks going into the 2007 season.[54] He also made the Athlon Sports first-team All Big 12.[55]

On June 26, 2007, Maxwell Football Club president Ron Jaworski announced that McCoy had been named to the preseason watch list for the Maxwell Award. The initial list includes 64 players. The winner turned out to be Tim Tebow.[56] In their 2007 season preview magazine, CBS Sportsline.com listed McCoy as one of 12 players on the “Heisman Watch”; saying “We were touting him for the Heisman midway through his freshman season until he was injured against Kansas State. Older and stronger, McCoy has an awesome receiving corps to make a run at the hardware for real.”[57][57] He is also one of the 35 quarterbacks placed on the 2007 Manning Award watch list.[58] Further, the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List added McCoy on August 21, 2007.[59]

McCoy led the Longhorns, who were ranked number four in the pre-season Associated Press Poll[60] and Coaches Poll,[61] to a 21–13 victory over unranked Arkansas State in the season opener. McCoy threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions.[62] He also made two quick-kick punts when the Longhorns lined up as if they were attempting to convert on fourth down. He averaged thirty yards per kick and both kicks were downed inside the opponent's twenty yard-line.[22] In the second game, McCoy led the Longhorns to a 34–13 victory over #19-ranked TCU.[63]

The road opener was the first game ever played in the new home stadium of the UCF Knights. McCoy's 47 passing attempts tied a Texas single-game record. His 32 completions set a new school record, besting the 30 completed by Vince Young during the 2006 Rose Bowl and by Major Applewhite during two 1999 games.[64] The final non-conference game was against Rice, and McCoy completed 20 of his 29 passing attempts, accumulating 333 yards through the air.[65] For the first time in the season, he did not throw an interception.[66] McCoy and most of the Longhorn starting players were replaced by backups after the first drive of the second half.[65][67] True freshman quarterback John Chiles made his first college appearance in the first quarter. He came onto the field beside McCoy and then McCoy trotted out to a slot receiver position. Chiles never looked to pass; he ran up the middle for no gain. He came out of the game after that play and came back in the third quarter as McCoy's replacement. On that drive, Chiles line up in the zone-read offense and led the Longhorns 80 yards to a touchdown, carrying the ball 4 times for 49 yards.[68] Chiles' strong performance immediately led to media speculation as to how much playing time he will take from McCoy.[66][69]

McCoy played the worst game of his career in an upset loss to the Kansas State Wildcats; He threw for 200 yards and had four interceptions.[70][71] He also suffered a concussion during the game and left the field just prior to the end of the first half and again prior to the end of the game.[71] After that game, Sports Illustrated selected him as one of the season's 10 "Most Disappointing College Players" and noted that he his nine interceptions thrown so far in 2007 were already two more than he threw in the entire 2006 season.[9] Stewart Mandel of Sports Illustrated listed several factors contributing to the Longhorns struggles. He cited the off-field problems as evidence that no Texas player has been able to show the superior leadership skills of Vince Young. Mandel said that McCoy, still only a sophomore, had not been able to completely fill that gap and that McCoy's play had not been as good as during 2006. He also said part of the blame is to be placed on an offensive line that lost several starters and has not been able to consistently protect McCoy. Finally, he noted that the running game had been "equally inconsistent."[72] It was the worst home-field loss in Mack Brown's time with Texas. For the Wildcats, the win over Texas was the first road victory over a top–ten team in school history.[73]

McCoy and back-up quarterback John Chiles at the Red River Shootout

McCoy and the Longhorns lost again the following week, in the 2007 Red River Shootout. The game was a back-and-forth affair that was ultimately won by Oklahoma 28–21. OU's freshman quarterback, Sam Bradford, was 21–of–32 for 244 yards and 3 touchdowns. McCoy was 19–of–26 for 324 yards and two touchdowns. McCoy threw one interception.[74] McCoy played the game with his throwing arm bandaged from mid-forearm to biceps. He held up physically despite taking four sacks[75] and a blind-side late hit after one play had been whistled dead.[74][76][77] With the loss, Texas opened conference play 0–2 for the first time since 1956, when they were in the Southwest Conference and one year before Darrell Royal became head coach of the Longhorns.[74][78]

The Longhorns were in control of the Iowa State game almost from the very beginning and they routed the Cyclones 56–3, the worst loss for the Cyclones since 1997.[79][80] Lined up in the spread offense on the first play from scrimmage,[81] Colt McCoy scrambled away from a blitz and threw a pass to Jordan Shipley for a 58 yard touchdown.[82] The offensive line provided great protection for Colt McCoy,[80] who called most of the plays without huddling and directed the Longhorns to touchdowns on his first five series.[83] He completed 23 of 30 passes for 298 yards, 4 touchdowns, and no interceptions.[83] His most athletic play came early in the third quarter when he evaded three defenders on a play from the Cyclones' 20-yardline. He twisted around and managed to stay upright long enough to throw a pass to Nate Jones in the end zone. He capped off his performance by making his first rushing touchdown of the season,[79] a career-long, 44 yard run in the third quarter. The play was designed to be a screen pass to the fullback. Mack Brown said, "Colt was as good today as I've ever seen him."[82] Brown also praised McCoy for taking on more of a leadership role with the team.[84] The Austin American-Statesman said, "Colt McCoy is shedding his sophomore slump. In the past two games, he is 42 of 56 passing for 622 yards with six passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and just one interception. That translates to a quarterback rating of 200.1."[81] However, against Baylor on October 20, Colt would go on to throw 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown, and against Nebraska the following week, McCoy completed less than 50% of his passes and threw another interception. On the day after Thanksgiving, McCoy was 17 of 32 with 1 interception, while be sacked 4 times in the 38-30 loss to Texas A&M. At the conclusion of the 2007 regular season, Mccoy had thrown for 21 touchdowns and 18 interceptions.

In the 2007 Holiday Bowl, McCoy led the Longhorns to a 52–34 victory and won the offensive-player MVP award.[85]

[edit] 2008 season

On January 2, 2008 UT running back Jamaal Charles decided to forgo his senior season with Texas in favor of joining the NFL as a professional football player in the 2008 NFL Draft. With Charles' departure, McCoy became the leading returning rusher for the 2008 Longhorns.[86]

McCoy rose in the record books during the first four games of the season. On August 30, 2008 McCoy passed for 222 yards and rushed for 103 yards against FAU, becoming the 2nd player in UT history to pass for 200 and rush for 100 yards in more than one game; the other being Vince Young. On September 20 Colt McCoy surpassed the Texas All-Time record for the most passing TD's with 62 while beating Rice 52–10. The record was previously held by Major Applewhite.[12] Through the first four games of 2008, McCoy completed 80% of his passes and had a quarterback rating of 209.71.[87]

Colt McCoy about to throw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Chris Ogbonnaya in the win over Colorado.

The Longhorns opened conference play against the Colorado Buffaloes and UT won 38–14. McCoy threw for two touchdowns and moved past Ricky Williams into second on Texas' all-time list for touchdowns responsible for (passing, rushing, receiving). McCoy at that point had 77, while Williams had 76 with the Horns.[88] UT continued conference play by defeating #1 ranked Oklahoma Sooners in the 2008 Texas vs. Oklahoma football game. McCoy was 28 for 35 for 277 yards and one touchdown,[89] bringing Texas to the position of the #1 in the AP poll for the first time since 1984. (passing Alabama, Missouri, Oklahoma, and LSU.)

On October 18, against Missouri, McCoy completed the game with 337 yards on 29-of-32 passing with two touchdowns, rushed for two more and at one point completed a school-record 17 passes in a row. His completion ratio of 79% coming into the game improved as he completed 91% of his passes in this game. His four touchdowns put him alone in first place for the most career touchdowns scored at Texas (82), passing Vince Young (81).[14]

McCoy throws a pass against Baylor.

UT lost to Texas Tech with one second remaining in the game. McCoy gave a good performance but came up short as his Red Raider counterpart, Graham Harrell had an outstanding day. Following that loss, UT fell to #4 in the BCS rankings. They climbed to #3 the following week as the Horns beat Baylor and former #3 Penn State lost. The win over Baylor was the 829th win for the UT football program, which tied Notre Dame for 2nd in the list of college football's ten most victorious programs.[90]

McCoy led the Longhorns to a 35–7 road victory over the Kansas, ensuring their eighth consecutive season with ten or more wins per season. That is the longest active streak in the nation and it ties them with Miami (1985–92) for the second-longest streak of all-time. It was Colt McCoy's 30th career win, which tied him with Vince Young for the school record.[13] McCoy completed 24 of 35 passing attempts (71%) for 255 yards and 2 touchdown passes. He was also the leading rusher for both schools, rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown.[91] McCoy's two touchdown passes put him at 31 for the season, breaking his own school record.[13]

McCoy had another great performance against in-state rival Texas A&M in the final game of the regular season. This is the longest running rivalry both schools and the biggest margin of victory in the history of the rivalry occurred when Texas beat A&M 48–0 in 1898.[15] McCoy and the Longhorns nearly equaled that record this year by producing a 49–9 victory, the second-largest margin of victory for this rivalry series.

The win was the 31st for Colt McCoy, setting a new school record.[15] McCoy rushed for 2 touchdowns and threw for 2 more. He completed 23 of 28 attempted passes (82%) for a total of 311 yards. That yardage put him at 3,594 yards for the season - another school record.[15] His longest pass of the evening, 68 yarder on a post route to Jordan Shipley late in the third quarter, ended up a yard short of being McCoy’s fifth touchdown of the evening.

On January 5, 2009, McCoy led the Longhorns to 24–21 victory over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl. McCoy completed 41-of-59 passes for 414 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He was named the Offensive Player of the Game for his performance.[92]

2009 season

In his final season, McCoy led the Texas Longhorns to a perfect 12–0 regular season record, as well as a 13-12 victory over the Nebraska Cornhuskers to win the Big 12 Championship in Cowboys Stadium.[93] While becoming the winningest quarterback in NCAA history with 45 career wins, McCoy was again the focal point of the Longhorn offense that scored 550 points in 2009, ranked third in UT All-Time season scoring (behind only the 2005, and 2008 teams). McCoy led a fast paced offense, with accurate, short passes in his repertoire. The Texas offense executed a total of 1,053 plays in 14 games played in 2009. His favorite target is #8 WR Jordan Shipley, who is now with the NFL with the Cincinnati Bengals.

McCoy left the 2010 BCS National Championship Game against Alabama during the first quarter with a right shoulder injury and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. McCoy was replaced by true freshman quarterback Garrett Gilbert. Alabama would go on to win the game 37-21.

[edit] Statistics

As of the end of the 2009 season, McCoy's statistics are as follows:[87]

Passing Rushing

Season Team GP Rating Att Comp Pct Yds TD INT Att Yds TD

2006 Texas 13 161.8 318 217 68.2 2,570 29 7 68 170 2

2007 Texas 13 139.2 424 276 65.1 3,303 22 18 114 510 4

2008 Texas 13 173.75 433 332 76.7 3,859 34 8 136 561 11

2009 Texas 14 147.41 470 332 70.6 3,521 27 12 129 348 3

Totals 53 158.25 1,645 1,157 70.3 13,253 112 45 447 1,589 20

In the seventh game of 2008, he completed 91%.[14] He finished the 2008 regular season with a 76.7% completion percentage, breaking the mark set by Daunte Culpepper for Central Florida, and was the Longhorns' leading rusher with 576 yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.[3]

Records

* UT - Total Touchdowns, Career: 132 (Broke record on October 18, 2008 versus Missouri)[14]

* UT - Touchdown Passes, Career: 112 (Broke record on September 20, 2008 versus Rice)[12]

* UT - Touchdown Passes, Season: 34, (Broke own record of 29 on November 15, 2008 vs. the Kansas Jayhawks) [13]

* UT - Touchdown Passes, Game: 6, (October 14, 2006 versus Baylor)

* UT - Passing Completions, Game: 41, (January 5, 2009 versus Ohio State Buckeyes)[64]

* UT - Consecutive Passing Completions, Game: 18 (October 25, 2008 versus Oklahoma State (surpassed his own record of 17 on October 18, 2008 versus Missouri).[14]

* UT - Career Wins by a Starting Quarterback: 45 (November 27, 2008 vs. Texas A&M, surpassed Vince Young, also most career wins in FBS history)[15]

* UT - Passing Yards, Season: 3,859 yards (November 27, 2008 vs. Texas A&M, surpassed Major Applewhite)[15]

* UT - Passing Attempts, Game: 58(Tie), (January 5, 2009 versus Ohio State Buckeyes)[64]

* NCAA - Highest Single Season completion percentage: 76.7%.[95]

* NCAA - Colt McCoy is one of the three FBS quarterbacks to average 10 wins per season for four seasons.

College awards and honors

* 2006 "All Freshman Team" by College Football News[8]

* 2006 “National Freshman of the Year” by The Sporting News and the Touchdown Club of Columbus[96]

* 2006 Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year by the Associated Press.[21]

* 2006 Valero Alamo Bowl Offensive MVP

* 2008 Pacific Life Holiday Bowl Offensive MVP

* 2008 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press[97]

* 2008 Second-team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press[98]

* 2008 Walter Camp Award by the Walter Camp Foundation[99]

* 2008 First-team All-America by the Walter Camp Foundation,[100] FWAA,[101] and Sports Illustrated[102]

* 2008 Archie Griffin Award[103]

* 2008 co-Sporting News Player of the Year[104]

* 2008 Heisman Memorial Trophy Runner-up [105]

* 2009 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Offensive MVP

* 2009 First-team All-American by Associated Press, AFCA, FWAA,[106] Walter Camp Foundation,[107] Rivals.com, Scout.com

* 2009 First-team All-Big 12 [108]

* 2009 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year [108]

* 2009 NCAA Quarterback of the Year [109]

* 2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award [110]

* 2009 Davey O'Brien Award

* 2009 Manning Award

* 2009 Chic Harley Award [109]

* 2009 Maxwell Award

* 2009 Walter Camp Award by the Walter Camp Foundation

* 2009 Sporting News College Athlete of the Year

* 2009 AT&T ESPN All-America Player of the Year [111]

* Texas Longhorns #12 retired

Candidate for Heisman and other national awards

McCoy was mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate in his freshman year (2006)[112][113] and he appeared on the Athlon Sports pre-season Heisman watch at the start of the 2007 season.[112]

The talk has become more widespread his junior year as McCoy has been mentioned by several analysts and voters as a potential 2008 Heisman winner. McCoy was the unanimous front-runner in an October 20 poll of 10 Heisman voters conducted by the Rocky Mountain News.[114] Tim Tebow, quarterback of the Florida Gators, has a vote as the 2007 winner. Seven games into the season he said that McCoy would have his vote at that point in the season.[115]

In the 45–21 victory over Baylor, McCoy passed for 300 yards and five touchdowns.[116] The Associated Press story commented, "And McCoy likely refueled his Heisman Trophy bid by completing 26 of 37 passes for his fourth 300-yard game this season, and eighth of his career, even without playing the final 12 minutes. The touchdowns went to four different receivers, though he did have two interceptions."[116]

On November 11 (with UT holding an 8-1 record) Heisman voter Rodney Gilmore of ESPN.com had McCoy listed third of five Heisman candidates. Gilmore said, "I love his numbers (78 percent completion percentage, 28 TDs, only 7 interceptions and 2,879 yards) and his gutsy second-half performance against Texas Tech. And I have not forgotten about his epic performance against Oklahoma just a few weeks ago. However, Harrell outplayed McCoy head-to-head in the showdown last week, so Harrell has a leg up on him for now, but McCoy is within striking distance."[117] That same day, the Rocky Mountain News poll listed Harrell first and McCoy second in their weekly poll of 10 Heisman voters. Harrell received 44 points and 7 first-place votes while McCoy had 34 points and 2 first-place votes.[118]

After Oklahoma beat Texas Tech, Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford barely took the lead in the Rocky Mountain News poll of 10 Heisman Trophy voters. The Austin American-Statesman reported, "Bradford leads Texas’ Colt McCoy by just one point. In terms of first-place votes, Bradford received five, while McCoy received three. The others went to Texas Tech’s Graham Harrell, who had led the poll since Tech’s win over Texas, and Florida’s Tim Tebow, last year’s Heisman winner."[119]

On November 25, 2008 Colt McCoy was named one of three finalists for the Maxwell Award, which is presented to the top all-around player in the country. The other finalists were Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, last year's winner, and Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell. Oklahoma's Sam Bradford was not selected as a finalist. McCoy also was named a finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, which goes to the country's top quarterback. Bradford and Harrell were the other two candidates; Tebow did not make the list for this award.[120]

After Colt McCoy led the Longhorns to a defeat over rival, unranked Texas A&M (a team he had lost to twice in the past), Sports Illustrated analyst Stewart Mandel said the quarterback took a big step towards claiming the Heisman Trophy. Mandel wrote, "From the Longhorns' opening touchdown drive, in which he accounted for 67 of Texas' 80 yards, McCoy was very much the one-man wrecking crew he's been all season long...His final numbers in just over three quarters of work Thursday night: 23-of-28 passing for 311 yards and two touchdowns and 11 rushes for 49 yards, with touchdown runs of 16 and 14 yards. For the season, McCoy now has a 77.6 completion percentage (soon to be a new NCAA record) for 3,445 yards, 32 touchdowns and seven interceptions, plus 476 yards and 13 TDs running"[121] Comparing McCoy to fellow Big 12 South quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Graham Harrell, Mandel said, "But here's where McCoy stands out to me. Bradford, as talented as he is, is helped by the fact he has a trio of explosive receivers and two potential 1,000-yard rushers behind him. Harrell has Michael Crabtree. Daniel has Jeremy Maclin. With all due respect to Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby, McCoy is Texas' offense. Much like Tim Tebow last season, he's both his team's leading passer and rusher. Also like Tebow—you have to wonder sometimes how he's still standing. McCoy was sacked three times Thursday night and endured several brutal hits. Following his third-quarter touchdown run, trainers attended to his shoulder on the sideline. But he was right back in there the next series."[121] Bradford and Harrell each had one regular-season game left, against Oklahoma State and Baylor, respectively. Tebow had games remaining against Florida State and Alabama.[121]

In the final 2008 Rocky Mountain News poll before the Heisman votes were announced, McCoy moved to the top of the list, but had a very thin lead over Sam Bradford and Tim Tebow, who were in second and third place, respectively. The poll had correctly predicted the Heisman winner in 18 of the previous 21 years.[122] On December 10, McCoy, Bradford, and Tebow were selected as the three finalists for the Heisman Trophy.[3] Bradford won the trophy with 1,726 total points, and McCoy finished second with 1,604 points in the Heisman voting.[123]

2008 Heisman Trophy Finalist Voting Finalist First place votes

(3 pts. each) Second place votes

(2 pts. each) Third place votes

(1 pt. each)

[1 more season]

Damn! That was not the normal drunken rambling of MIK he's laying down some facts. Very nice!!!!

[c-dawg]

@websterslaughter said:

They are exceptions. Over 50% of all Super Bowls have been won by first rounders. Sorry.

Like someone said already, that means about 47% have been won by non-first-rounders. Looks like a little better than a coin flip.

Also, don't be sorry. They are pretty awesome exceptions and do challenge your 3rd round disdain appropriately. They won seven out of 46. You like percentages obviously, so that is about 15% of all Super Bowls right there. Exceptional exceptions one might say.

One of the 53% who won was named Trent Dilfer. So I'd say it is an inexact science that you are practicing.

Moreover, (this is a quote):

Bradshaw was the first player selected in the 1970 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Bradshaw was hailed at the time as the consensus number one pick, regardless of which team drafted him.

Bradshaw became a starter one year after he was drafted in 1970. During his first several seasons, the 6'3", 215 lb. quarterback was erratic, threw many interceptions (he threw 210 interceptions over the course of his career) and was widely ridiculed by the media for his rural roots and perceived lack of intelligence. It took Bradshaw a few seasons to adjust to the pro game but once he did...

Sometimes even the vaunted first-rounders need a (real) chance.

[BrownsFan]

What Colt (or any player for that matter) did in HS or college as far as stats and W/L has very little (practically nothing) to do with how successful or not successful they will be at the NFL level (or really how "good" they actually are). By this logic Kellen Moore should be the #1 pick instead of Luck. When in reality Lucks chance at NFL success are far greater at the NFL then Kellen Moore. Why? Because of the actual skill sets they have to succeed at the highest level of their sports.

[cdl15]

c-dawg said:

Like someone said already, that means about 47% have been won by non-first-rounders. Looks like a little better than a coin flip.

Also, don't be sorry. They are pretty awesome exceptions and do challenge your 3rd round disdain appropriately. They won seven out of 46. You like percentages obviously, so that is about 15% of all Super Bowls right there. Exceptional exceptions one might say.

One of the 53% who won was named Trent Dilfer. So I'd say it is an inexact science that you are practicing.

Moreover, (this is a quote):

Bradshaw was the first player selected in the 1970 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers; Bradshaw was hailed at the time as the consensus number one pick, regardless of which team drafted him.

Bradshaw became a starter one year after he was drafted in 1970. During his first several seasons, the 6'3", 215 lb. quarterback was erratic, threw many interceptions (he threw 210 interceptions over the course of his career) and was widely ridiculed by the media for his rural roots and perceived lack of intelligence. It took Bradshaw a few seasons to adjust to the pro game but once he did...

Sometimes even the vaunted first-rounders need a (real) chance.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo......webster...webster....you just got bicht slapped.