SI Don Banks: Playing EJ in the final game is a no lose scenario ?

[Skooby]

Unless I'm reading this wrong, this writer seems to be implying that risking EJ playing in this last game is a no lose scenario even if EJ gets hurt, wow:

There’s talent galore in Buffalo, on defense and at the skill positions on offense. Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but the Bills' quarterback play is what is holding them back. Maybe getting the start in Buffalo’s preseason finale against visiting Detroit on Thursday night will be some sort of last-minute difference-maker for Manuel. At this point, Buffalo may not have all that much to lose by taking the gamble of playing him in a meaningless game.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/08/26/qua...rt-griffin-iii

[Mace]

Well, I sort of agree in playing him a sizable chunk. He needs all the game time he can get even against scrubs, and frankly by now he should know not to run for 2 yards, when to get out of bounds, when to throw it away, and the context of the game itself. He shouldn't even get dirt on his pants much less get savagely injured by scrubs unless he's going down in week one against the A team anyway.

If he goes down, "oh no !!!", but let's face it, we all think he's going down anyway at some point so it's time he shows he's smart enough to evade scrubs and knows when to throw it away so they don't get near him and can surgically dissect scrubs at least.

[Homegrown]

His take on EJ reminds me of a line from a Dylan song, "When you ain't got nothing - you got nothing to lose" ...

[THRILLHO]

I have felt this way since before the HOF game. If EJ is injury prone, he will get injured. He will get injured either in the pre-season or regular season. EJ also needs to learn. I'd rather take the chance and let him learn all that he can in the pre-season. If he gets injured, then he does. There is nothing we can do to prevent that.

Make him play the first half, or even 3 quarters of this last game. We need to see improvement. Healthy knees mean nothing if he can't complete passes.

[TacklingDummy]

No one gets better sitting on the bench.

[jamze132]

The entire offense needs to play until they show they can stop the stupid penalties which really is inhibiting EJ and the other young player's development.

[better days]

I concur, let the games begin.

[Scumbag College]

Let's have the starters on offense and defense play the whole game and really beat the **** out of the Lions 3rd stringers and guys about to be cut.

[Skooby]

If anyone on the starting O-line or offense gets hurt playing with scrubs, it could alter our season. It's not like their going to put EJ out there with all 2 / 3 stringers starting. Sammy got a knee to the ribs in the preseason which sidelined him, so should we risk his health for no gain ??

[RedEyE]

Playing him against 2nd, 3rd and no stringers would only build a false sense of confidence. Throw him in for the 1st qrtr, but give Tuel and Jordan the majority of reps. Hate to say it but EJ is going to have to continue to learn on the fly starting with Chicago.

[kishoph]

If anyone on the starting O-line or offense gets hurt playing with scrubs, it could alter our season. It's not like their going to put EJ out there with all 2 / 3 stringers starting. Sammy got a knee to the ribs in the preseason which sidelined him, so should we risk his health for no gain ??

I agree with you, I don't like the idea of having the starting offense out there today. I imagine there's nothing more that a Lions player on the bubble would love than to put a massive hit on a QB, RB, or receiver to try and impress his coaches.

[Fletch]

The entire offense needs to play until they show they can stop the stupid penalties which really is inhibiting EJ and the other young player's development.

More than that, they need to play until they can show that they can play some coordinated football over an extended period of time, which they haven't done yet.

It's too late now, they're going to have to go into the regular season like this.

[OLDSRIP]

The Oline needs reps together as much as EJ needs work.

tough decision. Sure hope no one gets hurt. They have been really fortunate
with injurys this camp.

[Fletch]

The talent on the OL is good, lots of talent. Henderson is excellent if he can keep his head. Glenn is very good, Wood is excellent as well. Those are the three most key positions right there. Depth is good too. I once again hearken back to the way it was at FSU.

Manuel had sack issues there in a big way and they had a fantastic OL. So I'll default to the notion that it's him, not the OL.

Here's an article about how sacks didn't end drives at FSU last season the way that they did when Manuel was there.

http://www.tomahawknation.com/2013/1...e-they-used-to

[Bill Cody]

I think he plays the 1st half

[OpIv37]

While I do agree EJ needs as much practice as possible, I have one hesitation in terms of playing him too much: our backup QB situation is an epic cluster****. Tuel is unreliable, and Palmer barely counts as a journeyman and doesn't know the O yet.

If EJ plays, this team may or may not struggle depending on if he improves. If EJ's hurt, I don't think Palmer or Tuel will get us 4 wins.

[Meathead]

did the girl scouts spike their dough with insane juice this year? bc you ppl are Kuh-RAY-zeee

despite all the hysteria ej is still far and away the best qb on this team. and as a sophomore he still has tremendous upside

dont be stupid and expose your best players to desperate scrubs going for last minute heroics

play the entire offense normally, two series max. try to go into chicago healthy, bear down in practice, and let it fly on sunday

[gebobs]

Unless I'm reading this wrong, this writer seems to be implying that risking EJ playing in this last game is a no lose scenario even if EJ gets hurt, wow

That's the part you take issue with? I'm more amazed at the first sentence.

[gebobs]

If EJ's hurt, I don't think Palmer or Tuel will get us 4 wins.

"With the first pick in the 2015 draft, the Cleveland Browns select"

[dramatic pause]

"Marcus Mariota, Oregon Ducks."

[BuffaloRedleg]

EJ should be embarrassed. How many #1 QBs play more than a drive in the last game at most?