First off...
Absolutely, of course, no doubt, 100%, we statistically have a much better chance of winning with Russell playing. We all concede that. Also, I'll admit that Boykin can't lead this team into serious playoff contention. Hell, I'm by no means a Boykin fan, but let's think about this a second. The common tone of this board right now (see play Russell poll et al.) is that resting Russell guarantees defeat. I disagree. Especially against the Jets. Here are some thoughts:
1. OUR DEFENSE.
Except for some garbage time soft zone stuff, our defense doesn't allow opponents to score touchdowns. They just don't. When opposing teams are held to less than 14 points, with the right mix of some bounces, field possession, and turnovers this team could be in contention with me as a quarterback. We saw this week that Fitz is very capable of having an off day. We will be in every game regardless when this defense is firing on all cyclinders.
2. MOBILTY
Boykin right now is more mobile than Russell due to injuries. We could revert back to using the read option as a weapon that could prove to be advantageous. I think this is especially important this week as the Jets do have an impressive pass rush. Boykin actually might be better suited than Russell to evade the rush this week, let's use his speed and elusiveness.
3. TRADITIONAL CONSERVATIVE PLAYCALLING.
Our defense allows Pete to play TOP, run first football even when Russell plays. In other words, you don't really have to change the game plan much to accommodate Boykin.
4. MICHAEL SEEMS TO BE PEAKING
He is improving on a weekly basis and is gaining confidence. I would add the the run blocking was improved this week and the O-Line should only improve as the weeks progress and they start to gel with one another.
5. THE JETS AREN'T WORLDBEATERS
They lost at home to Cincy, they barely got by Buffalo (albeit on the road), and they were curb stomped by KC.
6. WE PLAY WELL IN NEW YORK
Our guys get amped to play in that stadium. We have taken care of the Giants the last few times we've played there (IIRC), and we had another impressive victory there a few years ago in February.
7. BOYKIN MIGHT NOT BE AWFUL
A few things. I know there is a lot of emphasis on this board that he is an UDFA, but I'm confident that was primarily due to his off field incident. I think he would have absolutely been selected in the draft if it were not for his bowl game fiasco (admittedly in the later rounds). We are seeing more and more these days, that rookie QB's can contribute and even succeed early on without sitting for an extended amount of time.
8. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY
Self Explantory. The Pats are a great football team, and they find ways to win regardless of who is behind center. We are a great team and we can as well.
In summary, I don't believe that we won't be competive against the Jets just because Russell Wilson sits. I've been very surprised by the "should we play Russell or acquiesce defeat so he can rest" tone of the board. Would I be expecting a win if Boykin plays? Not necessarily, but I wouldn't be terribly surprised if we found a way to win playing hard nosed Seahawk football. I think it will be a good game.
Wondering what everyone thinks going into Sundays game if Boykin is indeed starting. I know some will just say "Russell is playing, dumb, irrelevant thread", but in that case, hypothetically I'm still curious what you guys think about our capability to squeak out a win or two without Russell.
Absolutely, of course, no doubt, 100%, we statistically have a much better chance of winning with Russell playing. We all concede that. Also, I'll admit that Boykin can't lead this team into serious playoff contention. Hell, I'm by no means a Boykin fan, but let's think about this a second. The common tone of this board right now (see play Russell poll et al.) is that resting Russell guarantees defeat. I disagree. Especially against the Jets. Here are some thoughts:
1. OUR DEFENSE.
Except for some garbage time soft zone stuff, our defense doesn't allow opponents to score touchdowns. They just don't. When opposing teams are held to less than 14 points, with the right mix of some bounces, field possession, and turnovers this team could be in contention with me as a quarterback. We saw this week that Fitz is very capable of having an off day. We will be in every game regardless when this defense is firing on all cyclinders.
2. MOBILTY
Boykin right now is more mobile than Russell due to injuries. We could revert back to using the read option as a weapon that could prove to be advantageous. I think this is especially important this week as the Jets do have an impressive pass rush. Boykin actually might be better suited than Russell to evade the rush this week, let's use his speed and elusiveness.
3. TRADITIONAL CONSERVATIVE PLAYCALLING.
Our defense allows Pete to play TOP, run first football even when Russell plays. In other words, you don't really have to change the game plan much to accommodate Boykin.
4. MICHAEL SEEMS TO BE PEAKING
He is improving on a weekly basis and is gaining confidence. I would add the the run blocking was improved this week and the O-Line should only improve as the weeks progress and they start to gel with one another.
5. THE JETS AREN'T WORLDBEATERS
They lost at home to Cincy, they barely got by Buffalo (albeit on the road), and they were curb stomped by KC.
6. WE PLAY WELL IN NEW YORK
Our guys get amped to play in that stadium. We have taken care of the Giants the last few times we've played there (IIRC), and we had another impressive victory there a few years ago in February.
7. BOYKIN MIGHT NOT BE AWFUL
A few things. I know there is a lot of emphasis on this board that he is an UDFA, but I'm confident that was primarily due to his off field incident. I think he would have absolutely been selected in the draft if it were not for his bowl game fiasco (admittedly in the later rounds). We are seeing more and more these days, that rookie QB's can contribute and even succeed early on without sitting for an extended amount of time.
8. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY
Self Explantory. The Pats are a great football team, and they find ways to win regardless of who is behind center. We are a great team and we can as well.
In summary, I don't believe that we won't be competive against the Jets just because Russell Wilson sits. I've been very surprised by the "should we play Russell or acquiesce defeat so he can rest" tone of the board. Would I be expecting a win if Boykin plays? Not necessarily, but I wouldn't be terribly surprised if we found a way to win playing hard nosed Seahawk football. I think it will be a good game.
Wondering what everyone thinks going into Sundays game if Boykin is indeed starting. I know some will just say "Russell is playing, dumb, irrelevant thread", but in that case, hypothetically I'm still curious what you guys think about our capability to squeak out a win or two without Russell.