I will be shocked if they start him. To your point, there is a lot of downside risk for both of them him actually playing well. These two seem like the type that would pimp their own daughter out if they thought it could benefit them.

IMO. they knew they were losing Sam So they needed a practice squad guy to run that unit. They had DJ and AR. Not sure any team actually depends on the 3rd string QB to actually play unless its an emergency.

As far as Rivers today. There was still a chance for us to make the playoffs until the Texans beat the Chargers. He took all the 1st team reps. Once it was done they let him play in front of his family and his team from Ala one last time.


I think you all will see Riley is about the same as Sam. And he wasn't a starter either.

That doesn’t make sense. The only reason Rivers is here is because of Steichen. So it’s more likely Steichen doesn’t want Leonard playing.

Why would Ballard not want Leonard playing?

Just got home. I was on the sidelines when some were out there warming up. Whomever said Riley can't throw a ball ifs fucking retarded. He was throwing 40 yard darts. Unlike Rivers fucking helium balloons he was launching.

That’s a fair point regarding the practice reps.

However, I’m not sold on Leonard being about the same as Sam. Certainly not in terms of arm talent.

Sam would never have been able to make that Hail Mary throw today. His arm has never been strong enough to play in the NFL.

The biggest mark agains Leonard that I have is that after watching cuts from his college career, he:

A. Has issues throwing from the pocket; he would much prefer to roll-out.

B. Tends to pull the ball down too quickly and run.

Both of those can work in college; neither work long-term in the NFL because everyone is at least as good of an athlete as you.

His arm strength was never in doubt.

While the odds are against him, I would rather have seen Leonard play these last four weeks and lose just like Rivers did but get some development than do the experiment we did with Rivers. Rivers entertained me but did nothing to advance the team.

How was being on the sideline vs being in the stands?

He has a pretty live arm, he just has a wildly inaccurate arm. To me, he is not as guess where it is gonna go as AR, but he isn't that far off either. The problem is it is particularly obvious when he is given a well formed, 3-6 second NFL type of pocket. It's like he can't relax and just throw it in those situations so he aims it instead.

I will say his improv game, especially on designed pocket rolls, is pretty solid. He did that shit to ND against them and that's why they had him as their QB doing that shit to others last year.

He is undoubtedly a tough and competitive kid though. His performance in the natty last year was testimony to that.

In hindsight that is the right decision. But we were still in playoff contention. It would be malpractice for them to not even try to get a better option at QB

Once Rivers came in they saw he was the better option. So he was signed

I am not sure why this is so hard for people to see. They were fighting to the end for a playoff spot. It's now over and NOW they can throw Riley in

Could he play lights out? Maybe. If so that will make the FO look very very bad. But I don't see that happening.

I like Leonard. I root for and watch ND But he has nver impressed me as a starting QB in the NFL

When I was down there watching him he didn't make one bad throw. He had nobody in his face either so you have a fair assessment. I'll admit I didn't watch much ND football last year. I am also not advocating he is our savior. I am advocating that I have seen enough of the dog and pony show. AR is just bad at football and I do not want to watch another washed up QB get trotted out there. DJ is not elite, but we can win with him. However, until something is seriously done with our front 7 we are fucking fodder for the other AFC teams.

If Ballard wanted Leonard to play no way we get Rivers, Steichen is not writing checks, the decision to bring in Rivers was up to Ballard and ultimately CIG. If Leonard performs well, even if Steichen wanted Rivers, it won't reflect on him nearly as bad as on Ballard.

I would really like some of you to explain to me what you think a GM's job is, because anytime things go badly for this team it is never the GM's fault?:rolleyes: