I’ve been hearing a lot of fans trashing Trent Edwards play over the preseason. If I’m going to play devil’s advocate when it comes to believing the preseason hype that Edwards play has regressed, then the shoulders of blame should be squarely on one person. That is Dick Jauron.
If you look at the players Jauron has drafted, the one thing in common is how each player almost plays the exact same way now, as they did their rookie season. Guys like Whitner, McCargo, Lynch, Edwards, Poz, and Kyle Williams are players who haven’t exactly taken the next step since being rookies. What was the last play Donte Whitner made? Has Kyle Williams made a game changing play? Look at Trent Edwards first game as a rookie against the Jets, his play was outstanding for a rookie in that game, and was even getting praise from Rich Gannon for quickly catching onto the pro game. Since then, over the last 8 games, Edwards has looked more like a rookie than he did during his first couple starts as a pro. Poz has been a complete bust, McCargo had his moments, but his best year to date as a bill was his rookie year. Lynch is only in his 3rd season but he still shakes more then he attacks when given the ball.
If you want to go beyond Jauron’s years in Buffalo, look no further then Chicago. Under Jauron’s watch, the Bears drafted guys like Cade McNown, David Terrell, Anthony Thomas, Rex Grossman, and Michael Hayes. Yeah, not exactly a ringing endorsement for player development for Jauron.
Since Jauron has been coach, most of his rookie class has had their moments as rookies, but when it comes to developing in their 2nd year and beyond, Jauron has failed. So before you point the finger at Edwards play, remember who his tutor is and how his other young classmates have learned in Jauron’s classroom.
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