Will Stein is back...except he's actually back this time

by Mike Rutherford on Oct 12, 2011 9:37 AM EDT in Football

Despite numerous reports for the last three weeks that Will Stein was good to go for that weekend's game, the junior quarterback has not played a down since injuring his throwing shoulder in the first half against Kentucky on Sept. 17.

Apparently that's going to change at Paul Brown Stadium on Saturday, as Stein is back to getting half of the QB reps at practice.

"Will for the first time this week is really back," offensive coordinator Shawn Watson told WDRB. "I would say he's probably 90 to 95 percent, from what I've seen of him this week. So, I would expect Will to get some time this week."

So what does this mean for Teddy Bridgewater? The freshman has started the last two weeks and has, for the most part, played well.

"Teddy's presented a tough situation...it's a good situation, because he's played so well," said Watson. We'll play both guys. Again, how much? We'll continue to see where Will's at. I'd like to get some time for him in the game."

Sounds like Bridgewater will more than likely make his third consecutive start, but that Stein will relieve him for at least a series fairly soon after that.

Will, thoughts?

Will-stein_medium

Agreed.

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Comments

Technically..

He took the last snap of the UK game in victory formation. But hey who gets technical these days?

by arbuch02 on Oct 12, 2011 9:53 AM EDT reply actions

Teddy should start

no reason not to. he’s on a roll he’s got a groove.

by gary west on Oct 12, 2011 10:13 AM EDT reply actions

Doin the bull dance.

Feelin the flow.

ALL HAIL

by Cardinal_Pride on Oct 13, 2011 1:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Season stats so far...........

With nearly identical pass attempts thus far (80 vs 79), both have similar completion numbers (51 vs 49), but look at this:

Efficiency rating – TB-124.2 WS-145.8
Touchdown passes – TB- 4 WS-5
Interceptions – TB-4 WS-1
Yards/reception – TB-10.1 WS-1
Pass yards per game – TB-102.8 WS-205

While there is no doubt that Teddy is the future, some of us may have forgotten that Will is a pretty good QB too – better passer rating, fewer interceptions, more TD passes and double the total passing yardage. Clearly Teddy is bigger, faster and stronger than Will and more easily evades rushers. But, I was surprised to see that Teddy only has 37 more rushing yards than Will on the season (I thought it would be more).

Given that the key is the O-line and either needs time to throw, I was surprised by the strength of Will’s stats. As long as he’s healthy, I don’t think he will hurt us being in there at all unless O-line completely breaks down. Then Teddy strength to scramble probably gives him a slight edge.

by Carolina Cardinal on Oct 12, 2011 10:40 AM EDT reply actions

Will's yards per reception = 1??

Wait. With 79 or 80 attempts, that would mean at most 80 yards total if every pass were completed. Ergo, that must be a typo. What is will’s actual number?

"...and the present, for us, is something that we really look forward to."
- Rick Pitino

by rickmbari on Oct 12, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Will is 49 for 79. Teddy is 51 for 80

by Carolina Cardinal on Oct 12, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Stein has 49 completions and 615 yards

so that’s 12.6 yards/reception.

by Remote Cardinal on Oct 12, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Correct versus Teddy's 10.1 yards per completion

by Carolina Cardinal on Oct 12, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions

Btw, I immediately though of "Who has played against tougher competition?"

and compared pass defense rankings. WS and TB have faced pretty similar competition:

Pass Defense rankings:
Murray St. – Unranked
FIU – #89
UK – #25
Marshall – #84
UNC – #87

Basically, they split time against the only good passing defense we’ve played (and both did well). Everyone else they’ve played is in the bottom third of the country and both pretty much stunk it up. Go figure. Will had great numbers against Murray St., but you know, against them you really should.

by Remote Cardinal on Oct 12, 2011 11:05 AM EDT reply actions

Right. I guess the point is that since we haven't seen him for a few weeks, it'e easy to forget that Will is a pretty good QB.

Not that he’ll be playing on Sunday or anything, but just a solid kid.

by Carolina Cardinal on Oct 12, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions

Glad to have Stein back, but seems like they should pick a QB1 and let him play

This comment has the standard “I trust in Strong” disclaimer.

Given the instability and inexperience of the OL, it seems like they would benefit from having one QB get all of the snaps until the game is in hand. I’m not sure I see the benefit in alternating QBs. If the coaches think Stein can win, let him prove it and get all the important snaps. If they don’t mind taking their lumps in the goal of moving Teddy along quickly, give him the ball.

by loverofthegame on Oct 12, 2011 12:47 PM EDT reply actions