Two Problems I Still Have With Jimmy Clausen

Half way into the season I am very pleased with the growth of Jimmy Clausen. I see him as not only one of the best quarterbacks in college football, but also the most improved player.

The speculation has arisen recently on whether or not Clausen will return next season for his senior year, or if he goes to the NFL draft. I had been an advocate for him returning. It is obviously good for Notre Dame. It is also good for Clausen.

Sure, he could be a high pick this year and next year his stock may fall some.

Well, being a high draft pick is overrated. Chances are he would go to a losing organization. Good seeds don't grow in weak cultures. If you don't believe me, just ask Brady Quinn.

After Saturday's near comeback victory, I have a couple of more reasons for him to stay. There are a couple of things about him that may not make him ready for NFL success.

The first concern is that he is short. Now, I realize that is something that he really can't help. Nonetheless, it still affects his success in the NFL.

The second concern is that I still don't think he is very good outside the pocket. USC did expose that weakness last week. Sure, he is making better decisions out there, but he still hasn't really made plays out of the pocket.

Sure, he throws the long ball better than Quinn ever did. However, nobody could improvise outside the pocket like Quinn could. 

Look at the last play with a second left. The receiver fell and the other was covered. Quinn would have pumped it and tucked it. Clausen forced the throw, but I know he had it on the ground.

Also throughout the game, whenever USC had him scrambling outside the pocket he was unable to make the throw. To be fair, he did make some plays on his feet, but I remember Quinn producing long runs. The farthest I have seen Clausen run is 10 yards. I am really most concerned about him throwing on the run more than running the ball.

Also, Clausen does have turf toe and that does affect his mobility some. However, looking at the play in the Michigan State game, I think the injury occurred because he was unable to scramble effectively.

This is an area that can be improved. It needs to be improved before he plays at the next level. Next year, there will be some new linemen and he will have to make more throws outside the pocket.

For that reason Clausen needs to comeback for his senior year.

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