I had to leave and taped the second half, but there were good signs in the first half. First, he uses his receivers. He already looks better throwing to Johnson and Poole than Blake. Blake seemed to think there were only two receivers on the field. McCown must throw a "soft" ball, since even Gilmore can catch it.
McCown is very mobile, though he has no clue when to slide. He is not afraid to take a hit.
McCown has outstanding arm strength and you can't teach that.
However, there is a problem. He has played so little that there will not be enough data at season's end to know if he can read blitzes and defenses. The Cards are not sure if he has "happy feet." They also can't tell how well he sees the field and envisions how it will set up when the ball gets to the receiver. Can he handle the "touch" passes? They might get an answer to that one if they threw a few.
I agree the play calling has been amateurish. The line played yet another poor game. I don't see what anyone lines about Spikes and Clement. They screw up the line so bad it is hard to evaluate the others. Jones is a lousy blocker as well. Only Boldin and Poole seem to understand that blocking is part of a receiver's job.
One play today said everything left to say about Smith. He took the ball about two yards deep and there was a good opportunity to the outside left. Instead he chose to push into the pile. In the old days he would have planted the right foot, cut sharply to the left, shifted gears and been going at top speed in two steps. Either he didn't see the hole or it looked too far away with his current abilities. In either case, he is simply not an NFL talent at this point of his career; not with this line anyway.
For my money, if they have the first pick they still take Manning. I think McCown has played well enough to fetch a second or third round pick and he should be traded if they take Manning.
