NaPolian8693 Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 It seems pretty clear at this point that Fitzpatrick is capable of playing well for periods of time, but when the game is on the line he has a tendency to make costly mistakes that lose football games. It's a mental barrier. Some people are clutch, some aren't - that's life. Do you think this is something he can overcome, or do you think it will plague him throughout the rest of his career?
NaPolian8693 Posted November 8, 2010 Author Posted November 8, 2010 fwiw I don't think he will ever overcome it. I like the guy though so he can stay around as a backup in the future.
The Big Cat Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I've said this already, but it bares repeating: If being unable to make it happen when you're starting with your heels in your own endzone with less than a minute to play and no timeouts = choking...well, then no, Fitzpatrick, like at least 25 of the NFL's starting QB's cannot overcome his choking.
NaPolian8693 Posted November 8, 2010 Author Posted November 8, 2010 I'm obviously talking about how he usually throws a costly interception with the game on the line. You can try to use some weird twist logic and skew the argument, but that doesn't change the fact that when it matters most he performs at his worst.
akm0404 Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 (edited) If after enough samples you just can't get it done, you probably won't ever be able to consistently. Some players step up in the clutch, and some don't. Oh well. Edited November 8, 2010 by akm0404
The Big Cat Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 "game was on the line" Okay, the Johnson interception came with more than 9 minutes to go. The Jones interception came...again...during a drive that started at our own one yard line, with less than a minute to go and no timeouts when we already losing...
JohnC Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 It seems pretty clear at this point that Fitzpatrick is capable of playing well for periods of time, but when the game is on the line he has a tendency to make costly mistakes that lose football games. It's a mental barrier. Some people are clutch, some aren't - that's life. Do you think this is something he can overcome, or do you think it will plague him throughout the rest of his career? I don't consider Fitz a choker, as you suggest. The problem with Fitz is that he is not a consistently accurate passer. He never has been. There are occasions when he throws a laser accurate pass. But it doesn't consistently happen. He is the type of qb who is always going to have his share of passes that go off into the wild blue yonder. I like Fitz. He is a very smart qb with physical limitations. He is a terrific backup and a teammate. The Bills have to come up with a franchise qb in the next draft. Fitz could serve as an excellent bridge qb and tutor for a young qb. Fitz is what he is. He gives you his best efforts. That all you can expect.
akm0404 Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 Fitz is what he is. He gives you his best efforts. That all you can expect. I expect the quarterback to be the best player on the team. This is why we will draft his eventual replacement in April.
The Big Cat Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I expect the quarterback to be the best player on the team. This is why we will draft his eventual replacement in April. He is the best player on the team.
zow2 Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I've said it many times before...Fitz ALWAYS know where to throw the ball...he just can't always get it there. He is so head and shoulders above the last few QBs we've had that i gotta cut him some slack. If the Bills had a running game or if they had a decent defense, they would have a few wins. I don't know Fitz's 3rd and 4th down conversion % but that has improved dramatically since he's been the starter.
Fan in San Diego Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I don't consider Fitz a choker, as you suggest. The problem with Fitz is that he is not a consistently accurate passer. He never has been. There are occasions when he throws a laser accurate pass. But it doesn't consistently happen. He is the type of qb who is always going to have his share of passes that go off into the wild blue yonder. I like Fitz. He is a very smart qb with physical limitations. He is a terrific backup and a teammate. The Bills have to come up with a franchise qb in the next draft. Fitz could serve as an excellent bridge qb and tutor for a young qb. Fitz is what he is. He gives you his best efforts. That all you can expect. As much as I like Fitz, his lapse in accuracy, is a problem. I wonder if Chan can fix the mental mistakes he is making to avoid the costly laps in accuracy? I think it is a mental problem he has to overcome to take his game to the next level. A sports psychologist may be in order for Fitz. I hope he can do it.
BreezeMafia Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 And how many games has Fitz started in his NFL career?
Mr. WEO Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 Yeah, Fitz will never be a starting caliber QB until he learns how to drill a few game winning FGs.
Glory Bound Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 I asked my buddy (a football guru) this very same question this morning before I read this post. He comes from the camp that believes practice makes perfect. He feels that Fitz, with continual work, combined with the desire...and good coaching, can resolve most of his issues. I sure hope so. It would be nice to focus in on our other needs next April.
PDaDdy Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 It seems pretty clear at this point that Fitzpatrick is capable of playing well for periods of time, but when the game is on the line he has a tendency to make costly mistakes that lose football games. It's a mental barrier. Some people are clutch, some aren't - that's life. Do you think this is something he can overcome, or do you think it will plague him throughout the rest of his career? You do realize Trent Edwards is no longer on the team right? No matter how hypercritical you attempt to be or how much you try to bash Fitz Trent won't get his job back.
nedboy7 Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 choking? maybe if you losers had not chocked in life you would not spend your time bashing bills on this site. i used to enjoy reading these posts to get some insight into what the fan base was thinking. now i realize im better off never coming on these sites. later. im out.
TDO'Kearney Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 Yeah, Fitz will never be a starting caliber QB until he learns how to drill a few game winning FGs. A fair point. Since apparently the League will allow the fact that a kicker must hit a 2 FG conversion (2 FG in a row) to get a game tying/winning 3 points in OT, are we having this conversation as loudly if Lindell doesn't bonk the upright in KC on his 2nd FG of last weeks 2 FG conversion attempt? The guy has a good passer rating against the better defenses in the NFL. I'm still not willing to dismiss the idea he can't be THE GUY out of hand until this season is over.
JohnC Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 As much as I like Fitz, his lapse in accuracy, is a problem. I wonder if Chan can fix the mental mistakes he is making to avoid the costly laps in accuracy? I think it is a mental problem he has to overcome to take his game to the next level. A sports psychologist may be in order for Fitz. I hope he can do it. I respectfully disagree. Fitz is what he is. There is a role for him as a backup and mentor. He simply is not a franchise qb, at least for any team which has serious aspirations. As limited as I think he is there is little doubt that he is an upgrade over what we have had for the past number of years. Is that good enough for me? Absolutely not.
joejoebills Posted November 8, 2010 Posted November 8, 2010 It seems pretty clear at this point that Fitzpatrick is capable of playing well for periods of time, but when the game is on the line he has a tendency to make costly mistakes that lose football games. It's a mental barrier. Some people are clutch, some aren't - that's life. Do you think this is something he can overcome, or do you think it will plague him throughout the rest of his career? Please stop posting topics. thanks
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