Brett Ratliff looks like a pretty solid QB to me. Almost like a Pennington with a stronger arm. Even though pre-season can be tricky to evaluate performances, it certainly seems like he's played better than Clemens. I'm wondering what Tangini is thinking at this point about the number 2 spot.
I had tagged Ratliff as a training camp wonder but at this point I don't see how he is not the #2 guy. Clemens has done nothing in my opinion to keep the #2 spot.
We should find out this week. With the starters sitting out most likely we will see who gets the start against Philly's second team.
If Favre doesn't play against the Eagles, I'd like to see Ratliff start the game. He deserves to continue his progress against Philly's #2's, and not play against the 3's anymore. I'd like to see this kid get more 1st team reps. If his furthers his progression, we may have a starter here. The more tests he passes, the more ready he is.
For what it's worth, Clemens looked a little better against the Giants than he had the rest of preseason or training camp. That being said, it has been fun watching Ratliff this summer.
According to an article in todays paper(news or Post, i can't remember), Clems play against the Giants "cemented him as the #2 QB". I hope the FO/CS doesn't turn a blind eye to Ratliff, because Clemens was annointed the heir apparent. Do you guy's think Ratliff will get to compete with Clemens, next season, if Favre retires?
I think Ratlif is definetely in our future plans. I like the way he came back and scored on 2 plays after throwing the INT. I think this guy is for real, and I just don't see Clemens hanging on to that #2 spot for very long. I think the only reason they will stick with Clemens at #2 for this season is because he has real game experience, if he didn't have that he'd be #3 no doubt.
I didn't read the article, but I agree Clemens cemented # 2 job, as long as he doesn't have a melt down against the Eagles. It's probably a good idea. I agree Ratliff has out played him in TC. For the time being there is no real advantage to placing Ratliff above Clemens on the official depth chart. What happens if Favre actually goes down is another matter. I still suspect it will be Clemens. if Mangini were to officially promote Ratliff over Clemens, I think that would be the end of Clemens.. Just to much in one TC. Hopefully Favre will stay upright most of the season. Then it will all be a moot point. It isn't though Clemens has played badly this preseason, its just Ratliff has played exceptionally well. At the moment he looks like a franchise QB. His first trip out he threw a pick, Mangini pulled him, and gave Clemens the chance to ice the job. He didn't. Ratliff came back in and covered 54 yards in two passes. TD. Good stuff Clemens looks like a good back up. I suspect Clemens will start.. He better score some points. If he doesn't, and Ratliff comes in and scores two TD's in the second half. Whole new ball game
I agree....I'd keep Ratliff at #3 FOR NOW due to Kellen's game experience. IF Favre goes down, go with Clemens...If he doesn't perform well, then it's open competition again, and I think Ratliff WINS....not only for his excellent camp,but,equally, for Clemens lack there of. He has, so far, come across as a very decent back-up QB and that's all.............and DAMN I USED TOO MANY COMMAS IN THIS REPLY...oh well
Ratliff has looked very smooth and poised; we gotta keep him as our #3 or we'll lose him. I don't think that Tangini wants to cop to blowing a #2 pick on Clemens just yet.
Let's not forget that Clemens had an amazing training camp last year and he floundered during the season. I know that Mangini has this in the back of his mind and that is why he will take more time to evaluate Ratliff. The competition between these 2 will carry on during practice in the season but I expect Ratliff to win the #2 job by season's end.
Tangini not admitting to possibly wasting the pick on Clemems just yet is probably the ultimate reason Ratliff stays #3. But, I just love the poise this kid has in the pocket and I like the arm. Clemens may throw harder, but he's alittle herky jerky back there sometimes and it makes me nervous. Kinda reminds me a bit of the gunslinger mentality that Foley had (I loved him) but he just couldn't put it together....Some players just have it outright, and some don't.
It would be very nice indeed if Ratliff would develop into the QB that we've been looking for since before Penny. I know it's Darksider thinking, but it's almost too much to expect. Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure, I'm tired of wasting picks on QB's that don't pan out. Our history is littered with 'em.
I don't think there is any way that Ratlif is not our #3. I think for sure, Favre, Clemens, Ratlif to start the season with Ainge on the PS.
Ratliff has dont very good in the pre-season he shown signs of leadership poise and accuracy and not to mention a big arm. I Like this kid alot , I Think he will only get better learning from Favre and learning the offense more.
Ya' never know. When Favre was at Atlanta they never played him; boy, did they ever lose out. I am not putting Ratliff in the same basket, but I think he has definitely earned his roster spot on the team as a solid #3 with upside potential.
dude screw ainge...PS squad or some other teams pick up. Ratliff for Ainge sounds like a good deal to me
