The QBs and their coaches - NFL: training camp preview - Brief Article
Vinnie IyerThe past two weeks in the SPORTING NEWS, you've read about how Kurt Warner benefits from playing under Mike Martz in St. Louis and the budding relationship between Jake Plummer and Mike Shanahan in Denver. Scouts point to three other quarterbacks who are good fits with their coaches. Get a read on the three and what to expect from them at camp.
Peyton Manning, Colts. Whether he is working out of coordinator Tom Moore's three-wide receiver or two-tight end sets, Manning has become very efficient in his execution. His prolific passing numbers may seem like an anomaly under Tony Dungy's conservative philosophy, but Manning is best suited feeding off the running game and using play-action. Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne form a nice 1-2 punch outside. In camp, Manning will need to work on jelling with two newcomers on underneath routes: former Raven Brandon Stokley and the team's first-round pick, tight end Dallas Clark.
Donovan McNabb, Eagles. Not only can McNabb devastate defenses with his scrambling, his slick footwork in the pocket helps him excel in the team's West Coast system. Coach Andy Reid won with two other quarterbacks last season, but McNabb clearly is his ace pupil. McNabb again goes into camp without an elite go-to guy at receiver, so the key to the team's short passing game may be how quickly he develops rapport with two rookies, wideout Billy McMullen and tight end L.J. Smith.
Chad Pennington, Jets. He played well within Paul Hackett's version of the West Coast offense last season, showing smarts, accuracy and poise while becoming an extension of coach Herman Edwards on the field. Pennington's veteran-like play is why Edwards turned to him last season. Pennington's biggest camp challenge will be getting comfortable with another starting receiver now that Laveranues Coles is with the Redskins.
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