This is where I think you missed what I said. Of course decision making is in the picture. My point is that there's decision maling on both side of the coin. Things like "sight adjust" where it takes the QB and the WR to see the same thing.
So there is a lot to it...but there's alot WRs have to know also...that's the point at which you can't put it all on the QB...and we've all seen these young Ram WRs make wrong reads in what they do.
WHo ever saw a successful QB without good/excellent WRs???
Clearly this is true. It is the ultimate team sport.
I have watched football for many years. I played as a kid, and both of my sons played football. One of them played NCAA football in a small division I school. What I am saying is that I have watched enough football to come to my own conclusions.
While Sam has talent, and his ability has shown through on the field at times, he has never been the masterful field general that inspires confidence - at least not from what I have seen.
Maybe, as some claim, that is ALL a function of the players around him. Maybe we will see him step up this year.
I want to see him consistently execute to his abilities, even in the face of difficult situations. Handle the pressure. Own 3rd down. Then I will believe that Sam has arrived as a top flight QB in this league.
I saw a stat from last year on Sam's completion percentage by downs:
1st - 68%
2nd - 62%
3rd - 48%
Now all QBs may see their completion percentage drop on third down, but that statistic supports what I see with my own 2 eyes: Sam does not play well under pressure.
I hope that changes this year, because a pristine pocket on 3rd down is a rare quantity in the NFL.
The Rams were 29th in the NFL in 3rd down efficiency last year - 28th the year before. That may be about everything BUT Sam, but I tend to think he played a role in it.