Timer speeds up QB thought process

[DolFan619]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-flspdolphins03sbaug03,0,7289823.story

Buzzer giving Dolphins QBs fits at training camp

By Omar Kelly
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

August 3, 2008

DAVIE - Imagine being at work and every time your productivity slows down and a task doesn't get completed a buzzer sounds indicating you better pick it up.

Didn't get that memo out or motion filed before the big meeting or trial ... BUZZZZZ.

Followed up on a sales lead two days after you got it, putting yourself at risk of someone else closing the deal ... BUZZZZZ.

That's what it's like daily for the Dolphins' three quarterbacks, who have struggled to execute the newly installed offense during the first week of training camp. Outside of defenses traditionally being ahead of offenses at this point, part of their problem centers on a 3-second timer the coaches use to speed up a quarterback's thought process during passing plays.

The buzzer simulates approximately how much time an NFL quarterback has before pressure from the defensive line likely collapses the pocket.

"To be efficient playing this position you have to play fast. For me, personally, it's been good to have that [buzzer] there because I know you have to get it out," said Josh McCown, who has started 31 games in his six-year career. "Even when there isn't a pass rush it lets you know that's the time [the pass] should have gotten off."

At this point in camp, coach Tony Sparano said he's "OK" with the buzzer giving his quarterbacks fits because he and his staff are confident it'll make them better in the long run.

"We want to create the environment around here that makes practice hard so that the game is a little bit easier," Sparano said. "We're trying to put them in stressful environments. We really are, and I think that's good for a quarterback. The game's not easy at that position."

The buzzer somewhat resembles a game-show timer. Fail to answer before it sounds and your window to provide a response — or a pass — has passed. And much like the Family Feud or Price Is Right, the buzzer will likely eliminate one or two of the contestants trying to become the team's starting quarterback.

Of the three quarterbacks, John Beck is struggling with the buzzer the most. During the first week, it's estimated that roughly half of his passes are thrown after the buzzer has sounded. Beck's early struggles have gotten to the point it appears he's pressing.

"Sometimes you don't really hear it because you are going through your progressions and pads are hitting," said Beck, who started four games as a rookie last season. "It's only in 7-on-7s that you truly hear it."

If Beck, and the other two quarterbacks, don't begin to beat the buzzer consistently they could end up feeling it come time to play the game. Beck already struggled with blitzing pressure (10 sacks in five games) last season. And it's not like McCown, who has been sacked 93 times in his career, is immune to pressure.

That's where the buzzer comes in handy. At least that's what the Dolphins hope.

Quarterbacks coach David Lee has been personally using the buzzer for six years. It was first introduced to him in 2003 when he joined Dallas' coaching staff.

He took it with him to Arkansas, where he served as the offensive coordinator, and said he swears by it.

When the ball is still in his hand after the timer sounds McCown said he knows whatever happened — whether it was a particular coverage the defense showed or his footwork not being right — he either didn't read the field properly or didn't correct a mistake fast enough.

And when that happens in a game there's usually a price to pay.

But for now, in practice, it's simply something each quarterback gets evaluated on.

"We don't beat them up over it if the ball is not out at that point, but it's a message, and they know," Sparano said.

"They know how fast it has to happen during the course of a game."

Even though Chad Henne comes from Michigan, a school that has churned out a number of NFL starting quarterbacks during the past two decades, the rookie hasn't used a timer since his playing days at Wilson High in West Lawn, Pa., where he ran a spread offense that required quick reads and throws.

Henne admitted the buzzer is teaching him to rely on his instincts.

"You only have 3 seconds, and probably in the game it's even less, so this teaches you to get the ball out of your hands as quick as possible," Henne said.

"The one that makes the smartest decisions as quickly as possible is the one that's going to play."