Per Thorpe: Peyton Bender led the first team offense during the team period for the first time.

[JBrown4435]

This is getting VERY interesting! Glad to see the level of QB competition in practice so far!

Jacob Thorpe‏@JacobThorpeSR
Also Peyton Bender led the first team offense during the team period for the first time.

 

[SaveFerris]

This is getting VERY interesting! Glad to see the level of QB competition in practice so far!

Jacob Thorpe‏@JacobThorpeSR
Also Peyton Bender led the first team offense during the team period for the first time.

As long as Falk remains healthy it's his job to start the season. I don't think he's done anything to lose the job and as talented as Bender appears to be I don't think he's done enough to take the job. Just one opinion though.

 

[YakiCoug]

As long as Falk remains healthy it's his job to start the season. I don't think he's done anything to lose the job and as talented as Bender appears to be I don't think he's done enough to take the job. Just one opinion though.

Bender, while I prefer him to Falk, has thrown quite a few picks in different drills. Perhaps it's more of a situation where the defense has improved quite a bit with some new faces in the d-backfield (Molton, Luani, Parker, Green).

 

[wulffui]

Bender, while I prefer him to Falk, has thrown quite a few picks in different drills. Perhaps it's more of a situation where the defense has improved quite a bit with some new faces in the d-backfield (Molton, Luani, Parker, Green).

Molton's name showing up has been a running theme in camp- I'd also give the edge to Falk- he seems to be at least on par with Bender to this point, with Falk in front on mobility and ball security.

 

[Cougatron]

I think it's good so he can work with the best unit and see how he does. I still think Falk is the guy, but if anything goes wrong Bender will be working with the 1s so it's excellent practice for him... it's so nice to have a coach that values all QBs taking quality reps instead of 90% on 1 guy.

 

[YakiCoug]

I think it's good so he can work with the best unit and see how he does. I still think Falk is the guy, but if anything goes wrong Bender will be working with the 1s so it's excellent practice for him... it's so nice to have a coach that values all QBs taking quality reps instead of 90% on 1 guy.

All the quarterbacks under the last regime got snaps. It's just too bad it was the snapping of bones.

 

[Flatlandcoug]

I think it's good so he can work with the best unit and see how he does. I still think Falk is the guy, but if anything goes wrong Bender will be working with the 1s so it's excellent practice for him... it's so nice to have a coach that values all QBs taking quality reps instead of 90% on 1 guy.

The other benefit of putting your back up on the field with the 1's is that it tells him that he really will get a true opportunity to win the job. That's a good way to keep someone from transferring. My son didn't turn out for football this year because the coaches ignore the non-starters. I watched practices last year where 45 JV kids stood on the sidelines for 50-60 minutes of the practice while the varsity ran plays. When you don't feel like you're going to be given the opportunity to earn the spot, it's easier to leave. Good to see Leach giving Bender snaps.

 

[CougPatrol]

Bender, while I prefer him to Falk, has thrown quite a few picks in different drills. Perhaps it's more of a situation where the defense has improved quite a bit with some new faces in the d-backfield (Molton, Luani, Parker, Green).

I like Bender too, but I think he needs more reps before assuming the starting job. His upside, to me, is better than Falk's; but at this point I'd trust Falk starting at Rutgers more than Bender.

After watching the Spring game, along with the last 4 games of 2014, Falk's arm strength; particularly on the sideline throws, concerns me. We run a lot of quick-release, sideline throws, bubble screens, etc., and Falk's throws don't get there quick enough IMO. His bubble screen throws look like bubbles. When he steps into the passes over the top, his arm strength looks good, but the lateral throws highlight his limitations.

Hopefully, Bender will get some extended playing time vs. Portland State and Wyoming. Then, we can go into our BYE week and re-evaluate how the QBs stack up.