Now I don’t want to be one of those people that jump the gun but you just have to check out how Colt McCoy shredded the Green Bay defense in the first week of the pre-season. Did you see that pass to Benjamin Watson? What a beauty. And what about that fade to Joshua Cribbs? Finishing 9/10 versus the Packers vaunted attack is something we’ll talk about when we draft him and laugh at everyone who thinks we’re crazy. I’m telling you, this kid is destined for stardom…
Alright, for those of you in the know, congratulations. For those not, you just got August Fools Day’ed. It’s a celebrated day where we look back on football pre-seasons past and give you a sample of what happened. Through week 3 of the pre-season for 2011, Colt went 28 out of 46 for four touchdowns vs only one interception. The fantasy football sleeper Gods rejoiced and anointed Colt the next great quarterback. I’m not going to link to the sites because I don’t believe in ridiculing others for their mistakes unless it’s that one really loud and annoying ESPN guy. You know which one I’m talking about. Yeah, that one. Nevertheless, I bring you this August Fool’s Day to put things in perspective. That perspective is simple and can be summed up in just a few words: Pre-Season Means Nothing! Sure, it can tell you how a depth chart is leaning or when someone gets hurt and will miss some time but were not talking about that. What we’re talking about is the insatiable need to believe in the numbers. These guys aren’t out there for the stats this time of year. They’re on the field to learn their role on offense/defense. They’re out there to get their timing and rhythm down. They’re out there to dress in silly clothes for your amusement. But they sure as heck aren’t out there trying to rack up yards and touchdowns. So before you start riding the hype trains that will no doubt start ramping up as the pre-season progresses, keep things in perspective. Did Andrew Luck have a great debut by the numbers? Yep, most sports channels told you that already, though. In the end, it’s just one game and a pre-season game at that. Same can be said the other way. Did Aaron Rodgers 2/8 with an interception performance sway you from thinking he’s still a top tier quarterback? In the words of Lana Kane: NOPE. Look, we all want to believe. Even that guy with the crazy hair on the History channel wants to believe but we’ve got to keep things in perspective. So I beg you, remember it all is just the pre-season and don’t buy into the hype. This post was brought to you by the Draft Responsibly Committee. To all designated drafters, please don’t let your friends draft on pre-season bunk.
