QB Mike Teel Is A Potential Signing For The Falcons

by Dave Choate on May 20, 2010 10:23 AM EDT in Falcons News

You may come out of this post thinking I hate John Parker Wilson and everything he stands for. After all, I have called for a replacement before, which earned me a Tweet from a reader who considered it the stupidest post he'd ever read. Obviously, the Falcons did not sign Brett Ratliff.

They should sign Mike Teel. I'm on record as a believer that JPW, for all his obvious football intelligence and growing familiarity with the offense, does not have the physical tools to succeed as anything more than a third string quarterback in the NFL. You need one of those, and if our backup wasn't a couple of years away from heading to another team or retiring I'd be perfectly comfortable with keeping him on the roster.

Let's face it, though, Chris Redman won't be around forever. He's performed better than anyone could have expected him to after he was unceremoniously bounced out of the league, and I have no doubt he can continue to fill that role this season and into the next. At that point, however, he'll be 35 years old and his already noodly arm will likely decline further.

That's why I advocate for the signing of Teel. Recently released by the Seattle Seahawks—who brought on J.P. Losman as his replacement, for some reason—Teel is 24 years old, has a strong arm and ideal NFL size at 6'4" and had a successful junior and senior season at Rutgers. He's no lock to ever sniff a full-time starting job in the NFL, but I think he has all the trappings of a terrific backup who could start for several games if the need arises. In a lot of ways he reminds me of Matt Ryan, with the same height, the same quality makeup and the same college-born concerns about interceptions.

If you're going to have your star quarterback out—and again, the Football Gods forbid it ever happens again—you might as well have someone handy who offers a similar skill set and can run the same offense. I'd advocate for bringing in Teel now and letting him duke it out with JPW through the summer.

After all, a little competition never hurt anyone.

Tweet Comment 39 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

maybe this guy can be the backup for Matty Ice

he did good in Seattle when Hasselback was injured

...in dixie land i'll take my stand: to root for Atlanta

by southman on May 20, 2010 10:39 AM EDT reply actions

I like it.

However, I’m sure there will be another guy with a skill set like Teal within the next couple years, and I just don’t think there’s any urgency for TD to make any moves now.

by orion12 on May 20, 2010 10:45 AM EDT reply actions

*Teel

by orion12 on May 20, 2010 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Probably

I know it’s a micro-level move at a time where there’s not a glaring need, but I really like the idea of striving to upgrade at all times.

by Dave Choate on May 20, 2010 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions

I have one thing to say:

You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.

by Adam Schultz on May 20, 2010 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

And why not?

Besides the fact that you sleep with an Alabama jersey and a pillow with JPW’s face on it?

by Dave Choate on May 20, 2010 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I want that kid we already have. Number 13 or whatever lol

You have opinions. We all do. Some of yours may have to do with the Falcons. Sign up today and share them.

by Adam Schultz on May 20, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Hahahah...

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on May 20, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Rec’d for Ren & Stimpy. Always.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on May 20, 2010 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Since it's not an urgent matter

I’m not concerned. However, I think this Eric Ward kid will knock off JPW and Shockley for the third spot. sorry SEC fans.

by Fear Me on May 20, 2010 11:19 AM EDT reply actions

Evaluating the skill set of a back-up QB is tough...

For if they had great skills, they wouldn’t be a back-up…Thus, I am impressed that you monitor the depth charts of teams from here to Seattle…

My only concern is that the kid won’t be able to play for a team with uniforms that don’t match his last name.

by Jman781 on May 20, 2010 11:25 AM EDT reply actions

I try to

Obviously, I’m not an expert in this guy by any means. He just has the skillset I generally like in my backup quarterbacks.

by Dave Choate on May 20, 2010 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

Looking at his college numbers, Teel sure seems interesting. If you throw out his awful Freshman season (2 TD, 10 INT, barely 50% completions) his stats look really good. Even better, his numbers improved (by a healthy margin) every single year. By his Senior season, he had 61% completions, 8.6 Yds/Att, and almost a 2:1 TD:INT Ratio. JPW was basically the same thing all 3 years as starter. Wouldn’t hurt to at least check him out, huh?

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on May 20, 2010 1:09 PM EDT reply actions

We agree!

by Dave Choate on May 20, 2010 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions

As always...

if he displaces Redman I am okay with it. Not a big JPW fan either, but I prefer a non Redman QB on the team.

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on May 20, 2010 2:07 PM EDT reply actions

What's wrong with Redman?

I know that he’s not Matt Moore, Gradkowski, Quinn/Andersen/Any Cleveland QB from 2009, Byron Leftwich, Matt Flynn, Keith Null, Any Bills QB, etc., but he’s okay, right?

by Jman781 on May 20, 2010 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Redman Stats

FWIW, in his time playing for Atlanta, he has 14 TDs to just 8 INTs and has an 85.1 QB rating…I know it’s a small sample size, but that’s actually higher than Matt Ryan’s QB rating…Not saying that I want Redman over Ryan (in fact 2008 was Redman’s best year…as he was on the bench the entire year), but I think he is a really good, veteran back-up…

by Jman781 on May 20, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with these guys - I disagree.

I think Redman is a great backup QB to have around. He’s not the future, but he’s good insurance. Oh, and he used to sell insurance too, so he knows about a lot about insurance.

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on May 20, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions

And

I will have to continue to disagree alone I guess. Go look at this stats from before he came here and keep in mind the guy was out of football altogether selling insurance before coming to play for us (which means no team, NFL, CFL, AFL, etc…) wanted him. That plus the fact (which I shall never forget) that he was a dick towards my kid when he asked for an autograph (I thought we only wanted people on the team with good character and attitude?).
He is a 2 facer at best.

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on May 21, 2010 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

Redman went to Louisville...

Where a Mr. Bobby Petrino was his OC…Can you really be that shocked that he acted like a 2-faced jerk to your son?

by Jman781 on May 21, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

That's fine...

I’m basing my assessment on what he’s done for the Falcons in the time he’s been here. I think he’s done a good job. Also, I think he and Ryan have a good rapport which has helped Ryan to develop. He’s kind of like a big brother to him, I think.

I’m sorry that you had such a bad experience with him when your son asked for an autograph. That’s tough. I did get an autograph at last year’s Roam the Dome event (where I met you and your nice kid) and he was certainly pleasant to me (although it was DeCoud who got up and posed for a picture with me and Adam – that guy is a class act).

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on May 21, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree with the DeCoud comment

and maybe I am holding a grudge, but I never liked Chandler either and some people love that guy. Just becuase he was on the team when we went to the Super Bowl doesnt mean he is gods gift to the falcons. We all know that Jamal Anderson is who got us there. Thats like saying Buck Belue is the best QB GA ever had because they won a national championship with him as QB when we all know the Mr. Walker was the one that got them there.

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on May 21, 2010 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions

It's all good...

Grudges are acceptable.

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on May 24, 2010 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions

When I think perfect b/u QB, I think Matt Schaub.

Developing young QB with trade potential. If you think Teel is that, then I think it’d be a good signing.

"If lessons were learned in defeat, our team is getting a great education." -Murray Warmath

by NaGaNole on May 20, 2010 8:28 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe we should get Vick. ;)

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on May 20, 2010 9:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Well, Mr. Dave IS rumbling up some backup QB noise.

I suppose you can’t exclude anyone at this point, eh?

"Ryan, under center. Single receiver set, to either side. Ryan, gonna throw. First professional pass.....CAUGHT!! Jenkins! 30! 25! 20! 15! 10! 5! He lives in Atlanta!!!" -Wes Durham

by Zippo729 on May 20, 2010 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

JaMarcus Russell also has (had?) all the physical tools

one could want in a QB, starting or backup. And we see how that worked out.

Physical skills are only one part of the combination that makes up a successful QB in this league. If Teel lost his job to J.P. Losman, I have to believe something about him caused the coaching staff to give up on him so early in his career.

Maybe he’s worth a second chance, but I wouldn’t assume he’s an instant upgrade over JPW just because he has the prototypical height and arm strength. What’s between his ears is a lot more important.

by Leon07 on May 20, 2010 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

I respect your argument

But I’m much more inclined to believe Seattle has a serious case of veteranitis than that they seriously thought Losman was better than Teel.

by Dave Choate on May 20, 2010 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Now they can say they have three starting quarterbacks!

I’ve heard it said though, if you think you have 2 or 3 starting quarterbacks, you don’t have any…

by TheAreopagite on May 21, 2010 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions

That's bad math!

2 + 0 equals 2, not 0. Even the English major knows that. Gosh.

by Dave Choate on May 21, 2010 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

People displacing Redman's value...

really need to check out last year’s home game against the Bucs.

Or that pre-season game against the Chargers.

Enough said.

Australian Atlanta Falcons Fan EST 2003

by Grayson on May 21, 2010 1:08 AM EDT reply actions

Booya!

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on May 21, 2010 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Just don't ask them to watch the Eagles game...

LOL

"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta

by TomQ on May 21, 2010 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions

Gotta call bs on that one

and remind you all of one of my grandpappys old sayings.

Even a blind squirrel can find a nut every now and then.

Besides the fact that the Bucs suck(ed?).

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on May 21, 2010 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Your issue with Redman

is more personal than based on his skill set. He is a very good back up and has played well with ATL. Is he the best option, no, but he knows the system, doesn’t typically make stupid mistakes and can take a hit. What more can you ask from the back up?

by mwalex on May 21, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions

not to be

out of the league for 2 years selling insurance and then come back to play for the Falcons… Just sayin.

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on May 21, 2010 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

You know what my problem is with Redman?

He’s not a young guy who’s thriving. At this point in his career, Redman is a pretty good backup but is only going to decline as an NFL quarterback. The team will eventually have to replace him, and it’s unlikely they’ll catch lightning in a bottle with another 30+ free agent.

So I think you develop. If you believe JPW can be that guy, then I tip my cap to you and hope he is. If you think it’s a guy like Mike Teel, then let’s go get him and let him develop. Redman is going to get the job done for another year or two, but after that I’d love to have a guy who has been groomed in this offense.

by Dave Choate on May 21, 2010 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Hey

Whatever it takes to upgrade from Redman I am good with it. I think a lot of poeple are overestimating the guys skills. Despite the fact that I dont care for him at all.

Life is a garden. Dig it!

by Hardcore Falcon on May 24, 2010 8:00 AM EDT up reply actions