Kansas football needs to play a mobile quarterback
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas football team is off to a 1-2 start entering Big 12 Conference play. The team needs to consider a big change moving forward.
Kansas football fans, the players and coaches are not thrilled with the start to the season. As a matter of fact, I thought we’d see at least two and possibly three wins in non-conference play. It didn’t happen. The team is struggling in many areas and needs to make some significant adjustments moving into Big 12 play.
Coach David Beaty didn’t bring Peyton Bender to Lawrence to have him stand on the sideline. On the other hand, his standing on the field, not moving or not getting rid of the football quickly is hurting this team. The offensive line is blocking but there are times Bender either holds the ball too long, doesn’t throw ball away or simply doesn’t move.
I don’t expect Todd Reesing but Bender is not a mobile quarterback. We know Carter Stanley has a little of that sixth sense. Kansas football fans saw him use that to avoid sacks last season. Bender may have the better arm. Carter Stanley may give the team a better chance to win. I don’t like a two-quarterback system. However, Beaty needs to play him.
After 3 non-conference games, Peyton Bender has thrown almost as many interceptions as touchdown passes. I am glad he only threw one pick on Saturday. On the other hand, the throw behind speedster Steven Sims, Jr. Saturday at Ohio came immediately after Jayhawks first interception of the season. It killed any momentum from Mike Lee’s huge play in the end zone.
After 3 games, Bender’s passing efficiency is 8th among Big 12 Conference quarterbacks. A passer rating is not going to win games. Sometimes the intangibles you can’t teach players go a long way to providing a spark a team needs.
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Mark Mangino’s success is due in part to a quarterback who knew how to and when to move. Beaty and offensive coordinator Doug Meacham may need to consider using a quarterback who can run. So far, Peyton Bender is not that quarterback.