Why Green Bay Packers Should Trade For Colt McCoy
The Green Bay Packers remain confident in backup quarterback Graham Harrell even if he has yet to show why he deserves to be the No. 2 behind starter Aaron Rodgers. After Harrell’s performance in the last two preseason games, it is essential the Packers consider trading for Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.
Every team needs a proven backup quarterback and Harrell remains to be one of the more inexperienced signal callers in the NFL, as he has never taken a regular season snap. If anything were to happen to Rodgers, the fate of the season would most definitely be in jeopardy with Harrell at the helm. Green Bay fans have not had to worry about this for quite some time considering Matt Flynn proved himself in every preseason since being drafted by the Packers.
In 2010, Rodgers took a mean blow to the head that resulted in a concussion forcing him to miss the Sunday night game against the New England Patriots. Flynn started and had a phenomenal game as he almost led the team to victory in a contest no one expected Green Bay to win. Imagine that exact same situation with Harrell starting instead. Does anyone have the confidence he would have been able to do the same and inspire the team to buck up and not lose another game on their way to victory in Super Bowl XLV?
I understand it is not exactly fair to compare the two quarterbacks considering Flynn had far more experience in the NFL when he started that game then Harrell does now. Even so, if Rodgers were to suffer another concussion and miss a game the Packers need desperately to win, can Harrell get the job done when the season is on the line?
The Packers do not like the idea of trading away a fifth round draft pick to acquire McCoy because it means giving up on one of their quarterbacks, which is something Green Bay does not do. The Packers are known as “Quarterback U” in the NFL due to so many successful signal callers coming out of Green Bay dating back to the early ‘90s. However, this could be one of those times the franchise makes an exception.
In two games this preseason, Harrell has completed 27 of 51 pass attempts for 235 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. Against the Browns Thursday night, he had a 50.0 completion percentage and threw both of his interceptions, although there could have easily been four. When Rodgers left the game, the Packers were losing 13-7. Harrell played deep into the fourth quarter and is a major reason why Green Bay lost the game 35-10.
I understand this is preseason but this is the time where several players show the coaches what they got. If they do not have enough to contribute then they are going to get cut. Harrell has been with the Packers for two years and this is now his time to shine and show everyone what he is capable of. Instead, he has regressed and is beginning to force Ted Thompson’s hand.
McCoy has started 21 games in his NFL career, which means he has plenty of experience to be a quality backup for the Packers. He has been removed as the No. 1 quarterback in Cleveland and has not seen any time with the starting squad. McCoy has completed 10 of 14 pass attempts for 146 yards this preseason, including going 4 for 6 on an impressive 14-play, 75-yard drive that ended in a touchdown against Green Bay.
Personally, I cannot believe the Browns are giving up on McCoy so easily, let alone why no other team has made a legitimate trade offer to acquire him. If I were Green Bay, I would cut my losses and trade for McCoy immediately. There is no reason to be deep into the regular season with the division on the line and the fate of the playoffs lying within the hands of Harrell due to Rodgers suffering an injury. With McCoy, the Packers would have a legitimate chance of winning the game. If Green Bay were to sign him, the good news is he is very familiar with the West Coast offense and the coaches would have no problem bringing him up to speed on the plays they like to run.
I certainly believe Harrell has plenty of potential but the question is do the Packers have time to wait for him considering the window to win another Super Bowl is closing. With McCoy as the No. 2, that would be just one more thing Green Bay does not have to worry about during a stressful season.
Make sure to follow me on Twitter @MichaelTerrill
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