Also on Thursday, John Dorsey said he believes the Chiefs have the back-up quarterback on the roster already. So, we’ll find out whether or not Aaron Murray and/or Tyler Bray will get a legitimate chance to serve as the number two quarterback. If the answer to that is yes, then it’s reasonable to assume… that QB will be considered the heir apparent.
Aaron Murray who played his college ball for for Georgia, is 6-foot-1, 210 lbs. and may be a little more accurate than Alex Smith. While Alex Smith can run when needed, Murray is more limited in that way although he may be better able to take advantage of a pocket (when and if the Chiefs decide to insure their QB will have one). Murray rushed for 366 yards in four college seasons and Smith for 1,072 in three collegiate campaigns.
One of the pleasant surprises of Alex Smith’s game has been his ability to not only escape pressure but turn what appears to be a negative play into a solid gain with his legs. Murray just isn’t that kind of Ramblin’ Man.
Aaron Murray understands the nuances of the game and is usually able to get the ball to his second and third receivers, as needed. I’ve been impressed with Murray’s ability to throw the back side fade coming out of college but he doesn’t have a huge arm and he shouldn’t be expected to get the ball downfield any more than Smith was ever able to.
Murray is even keeled, makes solid decisions and doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him when pressured. In this way his leadership style is akin to Alex Smith’s.
It’s a plus that Murray has had two years in Andy Reid complex offensive system as Reid’s #3 QB. It’s also been a plus for him to watch Chase Daniel operate as the back-up to Alex Smith because of the way Daniel interacted with Smith (and because Daniel was Drew Brees’ backup for four years, Chase is loaded with quarterbacking insights).
Next: Is There Another QBOTF on the Roster?