Five reasons Charlie Brewer could be a Heisman finalist at least once
"Why are you writing this article?" It's click-bait season, folks!
I created my content schedule for the summer attempting to focus on credible and legit informational writing, but reality is that until Big 12 Media Days begins on July 16, there simply isn't enough to write about that will keep our members and guests entertained. I can only go over the depth chart so many times.
So when I woke up this morning I started trying to figure out what will get SicEm365 the most clicks and I came up with this. Because honestly, what Baylor fan doesn't want to see a Baylor QB win another Heisman?
Let's get started!
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1. Accuracy is key to success
Will it translate? Yes, it will. After setting the national completion percentage record in at Lake Travis High School as a senior in 2017, Brewer arrived in Waco being known as an accurate passer. Over a year later and one season in, same story. Brewer finished his freshman season by completing a whopping 68.1 percent of his passes, but more impressively, in his four starts against Kansas, Texas Tech, Iowa State and TCU, Brewer completed 111 of 157 passes for a 70.7 percent clip. And it's not all about simply completing passes, but also putting players in position to make the best play available. Short passing game manager? Not exactly with his 7.8 yards per attempt in those four.
2. Dual-threat QBs have the advantage
Everyone knows that the Heisman Trophy has turned into the best QB on an above average team award. Reality is that it's become even a little more specific. Out of the 10 quarterbacks who have won the award in the last 12 seasons, eight would be consider true dual-threat QBs with Jameis Winston being at least mobile enough to be considered. Sam Bradford was the last true pocket passer only to win the award out of Oklahoma. For Brewer, the rushing yards aren't going to pile up the way they did for Lamar Jackson, Marcus Mariota, Johnny Manziel or Robert Griffn, but his feet are dangerous enough to make him comparable to baker Mayfield.
3. Playmakers and key pieces around him
A supporting cast is crucial when trying to win the Heisman. As Baylor fans remember, Robert Griffin had Kendall Wright and Terrance Ganaway putting up massive numbers of their own in route to a 10-win season. For Brewer, Matt Rhule's staff have done a terrific job recruiting both the skill positions on offense and the offensive line since arriving in Waco, fitting in speed pieces at nearly every spot and linemen who project well later in their career. It takes a perfect storm to win the golden statue, and guys making plays around him can boost his own stats and carry the team to victory.
4. A capable offensive scheme
**Ducks**
Yes, I believe it. Despite a less-than-below-average rushing attack in 2017, Baylor's offensive scheme showed me things that leads me to believe it will be successful in the future. The Bears ranked among the the top 10 in the country in explosive plays of 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 yards and were one of the top 25 passing teams in the country to finish the season. In his four starts, Brewer tossed for 308 yards per game with a 9/3 touchdown to interception ratio. The issue came on the ground, however, and it created a stagnant offense inside the redzone. An improved offensive line over the next three seasons means the rushing attack should be improved.
5. A more-than-capable defense
Don't look at the stats if you're trying to figure out where I'm coming from with this one. Go watch the final four games of the season with Brewer under center and spend time focusing on the defense. Terrific? Absolutely not, but the progress was evident. If Baylor wants Heisman #2 in Waco, that means the entire team must be producing on the field and winning contests. The last Heisman winner to win less than 10 regular season games of course came from Waco, but the chances to that happening are slim to none. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow's track record speak for itself and it will need to speak loudly as it develops the next three seasons.
Bonus: Dude is a gritty playmaker