For rookie quarterbacks, the confusion factor is inevitable.
Between dealing with complicated blitz packages and disguised coverages, mastering new terminology and gaining the respect of older teammates and coaches, it's an extremely tough job.
But that's why they pay these guys the big bucks.
And for first-round draft picks Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions) and Mark Sanchez (New York Jets), their progression might wind up being accelerated. Both are locked in competitions for first-string status.
So, Stafford and Sanchez, who became friends last year when they were counselors at a high school football camp, have been staying in touch about their respective situations and quizzing each other for advice, according to the Associated Press.
"We're just learning, playing football," said Stafford, the top overall pick of the draft who's competing with veteran Daunte Culpepper. "Obviously, during the season, you want to win football games. That's the No. 1 priority.
"But at this point, we're just trying to learn and give ourselves a chance to be competitive during training camp and get a chance to get on the field."
Each quarterback is proving to be an extremely valuable resource for each other.
Especially with Stafford potentially running the offense of a team that went 0-16 last year and Sanchez playing quarterback in the nation's largest media market.
"We talk so much about how's the playbook coming, what are the guys like in the locker room, have they treated you OK," said Sanchez, who's competing with veteran Kellen Clemens. "Both of our situations have been very similar.
"Obviously, we're in different markets, but you're a rookie quarterback, you just signed your contract, you and your family are financially secure. There's a dynamic to that. It means a lot to be able to talk to someone."
As Stafford noted, it's the opportunity of a lifetime. "Living the dream," he says.
And each rookie seems determined to not screw it up.
It's nice to be able to have a close friend going through the same thing you are, especially in something as unique as the NFL.
It's a good thing they are in different conferences and divisions. Imagine if Sanchez ended up geting taken by the Vikings...
Squeelers suck and so do I!!!
#FF00FF um, Stafford, you got drafted by the LIONS. You already screwed-up.
Let's us know if you notice any burned out bulbs in the ceiling while your laying on your back. #FF00FF
"And each rookie seems determined to not screw it up."
We'll see, but there's just as good a chance of this duo resembling Tim Couch/Akili Smith than getting off to a good start a la Matt Ryan/Joe Flacco.
Stafford will be a much better QB than Sanchez honestly Sanchez should have been a second round pick he is so overrated.
I disagree. Sanchez will be a better QB than Stafford for the simple fact of the team around them. If you're a halfway decent QB, you can do alright in NY.
Jesus Christ himself couldn't help the Lions.
@chris
You said a decent QB can do alright in NY. Sanchez is not a decent QB. He is an overrated QB. If he hadn't gone to USC he wouldn't have been drafted so high.
You guys must be genius to figure out who will be a success and who won't be. Man let me know when you give you betting lines. You are going to be riiiiich!!!
So what is a dirty Sanchez?
stafford's lions can only do better. they cant do worse.
Until the pads go on, pressure hasn't even started yet.
As a Pats fan/Jets hater I'm hoping Sanchez ends up a Jets bust. My instincts tell me he's smart and will become successful.
I'm interested to see Stafford.....in a kind of rubber-necked observer of a horrible car crash sort of way.
I'd rather be drafted by Beirut than Detroit.
does kellen clemens keep in contact with drew brees about being a 2nd round pick and being kicked to the curb by a guy who was drafted 9th overall?
now all he has to do is win the starting job, get his arm twisted behind his neck at the shoulder and find a perfect fit with another team...
but seriously, hes screwed
dat crazy bok are you saying that Jesus Christ couldn't throw a deep ball?