For good, bad or indifferent (but definitely good) the most important rookie this season will be Philadelphia quarterback Clifford Rove. After the last round of off-season workouts, it became obvious that Rove had surpassed incumbent starter Jameis Christ due to the latter's questionable work ethic. The Liberty's massive off-season, inking linebacker AC Hackett to the richest contract in NSFL history and trading for star tackle Mark Ramrio, has the potential to play both ways in terms of pressure on Rove. On the one hand, adding even more talent to an already star-laden defense means that it won't be on him to carry the Liberty to victory. On the other hand, there are expectations now. Between off-season moves and the chatter of Liberty players, this team has real pressure to succeed. The Liberty defense has the opportunity to be special but, barring historical dominance, the team will still need good quarterback play to live up to its potential.
That all said, if there's any quarterback in the league built for this moment, it's Cliff. After all it's not easy to supplant a Season 1 Vet at the toughest position in football. And regardless of the self-imposed expectations, the Liberty don't need Rove to put the team on his back. There are offensive play-makers around him, including the league's best tight end and last season's touchdown leader. If he can limit his turnovers and get the ball out on time, the Liberty will be sitting pretty come playoff time.
That all said, if there's any quarterback in the league built for this moment, it's Cliff. After all it's not easy to supplant a Season 1 Vet at the toughest position in football. And regardless of the self-imposed expectations, the Liberty don't need Rove to put the team on his back. There are offensive play-makers around him, including the league's best tight end and last season's touchdown leader. If he can limit his turnovers and get the ball out on time, the Liberty will be sitting pretty come playoff time.
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