Sunday, 18 October 2015
Watch NFL Live Stream 2016 NFL Draft: Memphis QB Paxton Lynch shows pro skill in upset of Ole Miss
NFL scouts saw exactly what they wanted from Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch in a 37-24 upset of No. 13 Ole Miss on Saturday -- the Tigers' first win over Ole Miss since 2004 and first victory over a ranked opponent in nearly 20 years.
After falling behind 14-0, Memphis took advantage of several Ole Miss mistakes and scored 31 straight points en route the the victory, led by their junior QB against a fast SEC defense. Lynch finished 39 of 53 for 384 yards (his fifth straight 300-yard game), three touchdowns and an interception.
Entering the season, NFL scouts viewed Lynch as an intriguing prospect, but have yet to be sold because most of his production and positive tape have come against unimpressive competition. A year ago against Ole Miss, Memphis managed three points and Lynch completed 41.9 percent of his passes for 81 yards, one interception and no touchdowns, putting doubt in the minds of NFL evaluators. But it was the opposite this season as the Rebels made the trip to Memphis and the defense didn't have an answer for Lynch.
Lynch jumps off the screen with his size (6-foot-6, 230 pounds) and arm to make all the necessary throws. He operates well within Memphis' offense, which includes a lot of wide receiver screens and in-breaking routes. But he also was consistent down the field, showing velocity and pinpoint accuracy, finishing 12 of 15 for 141 yards on third down. Most quarterbacks his size are awkward runners, but Lynch is athletic enough to climb and slide in the pocket and move his throwing platform with defenders in hot pursuit.
Ole Miss didn't go down without a fight, particularly from junior WR Laquon Treadwell, who set a new career-best with 13 catches for 131 yards and one touchdown. Even when covered, he's not because of his size, hand strength and catching radius to physically dominate defensive backs. Treadwell always picks up more yardage than he should after the catch because of his power and athleticism, which is why he's the clear favorite to be the first wide receiver drafted in April.
As for Ole Miss' other projected first-rounder, junior DT Robert Nkemdiche left in the second quarter because of a concussion. Injuries happen, but Nkemdiche's head injury occurred while he was on offense, which will lead to criticism of Rebels coach Hugh Freeze.
Lynch isn't a flawless prospect; he needs to work on his footwork, touch and continue to add weight. But with continued development, Lynch could be this year's version of Blake Bortles if he declares -- a passing prospect from a non-power-five conference who checks a lot of boxes for NFL evaluators in an average quarterback class.
Sick J.J. Watt listed as questionable, has never missed an NFL start
J.J. Watt has never missed a start in a five-year NFL career that has spanned 69 games. But the Texans have listed the all-world defensive end as questionable with an illness ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Jaguars. In general terms, that means there's a 50 percent chance Watt plays.
The defending NFL Defensive Player of the Year has four sacks and four passes defended this season, but it hasn't been enough to help an otherwise struggling defense (they rank 26th, according to Football Outsiders' metrics) and slightly worse offense (they're 27th) still in search of a quarterback.
As it stands, the Texans are 1-4 -- tied for last in the AFC South with the Jaguars -- and two games behind the Colts. And now Houston could face an improving Jacksonville team without its best player -- and with quarterback Brian Hoyer making his first start since Week 1.
