NFLdreams » Jeff Rowe - Northwestern at Nevada

September 29, 2006

Strengths

Accuracy on the run

Touch throws

Things to improve

Lack of top end speed

More playmaking ability

Overall

Jeff Rowe constructed a fairly decent performance leading his team to victory over Northwestern by a score of 31-21, while showing off his future potential as a QB at the next level. He started the game on a hot streak connecting on seven of eight passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. Final game statistics can be seen below.

The thing that impressed me the most was his accuracy on the run and the excellent touch he puts on his passes. Within this offensive system Jeff Rowe is used on a lot of designed roll-outs which he operates very well. He showed good instincts when forced to scramble, but his lack of top end speed and ideal bulk will become a concern in the pros. He also demonstrated a quick release and the ability to place the ball where only his WR could make the play; dropping the ball in over coverage. The majority of his throws were touch passes, but he did show the ability to step into his throws and deliver the ball with good zip as well.

There was a few times where he held onto the ball for too long taking unnecessary hits. His single interception was the result of good pressure by the defense which led to Rowe forcing a pass into tight coverage. In this game he really only went for underneath and mid-range routes, going with his first read on the bulk of his plays. Which is just fine against Northwestern, but to elevate his stock he will have to prove that he can produce more of a vertical attack, efficiently check down against a tougher defense, and show better decision making when under pressure. As well, his ability of running a more complex offensive scheme remains to be seen.

Stay tuned for more game day reports throughout the season and full scouting reports with twice the depth and information at the close of the college season.