Oregon Football: Pros and cons of Anthony Brown winning QB battle

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Anthony Brown #13 of the Oregon Ducks drops back to pass during the second half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at State Farm Stadium on January 02, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cyclones defeated the Ducks 34-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Anthony Brown #13 of the Oregon Ducks drops back to pass during the second half of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl against the Iowa State Cyclones at State Farm Stadium on January 02, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cyclones defeated the Ducks 34-17. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) runs against Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Lawrence White IV (11) in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) runs against Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Lawrence White IV (11) in the first half of the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Pros of Anthony Brown being named the starter

While it hasn’t happened yet, if Anthony Brown were to be named starter this fall, there would be a number of pros following him.

First off, he’s the only quarterback currently on the roster with starting experience. Actually, he’s the only quarterback on the roster with any sort of playing experience at this level. Ty Thompson is an incoming freshman and Jay Butterfield and Robby Ashford didn’t play last season. Experience is a big thing at the quarterback position.

Next, there’s the dual-threat ability. While he may not be an “elite” rusher by any means, he showed the ability to scramble at the end of last season, rushing for 40 yards and two touchdowns on seven carries. Being able to scramble and keep plays alive is a major positive.

Also, he’ll have a full year of learning the system in his rearview mirror. Sometimes it takes more than just one season to feel comfortable in a new offense and this could be the perfect example.

Finally, this is his last opportunity and he’s a leader. Often times you see players have their best seasons to close out their careers because they know it’s now or never. You’ll see that with Brown.

Schedule

Schedule