Can Taylor Martinez Be The Field General Nebraska Needs?

Sep 15, 2012; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Taylor Martinez (3) looks over line during the game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Memorial Stadium in the first half. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

We all know the history of Taylor Martinez. Brilliance followed by mistakes have been the pattern of his career as the quarterback of The Nebraska Cornhuskers. People question his mechanics, decision making, and leadership.

Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini named him one of the permanent team captains this year, so he has proven to his coach that the leadership is there. Mechanically speaking, he spent more time with quarterback guru Steve Calhoun to continue growth in his throwing motion. If the improvement between 2011 and 2012 are any kind of indication, we will see an even better Martinez in the pocket.

We know he has the confidence in himself and his teammates to drive the Husker offense. Many mocked him for his national championship or bust comments last year, but I viewed it as having the right attitude. This is Nebraska after all, and a BCS Championship should always be the long term goal. He never seems to be shaken when things go wrong. He has a “Cool Hand Luke” mentality.

Taylor Martinez has the ability to lead this Husker team a long way in 2013. A weak non conference schedule and manageable Big Ten lineup gives Nebraska their best chance at making a run for a National Championship since 2001. He will need help to take them there. The offensive line needs to improve by leaps and bounds. His receivers need to hold on to the football when he slings it to them. The defense will need to return to Blackshirt form. These things are completely out of Taylor’s hands.

He will need to command perfection from himself and his teammates. Martinez will have to make the right throws at the right times and to players wearing the same jersey as he is. He will have to tuck and sprint when necessary, and keep defenses honest by being a true passing threat.

Can Taylor Martinez be the field general Nebraska needs? Yes he can. Now he just needs to do it.

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