Arch Manning Cold and Hot vs. No. 18 Missouri

University of Texas quarterback Arch Manning came out sluggish in the first half.

He seemed mad in the second.

The results matched where his head was at.

WATCH TEXAS VS. MISSOURI BY CLICKING HERE

Manning looked conservative in the first and second quarters, and he opened it up in the second half- more so than in any other game this season.

I’ll say this⎯

The third and fourth quarters of this game against No. 18 Missouri were the best “30 minutes” I’ve seen out of Manning this season.

Not sure what got into him at halftime, but whatever it was, it worked.

More details about the first half

Manning came onto the field for the first drive looking like he really wasn’t into it.

Head down.

Trying to loosen up his arms, like his uniform made him feel uncomfortable.

More handoffs.

More short passing attempts.

It was like watching paint dry.

Tell me more about that explosive second half

Manning seemed more decisive. It was noticeable.

Bombs away.

Per Pro Football Focus (PFF), Manning had seven deep attempts (+20 air yards), and completed three of those.

There were also more successful second-read throws. He was attacking Missouri downfield.

Manning smiled

It was only the second time I’ve seen Manning legit smile this season.

The first time was in the post-game interview after defeating Ole Miss on Oct. 24.

I saw it again in this one during the 4th quarter as Texas was closing out the win (34-20).

Took care of the football as a passer

• 0 Interceptions
• 0 PBUs (pass breakups)

Ball security is a big one.

NFL negatives

• Mostly shotgun formation (NFL quarterbacks also need to be able to go under center)
• Clapping cadence (NFL quarterbacks use a verbal cadence)
• Didn’t lead with any sense of urgency
• Low energy
• Sporadic pocket awareness
• Erratic throwing mechanics
• Inconsistent ball placement
• Below-average protecting his body as a runner

Time to throw vs. Missouri?

Per PFF:

2.89 seconds

Decent.

NFL takeaway

This isn’t about Texas winning. It’s about Manning from an NFL perspective. It’s about what he put on tape against Missouri and how that relates and projects to the next level.

He continued to show the skill set of a career NFL backup in this game.

Why?

One word⎯

INCONSISTENCY.

Manning has yet to put together a consistent 60 minutes of football this season.

While it’s encouraging to see improved ball security from Manning for the second straight game, he’s still absorbing too much contact. His level of inconsistency, coupled with doing a below-average job of protecting his body as a runner, does not project well to the NFL.

It all comes down to⎯

Manning’s state of mind.

He’s up, and he’s down. He’s down, and he’s up. There’s no rhyme or reason to any of it. He’s like watching a rollercoaster.

Manning is emotionally unstable.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, and has written for Sports Illustrated (Lions, Jets, and 49ers), NFL Draft Diamonds, and Yardbarker, as well as appearing as a guest on ESPN Radio, Fox Sports Radio, and Fearless with Jason Whitlock. Featured in USA Today. For more information, visit whateverittakesbook.com. Follow on Twitter @firstroundmock.