It seems that Hugh Freeze doesn’t want to bet the farm on experience in year one. The Quarterback battle seems to have shifted to Payton Thorne against Robby Ashford. As someone who previously believed it was Payton’s job to lose, that is no longer the case.
If you have one quarterback, you’re doomed.
-Mike G on the Midweek Rapport
It is firmly Payton’s job, however Robby Ashford has made this a difficult decision. If Robby wins the job, it most likely won’t indicate an improvement with his passing. The improvement from Ashford will be from his Leadership. If he can step onto the field as a mature player it will greatly improve his stock in the eyes of the staff.
Now, Ashford will need to be a better passer this season to be the starter. However, he doesn’t need a monumental improvement, only a solid one paired with being a strong leader. If Robby can do those two things, it will be very difficult for Payton Thorne to hold him off.