Shoya is the first one in training, and after changing his clothes, he doesn't go to the field but to the gym to focus on strength. In football, it all starts with the quarterback.
He is the face of the franchise and is expected to lead the game call, the snap, the handoffs, and the shots. Football players work hard, and being a good leader is even harder.
As the only player with the center who touches the ball on every play, preparation each week is crucial to success. Watching a movie and studying the playbook are some of the tools at your disposal. Fitness and strength also play an essential role.
Every QB in the NFL has strong arms, and even the ones on the practice squad you never see can throw bombs. Having a strong arm is not the ultimate solution, and it has never been known for that.
His genetics have been kind to him in this area, but among the league, he would only be in the middle zone among the strongest arms in the league.
For him, QB has always been about control. Being accurate and punctual with throws is much more than the force or distance the QB can throw, but that doesn't change the fact that he has to do some work in this area.
The quality of the equipment, the different technologies, the level of training, the scientific management, and the level of effort have taken the sports world by storm, and football is not excluded. He follows the instructions of the individual plan to the letter as he recognizes and redevelops his talent and potential.
Those who do not work will not develop, but those who work too much will undoubtedly know the physical limitations that hinder development. That's why it's based on quality rather than quantity.
Shoya has identified intangibles: consistency, coachability, mental toughness, competitiveness, and above all, an emotional balance, leadership, and admirable work ethic.
He knows what he's good at. His football IQ, presence in the pocket, and ability to precision are rare aspects for a rookie, but no one denies that he has some problems reading the game and an average arm.
It's only been four years since he became QB, while most have been since they were kids.
The progress speed is slow and minimal, but it has improved in both aspects. The improvement in recent months is more significant than his three years of university. Therefore, he is not in a hurry.
One-arm dumbbell press, single-arm dumbbell row, rotational lunge twist, and shoulder rotation.
When he returned to the locker room, there were many people. Most of the players had arrived at the training base.
"Shoya, are you done training again?" "It's nothing new; he trains too much. This question should not be asked. "He is possessed =. »
The jokes made the rest of his teammates laugh, and Shoya's "lazy bodybuilding" made the locker room noisy. He has never been the victim of ridicule or disdain, but it has become a recurring running gag in this team.
The next match promises to be complicated. The New Orleans Saints were just an introduction, but the situation is nothing like this this time. They will be playing away from home, and in a division duel, this kind of game is always intense.
The NFC East was the only division where every team won the Super Bowl before the AFC East joined them. (Buffalo being the defending champions here means that every AFC East team has won the Super Bowl). But they're the only ones with every team having won at least two Super Bowls for each franchise.
The Dallas Cowboys have historically been the hegemons of this division, but for the past few seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles have had the best team.
Since 2022, they have dominated this NFC East with an iron fist, giving no respite to the other opponents. This coincides with the advent of QB Jalen Hurts and winning their last Super Bowl in 2024 after losing the Finals in 2022.
(In that order: 2023 49ers, 2024 Eagles, 2025 Chiefs, and 2026 Bills).
And that's the Philadelphia team the Commanders will face at Lincoln Financial Field. They are full of confidence, with a record of eleven wins and two losses, and are fighting for the bye week in the playoffs.
With a comfortable lead over the Dallas Cowboys, they're not worried about securing the division but don't want to lose. The week thirteen game is also crucial for them, especially against a division opponent.
Isn't a team with a rookie QB ideal for them? Why do people always call them rookies? Especially the QB, the rookie QBs are always the most questioned and contested.
Because they can't? No, because of the lack of experience. The difference between the NFL and the NCAA is so big. Lack of experience means mistakes, which are fatal in a football game.
There's also the tactical difference, constantly evolving in the NFL. In fact, many quarterbacks have this problem, even with two or three years of experience in the league, and fall at critical moments.
It's not that pundits think Shoya is bad, but he's only got one game under his belt, and the Eagles have one of the best in the league, not counting the team around him. But the Commanders are not without weapons, and their defense causes headaches for every opponent.
The team is penalized by an abysmal offense, and the defense can't hold without the support of a limited offense. The context around this game increases the pressure under Shoya's shoulders. Washington fans obviously don't want to lose, either.
Experts predict a defensive battle, and the team with the best QB, in this case, is often the favorite, not to mention the gap in form, talent, and roster.
If there are games where the favorite can lose by being reckless, it is the division duels. The NFL knows that the NFC East has the highest audience of any NFL division, so this game has been moved to Monday.
The Monday Night Football is the game broadcast on Monday night that concludes the week. And broadcast on the national airwaves, Shoya will have to face the Philadelphia Eagles in front of everyone.