Quote:
Originally Posted by Gadzooks
Trent Dilfer is a great example of why you don't need an elite QB to win the SB.
Dan Marino is a great example of how an elite QB doesn't guarantee you a SB win.
It sure doesn't hurt to have one though.
I think Orton suits the Donks system quite well despite the odd relapse into his Bears days.
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Elite QBs are great to have, obviously... but most of them bring a well balanced team to the game when they win it. Elway was 0-3 in the SB before they had a complete team around him. Peyton never got there until the defense cemented improved. Brady likely won't get back with the defense they have right now. Same goes for Eli and Big Ben.
Brees... he's been great for a while and it hasn't been until this season when their defense was remade that his chances truly look realistic. Rivers is playing at a very high level right now... can their team continue to do well? We'll see.
Obviously teams have a better shot when the QB is elite... but, some dismiss Orton as if he's a spare. The guy should finish with 3,500 or so yards, about 20 TDs and 10 INTs. Those are numbers very much like that of Roethlisberger from 2008 when they won the title... he had 3300 yds, 17 TDs and 15 INTs.
In 2007, Eli's team won the title and he was a mere 3300 yards passing with 23 TDs and 20 INTs.
Eli and Ben are considered by most to be among the best of the best right now... but, in 2007 and 2008, neither of them was statistically on fire when their teams won. They played very well when it mattered... Orton has done pretty much the same thing and his turnovers are much less than Eli's were that year and on par with Roethlisberger from 2008.
If Denver can advance... they're success or lack thereof, will rely heavily on the QB, but let's not discount the the impact of the ground game and the defense.
In the second quarter yesterday through the early part of the 4th, Denver's defense did all they could to stop Peyton... and they nearly pulled off the comeback. Oh well... it happens, but this team isn't in dire straights and the near/long-term future looks good.