Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackBob
(Post 8882763)
But what defines a good QB? Instead of trying to find a guy that will throw for 3 million yards, we need to fine the formula for what it takes to win. If we do that, we are onto something. There have been plenty of QBs who were Capable of winning Superbowls that didn't for various reasons.
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A QB who has ability to scan the entire field, go through his progressions, and find a receiver even if he isn't the primary read. Cassel doesn't do that. He locks onto his primary guy then looks to his safety net.
A QB with the pocket presence to smell pressure and know where to slide in the pocket. Tom Brady is masterful at this. When he sense pressure, he doesn't scramble. He slides to a new spot. Cassel looked horrible behind the same offensive line that Brady and Orton got tremendous protection behind.
A QB with accuracy and touch. Eli Manning throws with precision, as with the Manningham catch. Aaron Rodgers, Brees, etc... are so precise the ball is put on exactly the right shoulder based on the WR's position. Cassel almost ALWAYS throws the ball to a receiver that is open by at least 5 yards.
A QB with anticipation to throw the ball before the receiver flies open.
A QB who is enough of a deep threat. Despite teams cheating up and putting 8 in a box, Cassel has one of the worst deep pass % completion in the league.
A QB who can read the defense and react to the blitz. Defenses constantly had more blitzers than blockers, and Cassel never picked it up. And Cassel NEVER finds a hot route.
A QB who can lead a team from behind. It's been 3 years now. Cassel has allowed blowouts to happen because instead of shooting out with the other team, he wastes the first 4 possessions when the other team gets an early lead. And in 3 years, how many 2 minute comebacks has he engineered?
Sorry, but we shouldn't congratulate a QB who can thrash bad defenses and relies on a "is my primary receiver wide open, or can I check down." My standard has always been, could a very average QB do the same things as Cassel. And I'd say "yes, and probably much better."