NFL Draft What makes a good QB?

**MahiMike** · 02-20-2009, 01:50 PM

What makes a good QB?

ok, I was gonna reserve this for the draft but since we can't stop talking about QB's and the combine is happening, I thought I'd throw this out there for discussion...

What makes a good QB?

This is kinda like asking, "What makes a good Miss America?". In a way, they're exactly the same. They're both beauty contests in their own context. And, much like the saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", multiple men can look at women and pick out totally different favorites. Why? It's about the body parts baby! Some guys like boobs, some legs, some eyes, etc.

The same deal holds true for QB's. Some think the arm is the only body part needed. They can point to Marino in his last days being wheeled out on a cart and the guy kept on winging it. Those folks would have a good argument, I suppose. But there are many other body parts to consider. And just like Miss America, they too have a question and answer section at the combine. The NFL even added a cute little IQ test called the Wunderlick (let's see Miss South Carolina take on that thing!).

So without further ado, I'd like to break down those aforementioned body parts and explain how I see them fitting into the overall product known as the NFL QB. I've ranked them in the order I think are most important.

#1 - BRAINS:

The position of NFL Quarterback is the most mentally demanding in all of (American) sports. It's basically the combination of a major league pitcher and manager. Not only does he have to hurl the ball, he has to know where the other 21 players on the field are located. He has to memorize 100's of plays and adjust them at the drop of a hat. He also must know where his teammates are supposed to be and lead them accordingly. Basically, the hurling of the ball is secondary (or even tertiary in my rankings). This is not a position for dummies. If you're uncertain, see Vince Young's Wunderlick score.

#2 - EYES:

The eyes are an overlooked body part but to me the 2nd most important one. I'm not just talking about their 20/20 vision here but the quickness of their eyes. It truly amazes me how these guys can see 40 yards down field with 20 guys in front of them and can hit a rabbit running thru a hole. A QB can't throw what he can't see. Watching the superbowl, I noticed how both Roethlisberger and Warner had incredible eyesight. Both of them made throws that couldn't even be seen by most people.
The final throw of the game showed that Ben has eyes as big as his helmet.

#3 - ARM:

Ah yes. The all important arm. I'm sure it's #1 on many folk's list. Kinda hard to play the position without one of these. It is indeed a thing of beauty. Put an Under Armour shirt on one and it's just like the Miss America bikini contest. Truly the sexiest of the body parts for an NFL fan.

There are 2 measurements of an arm; strength and accuracy. Most guys have one or the other. The ones that have both – watch out! I believe a strong, accurate arm is like speed. It's either God-given or not. As many passes as these guys have thrown since they were in Pop Warner, they're not getting any stronger or any more accurate than when they were 12. For this reason, I've ranked it #3. Sure, it's important but it's really not that difficult to be strong and/or accurate because it's not something you can practice and get better at. Hell, I even won football tickets once for throwing a football thru a hole from 20 yards out. But you don't see me playing on Sundays. However, while the arm is overrated, it still justifies the #3 slot.

#4 - LEGS:

A Quarterback doesn't need to possess 4.5 speed (though it doesn't hurt). The legs just have to move quick enough to avoid a rush. That's easier said than done, of course. You really don't want a Michael Vick guy that runs too much. But you do need to make the defense respect your scrambling abilities. The legs keep them guessing. Actually, the best guys at this are the ones that played flag football. They have to scramble to avoid a rush without blockers and get the pass off within 7 seconds. Only the ones with nifty legwork can do that.

BONUS: As a bonus to this body part, it determines the height of the QB. Seeing over those big uglies makes it easier to throw. That's why it ranks above the next 2 body parts.

#5 - INTANGIBLES:

Of all the body parts listed here, Joe Montana lacked in most of them. However, he excelled so much in this one aspect that he was able to overcome these obstacles. There's only one Joe, but there have been some QB's that made their living off of this one aspect. I can also mention Jim McMahon with the Bears, Doug Flutie, and Trent Green. These guys were all average athletes that excelled by will and determination. For whatever reason, they were winners.

#6 - HANDS:

Another overlooked body part by many. The Miss America equivalent to the calf muscle. But think about it. How many QB's have had hands that were too small? I haven't seen them up close, but I'd venture to guess that Dave Krieg had really small hands for a QB. Why else would he have led the league in fumbles? Then look at Brett Favre. The dude’s hands are massive! He makes a football look like a softball. He can grip it even when wet with no problems.

Well, that’s my take on the subject. What’s your rankings?

'Hamas' Jenkins · 02-20-2009, 01:59 PM

The ability to hand off behind a line of 5 first round draft picks.

CoMoChief · 02-20-2009, 02:00 PM

You should ask Mecca, he knows everything on what it takes to be a good QB in the NFL and why we should take Sanchez with the 3rd overall pick.

**DeezNutz** · 02-20-2009, 02:00 PM

A talented fullback.

Brock · 02-20-2009, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

You should ask Mecca, he knows everything on what it takes to be a good QB in the NFL and why we should take Sanchez with the 3rd overall pick.

You seem to know a lot about it yourself.

Pioli Zombie · 02-20-2009, 02:11 PM

Just take Drew Bledsoe. He is everything a chiefs qb should be per Mecca.
Posted via Mobile Device

afchiefs · 02-20-2009, 02:12 PM

SuperBowl rings

Cheater5 · 02-20-2009, 02:33 PM

I guess for my $$ the most important aspect= Leadership. Take charge of the huddle and as one of, if not THE most high profile player, set the tone for the team.
Ryan Leaf had all the tangibles, and he failed miserably. Michael Vick is a phenominal athlete who was a lot of fun to watch- but dumb as a rat, and displayed very little leadership.
Terry Bradshaw was a leader, but not a super-sound technician with all the tangible qualities. Joe Montana same-same. Lenny Dawson was a re-tread who didn't live up to his #1 draft status until he caught on as the leader of the new Texans/Chiefs franchise.
Bottom line, when its 4th QTR, and you're down by 4 points with two minutes to go, the dudes in the huddle want to look into the eyes of a poised and confident leader that they believe in.

CoMoChief · 02-20-2009, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

You seem to know a lot about it yourself.

I know hes not worth a 3rd overall pick.

Brock · 02-20-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CoMoChief

I know hes not worth a 3rd overall pick.

In your opinion.

Chiefnj2 · 02-20-2009, 02:39 PM

What makes a good QB? I don't know. But, I do know what makes a great QB - overcoming the obstacle of playing on a talent deprived USC team to become the greatest one year starter that college has ever seen. Ever. Seen.

When Sanchez drops back he is like a chimp on xanax. Opposing D's don't know what to do. Will he throw it with pin-point accuracy 40 yards down the field? Will he look off the deep receiver and hit the middle pattern for some YAC? Will he simply place the football down and bite the hands and face off of the nearest defensive end? Nobody knows. That's why he's so dangerous.

Brock · 02-20-2009, 02:47 PM

I think you have him mixed up with Curry, who's an amalgamation of Ray Lewis, Lawrence Taylor, and Godzilla.

NickAthanFan · 02-20-2009, 04:26 PM

A noodle arm and only being able to operate from the spread.

Deberg_1990 · 02-20-2009, 04:28 PM

QB rating

Rigodan · 02-20-2009, 04:37 PM

Knowledge of the pistol offense is a must.

02-20-2009, 01:50 PM
MahiMike He's Mahomie! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Jax, FL Casino cash: $10023443	What makes a good QB? What makes a good QB? ok, I was gonna reserve this for the draft but since we can't stop talking about QB's and the combine is happening, I thought I'd throw this out there for discussion... What makes a good QB? This is kinda like asking, "What makes a good Miss America?". In a way, they're exactly the same. They're both beauty contests in their own context. And, much like the saying, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder", multiple men can look at women and pick out totally different favorites. Why? It's about the body parts baby! Some guys like boobs, some legs, some eyes, etc. The same deal holds true for QB's. Some think the arm is the only body part needed. They can point to Marino in his last days being wheeled out on a cart and the guy kept on winging it. Those folks would have a good argument, I suppose. But there are many other body parts to consider. And just like Miss America, they too have a question and answer section at the combine. The NFL even added a cute little IQ test called the Wunderlick (let's see Miss South Carolina take on that thing!). So without further ado, I'd like to break down those aforementioned body parts and explain how I see them fitting into the overall product known as the NFL QB. I've ranked them in the order I think are most important. #1 - BRAINS: The position of NFL Quarterback is the most mentally demanding in all of (American) sports. It's basically the combination of a major league pitcher and manager. Not only does he have to hurl the ball, he has to know where the other 21 players on the field are located. He has to memorize 100's of plays and adjust them at the drop of a hat. He also must know where his teammates are supposed to be and lead them accordingly. Basically, the hurling of the ball is secondary (or even tertiary in my rankings). This is not a position for dummies. If you're uncertain, see Vince Young's Wunderlick score. #2 - EYES: The eyes are an overlooked body part but to me the 2nd most important one. I'm not just talking about their 20/20 vision here but the quickness of their eyes. It truly amazes me how these guys can see 40 yards down field with 20 guys in front of them and can hit a rabbit running thru a hole. A QB can't throw what he can't see. Watching the superbowl, I noticed how both Roethlisberger and Warner had incredible eyesight. Both of them made throws that couldn't even be seen by most people. The final throw of the game showed that Ben has eyes as big as his helmet. #3 - ARM: Ah yes. The all important arm. I'm sure it's #1 on many folk's list. Kinda hard to play the position without one of these. It is indeed a thing of beauty. Put an Under Armour shirt on one and it's just like the Miss America bikini contest. Truly the sexiest of the body parts for an NFL fan. There are 2 measurements of an arm; strength and accuracy. Most guys have one or the other. The ones that have both – watch out! I believe a strong, accurate arm is like speed. It's either God-given or not. As many passes as these guys have thrown since they were in Pop Warner, they're not getting any stronger or any more accurate than when they were 12. For this reason, I've ranked it #3. Sure, it's important but it's really not that difficult to be strong and/or accurate because it's not something you can practice and get better at. Hell, I even won football tickets once for throwing a football thru a hole from 20 yards out. But you don't see me playing on Sundays. However, while the arm is overrated, it still justifies the #3 slot. #4 - LEGS: A Quarterback doesn't need to possess 4.5 speed (though it doesn't hurt). The legs just have to move quick enough to avoid a rush. That's easier said than done, of course. You really don't want a Michael Vick guy that runs too much. But you do need to make the defense respect your scrambling abilities. The legs keep them guessing. Actually, the best guys at this are the ones that played flag football. They have to scramble to avoid a rush without blockers and get the pass off within 7 seconds. Only the ones with nifty legwork can do that. BONUS: As a bonus to this body part, it determines the height of the QB. Seeing over those big uglies makes it easier to throw. That's why it ranks above the next 2 body parts. #5 - INTANGIBLES: Of all the body parts listed here, Joe Montana lacked in most of them. However, he excelled so much in this one aspect that he was able to overcome these obstacles. There's only one Joe, but there have been some QB's that made their living off of this one aspect. I can also mention Jim McMahon with the Bears, Doug Flutie, and Trent Green. These guys were all average athletes that excelled by will and determination. For whatever reason, they were winners. #6 - HANDS: Another overlooked body part by many. The Miss America equivalent to the calf muscle. But think about it. How many QB's have had hands that were too small? I haven't seen them up close, but I'd venture to guess that Dave Krieg had really small hands for a QB. Why else would he have led the league in fumbles? Then look at Brett Favre. The dude’s hands are massive! He makes a football look like a softball. He can grip it even when wet with no problems. Well, that’s my take on the subject. What’s your rankings?
Posts: 17,387

02-20-2009, 01:59 PM	#2
'Hamas' Jenkins Now you've pissed me off! Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $7129572	The ability to hand off behind a line of 5 first round draft picks. __________________ "When the Know-Nothings get control, it will read 'all men are created equal, except negroes, and foreigners, and Catholics.' When it comes to this I should prefer emigrating to some country where they make no pretense of loving liberty – to Russia, for instance, where despotism can be taken pure, and without the base alloy of hypocrisy.”--Abraham Lincoln
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02-20-2009, 02:12 PM	#7
afchiefs Starter Join Date: Jul 2002 Casino cash: $10004900	SuperBowl rings __________________ My Property line is not where I thought it was, which is a good thing I guess, otherwise it might have been me busted for growing dope. - Dwight York
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02-20-2009, 02:33 PM	#8
Cheater5 Veteran Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Folly Beach, SC Casino cash: $1317550	I guess for my $$ the most important aspect= Leadership. Take charge of the huddle and as one of, if not THE most high profile player, set the tone for the team. Ryan Leaf had all the tangibles, and he failed miserably. Michael Vick is a phenominal athlete who was a lot of fun to watch- but dumb as a rat, and displayed very little leadership. Terry Bradshaw was a leader, but not a super-sound technician with all the tangible qualities. Joe Montana same-same. Lenny Dawson was a re-tread who didn't live up to his #1 draft status until he caught on as the leader of the new Texans/Chiefs franchise. Bottom line, when its 4th QTR, and you're down by 4 points with two minutes to go, the dudes in the huddle want to look into the eyes of a poised and confident leader that they believe in.
Posts: 3,347

02-20-2009, 02:39 PM	#11
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	What makes a good QB? I don't know. But, I do know what makes a great QB - overcoming the obstacle of playing on a talent deprived USC team to become the greatest one year starter that college has ever seen. Ever. Seen. When Sanchez drops back he is like a chimp on xanax. Opposing D's don't know what to do. Will he throw it with pin-point accuracy 40 yards down the field? Will he look off the deep receiver and hit the middle pattern for some YAC? Will he simply place the football down and bite the hands and face off of the nearest defensive end? Nobody knows. That's why he's so dangerous. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541

02-20-2009, 02:00 PM	#3
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $7672254	You should ask Mecca, he knows everything on what it takes to be a good QB in the NFL and why we should take Sanchez with the 3rd overall pick.
Posts: 39,245

02-20-2009, 02:11 PM	#6
Pioli Zombie Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: olathe,kansas Casino cash: $10004900	Just take Drew Bledsoe. He is everything a chiefs qb should be per Mecca. Posted via Mobile Device
Posts: 11,077

02-20-2009, 02:47 PM	#12
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	I think you have him mixed up with Curry, who's an amalgamation of Ray Lewis, Lawrence Taylor, and Godzilla.
Posts: 47,314

02-20-2009, 04:26 PM	#13
NickAthanFan Starter Join Date: Feb 2009 Casino cash: $10004900	A noodle arm and only being able to operate from the spread.
Posts: 217

02-20-2009, 04:28 PM	#14
Deberg_1990 In Search of a Life Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Antonio Tx. Casino cash: $94454	QB rating __________________ Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning: Matt once made a very nice play in Seattle where he spun away from a pass rusher and hit Bowe off his back foot for a first down. One of the best plays Matt has ever made.
Posts: 68,681

02-20-2009, 04:37 PM	#15
Rigodan Starter Join Date: Dec 2008 Casino cash: $10004900	Knowledge of the pistol offense is a must.
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