Game manager. What is that exactly?

[Earthling]

During the course of the season the term 'game manager' has been used frequently to describe certain QB's in the league; usually in a negative sense. I was curious if there is a consensus on just what the heck that means to people here.

To me a game manager isn't a bad thing. I see it as someone who tries to keep moving the chains, and if that takes three plays of 4 yard gains, be it running or passing, that's ok as long as the chains keep moving.

Of course if the team is down by several scores, or time becomes an issue, then longer chunks of yardage would be necessary. To me a game manager would recognize that fact and try to manage the game accordingly at that point.

What do you all think? And is the opposite of a game manager a game mis-manager?

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by bandwagonjumper

I'm not sure I agree. He made some huge plays in the playoffs. The difference between Alex Smith and Russell Wilson is that when the game was on the line Russell made the plays and Alex didn't.

Yeah, that was the difference. It had nothing to do with protecting a lead with a 3rd string RB and a lousy over conservative gameplan.

[listopencil]

Game manager:

Executes the gameplan for that week within the structure of the offensive system built by the coaching staff.

Strengths would be: accuracy, low turnover rate, taking advantage of high percentage pass options in decision making, high situational awareness of the game clock and the play clock, risk averse play offset by a determined effort to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers on the team.

I'd say Kap (for instance) makes up for his deficiencies as a game manager by relying on his skills as a playmaker. He balances his inaccuracy and mental lapses with a strong arm and ability to run the ball. I would also say that he will need to improve his game manager skills as his playmaking skills will deteriorate over time, and that he is at an important crossroads in his career. As much as his cannon and his legs helped the 9ers to the NFC Championship Game, his poor throw led directly to the INT that cost them that game.

[Hydrae]

Originally Posted by bandwagonjumper

I'm not sure I agree. He made some huge plays in the playoffs. The difference between Alex Smith and Russell Wilson is that when the game was on the line Russell made the plays and Alex didn't.

The difference was that Sherman got the interception while Luck recovered the fumble and scored.

[Rausch]

"Game manager. What is that exactly?"


He's the parent of a player that decides when $#it gets real and attacks an ump and beats him without mercy...

[Hammock Parties]

A QB who does not make big plays or difficult throws with regularity.

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by Hydrae

The difference was that Sherman got the interception while Luck recovered the fumble and scored.

Kap threw an inaccurate ball that was tipped for an INT that ended the game. Poor game management.

[MAYHEM]

A QB that does what he's told, and doesn't go off script. Alex Smith is gold in that department.

"What play do you want to run?

Dunno. You call it."

Game manger right there.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by MAYHEM

A QB that does what he's told, and doesn't go off script. Alex Smith is gold in that department.

"What play do you want to run?

Dunno. You call it."

Game manger right there.

Honestly, that's pretty much how Montana's time here went...

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by MAYHEM

A QB that does what he's told, and doesn't go off script. Alex Smith is gold in that department.

"What play do you want to run?

Dunno. You call it."

Game manger right there.

How is it gold if you rank pretty low in third down efficiency? This is why I don't like the catch all for game management. If you're not managing the flow of the game by controlling the ball, then you're just a conservative QB. Great game managers can have awesome success by being extremely efficient.

[Deberg_1990]

I don't like silly labels.

What's a "system Quarterback" ?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by BossChief

A game manager takes the easy route all of the time. He goes through progressions and finds the open man and gets the ball to him in a manner that requires throws that are very safe. At least 2/3 of his throws are check downs to the backs. His offense requires a balanced attack so that he has the advantage in the passing game of having the opposing safeties having to respect the run. Their production is a direct reflection of he talent around them. These types of players commonly take more sacks than average and throw the ball away a lot. Typically, they average right at 1td per game with somewhere around 200 yards passing per week.

A playmaking quarterback has the skills necessary to anticipate where receivers are going to be and to throw them open. He looks to his playmakers and finds ways to get the ball to them even when they are double teamed by being able to adjust his velocity, trajectory and placement of the ball to beat the double team and make the plays when the biggest moments are there to be made. A playmaking quarterback always has his eyes down the field looking for the big play and only settles for the "check down" as a last resort. A playmaking quarterback spends extra time with his receivers and tight ends to develop timing and chemistry and almost always knows where his guys are going to be and what they are thinking. A playmaker understands the strengths and weaknesses of the people he faces during games so that he can properly assess mismatches on the fly and adjust his blocking and move the pocket in an attempt to neutralize key elements of the opposing defense.

There are tons of other factors, but tats a nice start.

Thanks BossChief. That's what I was wondering. By your definition it seems like time spent with the receivers is a critical part of that formula to "develop timing and chemistry". Would you agree then that a qb who hasn't had the opportunity to spend that much time with his receivers is better served to try to just be a game manager?

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by listopencil

Game manager:

Executes the gameplan for that week within the structure of the offensive system built by the coaching staff.

Strengths would be: accuracy, low turnover rate, taking advantage of high percentage pass options in decision making, high situational awareness of the game clock and the play clock, risk averse play offset by a determined effort to get the ball into the hands of the playmakers on the team.

Pretty good definition listopencil. Can't see anything I would disagree with.

[Sorter]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

I don't like silly labels.

What's a "system Quarterback" ?
Posted via Mobile Device

Someone who can't succeed in a different system.

Example: Matt Flynn.

Example of not being a system QB: Rivers (who went to an E/P from an Air Coryell and improved).



At least, that's how I define it.

[Earthling]

Originally Posted by Rausch

"Game manager. What is that exactly?"


He's the parent of a player that decides when $#it gets real and attacks an ump and beats him without mercy...

Hey! That ump kept hitting my hand with his face!

[Ragged Robin]

Originally Posted by MAYHEM

A QB that does what he's told, and doesn't go off script. Alex Smith is gold in that department.

"What play do you want to run?

Dunno. You call it."

Game manger right there.

He makes a ton of plays when he's running for his life after the play brakes down. A true game manager is a QB that at best, does not hurt the team but doesn't make any plays to help it ala Brad Johnson, Chad Pennington, Trent Dilfer, etc