What the Hell is a "System QB" and why is it bad to be one?

JohnnyV13 · 03-21-2008, 05:56 PM

I would say a "system qb" is a guy that plays very well within a particular system, but will not thrive outside that system.

Montana is likely the best "system qb" ever. Though I am not sure he really fits the definition because I think Montana would have excelled in ANY short passing system, not just the West Coast Offense.

Elway is the perfect example of a "non-system" qb, because Elway played in an offense that featured his cannon arm early in his career, and then won two Super Bowls in a West Coast system.

Montana NEVER could have played in the Bronco offense that Elway used to take his team to two Super Bowls in the 80's. I do suspect, however, that Montana would have picked short options within that system and still been a good player. But, he never would have been a superstar had a coach tried to play him that way.

03-21-2008, 05:56 PM	#16
JohnnyV13 Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson AZ Casino cash: $5385200	I would say a "system qb" is a guy that plays very well within a particular system, but will not thrive outside that system. Montana is likely the best "system qb" ever. Though I am not sure he really fits the definition because I think Montana would have excelled in ANY short passing system, not just the West Coast Offense. Elway is the perfect example of a "non-system" qb, because Elway played in an offense that featured his cannon arm early in his career, and then won two Super Bowls in a West Coast system. Montana NEVER could have played in the Bronco offense that Elway used to take his team to two Super Bowls in the 80's. I do suspect, however, that Montana would have picked short options within that system and still been a good player. But, he never would have been a superstar had a coach tried to play him that way.
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