Happy Thanksgiving! I wish you a happy, healthy and safe holiday surrounded by friends and loved ones.
—
For the first time in a couple of years, I went to New England Patriots game last weekend. It was a thrill not just for this huge football fan to see the game in person, but also to tailgate and enjoy the company of some good friends. It was a great time … especially as the Pats beat their division rivals, the New York Jets, 31-14.
Anyway, with a smile on my face, I was driving into work on Monday, listening to a local sports radio show interview Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady. They asked him a question regarding the Jets’ QB, rookie first-round pick Mark Sanchez (who threw four interceptions during the game), and why he’s been struggling lately. After all, the radio personalities said, Sanchez has all the arm strength and physical ability of some of the top QBs in the game.
To paraphrase, Brady replied that, first and foremost, it’s hard being a young QB; you’re still seeing coverages and blitz packages that you haven’t seen before. Most QBs, in fact, struggle in their first couple of years. (Unfortunately for me as a Patriots fan, I do think Sanchez will be a very good player in time.)
But Brady also said something that I’ve been harping on for years: That the most important characteristics of a great QB are decision-making and accuracy. The quarterbacks that are best at those two traits are the most successful in the league.
Contrast that, however, with the average opinion held by most football pundits and fans. To them, the number one thing to consider is arm strength. Any college QB with NFL potential is tested on a host of throwing drills designed to reveal whether he has the arm strength to make all the throws required.
Mobility is another aspect commentators love to talk about in the QB. After all, if a QB is good at scrambling and throwing on the run, he’s more likely to make “something out of nothing” when the play breaks down.
So why is it that most top coaches, scouts and players themselves know that accuracy and decision making are most important … but commentators and fans focus on things like arm strength and mobility?
Honestly, I’m not totally sure, though I think some of it has to do with the fact that arm strength and mobility are easily measured. Accuracy and especially decision making are complex, and hence, don’t get the attention they deserve. Maybe that’s why so many franchises end up spending high draft choices (and millions of dollars) on strong-armed college QBs who never make it in the pros.
Later today, come back to find out the winning characteristics of investors!