Football Brainiac

3 REASONS WHY “RUNNING QUARTERBACKS” ARE INEFFECTIVE

While nobody is denying their talent, “Running Quarterbacks” typically have major inconsistencies, as well as some other issues, that will always stop them from winning a championship.

The following are three reasons why “Running Quarterbacks” are ineffective and why, though they may look good in the highlight reels, have not been consistent winners and will probably never win a Super Bowl. 

#1. MISGUIDED OWNERSHIP

Let’s face it. If you are the owner of any business, you want your business to make a profit and the more the better. NFL owners are, among other things, trying to accomplish three things:

• Fill their stadiums to capacity
• Sell lots of merchandise
• Field a winning team

There is no quicker way to accomplish these first two objectives than to sign a young, energetic freak of nature that can make big plays as easy as putting his pants on. Fans will be intrigued by the new prospect and come to the stadium to catch a glimpse of this fantastic athlete. Other, more die-hard fans will swiftly snatch up any jersey or poster with the new QBs likeness on it. It’s easy money!

It’s the third objective that an owner is always trying to do anyway, so he might as well make a profit and keep the fans interested while he attempts to build that winning team by signing a playmaker. You can’t fault them for trying. If Brainiac were an NFL owner it sure would seem like a no-brainer to him, too. Unfortunately, these owners haven’t been reading this blog so they don’t realize that, while it may make money, their decision won’t field a championship team. When will they learn?

#2. SUPERSTAR SALARY

The second factor is the ginormous salaries these quarterbacks receive. While Brainiac is not denying that they should be compensated, their big play ability (which usually equals a higher salary) can actually become a detriment to their success. Why? Because each team has to stay within the limits of the salary cap. The ownership is unable to sign and/or retain the necessary players and spread the wealth around. This imbalance of payroll seriously hinders the entire team.

Think about it. When Daunte Culpepper’s Vikings were playoff contenders in the early 2000s, who was their running back? Until Terrell Owens came to Philadelphia, could you name more than one Wide Receiver for the Eagles? How about receivers for Michael Vick’s Falcons or Vince Young Titans? Exactly my point. Unless you follow these teams closely, you wouldn’t know.

Too often, “Running Quarterbacks” are the only major offensive weapon in the team’s arsenal allowing opponents to key in on one player and make the offense one-dimensional.

#3. LACK OF PATIENCE IN THE POCKET

As, mentioned in part one on this subject, the fundamental difference between the “Running Quarterback” and other QBs is that when he tries to complete a play, instead of checking down to his second and third receivers like a “Pocket Passer” or even a “Scrambling Quarterback” does, he takes matters into his own hands. All too often, he tucks the ball and runs with it. He consistently searches for opportunities to create big plays himself as soon as his first option is taken away (if not sooner) and run with it, hence the term “Running Quarterback”.

Please understand that Brainiac is not trying to criticize “Running Quarterbacks” only. They are not the only ones who try to take matters into their own hands at times. Even the greatest do that. We’ve all seen “Pocket Passers” who do the same thing. They try to force a big throw downfield like throwing into double (and sometimes triple) coverage. More often than not, these throws result in interceptions and kill any momentum their offense may have. But we’re not discussing these types of QBs now. The fact remains that until a “Running Quarterback” learns some patience in the pocket, he will be able to consistently succeed.

How does this virtue come to fruition? Through the constant study of game film. By studying the game film the quarterback will better understand what the defense’s tendencies are and be able to respond accordingly. It is, quite simply, either a) a lack of discipline to study game film or b) a lack of comprehension to be able to apply what was studied. Either way, it’s a problem the “Running Quarterback” must solve.

In my last post, we’ll explore two more reasons why “Running Quarterbacks” are ineffective.

Pittsburgh 34 - Cleveland 7

“It’s almost easy”
- Avenged Sevenold

The Steelers start the season off right with a light Brownie snack. Pittsburgh’s Defense looked solid and the Offense appears to have bought into Bruce Arians new system with gusto!

Quick Thoughts
Give the Defense credit for this one. They did everything a defense should: disrupt the QB, force turnovers and create doubt/indecision in the opposing offense.

The Offense looked pretty good, but there is room for improvement. This is the side of the ball we were all wondering about and they alleviated a lot of fears, but they left a lot out there as well. Hopefully, as the season goes on, this unit will begin to click.

Special Teams did well, too. How about that Daniel Sepulveda? Great kicking! His punts really pinned the Browns on a number of occasions.

Most importantly, though, Mike Tomlin gets his first win as a head coach. Now that the butterflies gone, let’s get to work!

Hidden Play of the Game
“Hidden Plays” are the ones you rarely see in the highlights, but they are key performances that help determine the outcome of a game.

First drive of the 3rd Quarter and the Steelers are up 17-0 . Even though the momentum was all Black n’ Gold, the Brownies were still in a position to make a game of it. What they needed was to stop Pittsburgh’s offense right from the start of the second half, get the ball in good field position, put together a drive and score something.

Well, on a key 3rd and 3, Ben connects with Hines Ward for 24 yards. Five plays later, the Steelers make it 24-0 and the rout was on!

Missed Opportunites
“Missed Opportunities” are the crucial points in a game that teams fail to take advantage of. The consequences can sometimes be disasterous.

Late in the 1st Quarter, the Steelers are up 10-0. The Browns move all the way down to the Pittsburgh 33 yard line. On third down, Kellen Winslow is called for Offensive Pass Interference which pushes Cleveland back. On the very next play, Derek Anderson is sacked and the Browns have to punt.

Cleveland would not get back into scoring range again until the Steelers had a comfortable 24-0 lead and the game was well out of hand.

Quote of the Game
“We felt we would play a lot better going in…”
-Browns Coach Romeo Crennel

So what’s your analysis of the game? Come and tell the Swami what you think!