This past weekend defined playoff football. It involved improbable comebacks, amazing young quarterback talent, a double overtime game, upsets, set records, and most importantly to the fans, constant excitement. As an already mourned and healed (as much as possible) Eagles fan, I watched diligently with nothing at stake but my own entertainment. And wow, was I entertained.
As I watched these four amazing games, something that stood out was the difference in play between the younger quarterbacks and the veteran quarterbacks. The newer NFL QBs are explosive, with a lot of running, jumping, and diving in their game. In addition, the level of fear seems non-existent for example, in young Kaepernick and Wilson, as they play every down as if it is their last. The defensive cores are not as adjusted to this type of flashy play, thus these younger quarterbacks are having successful outcomes so far. In comparison, Brady and Manning, two veteran quarterbacks, are most comfortable and productive standing protected in the pocket. Despite the differences in these offensive strategies, the outcomes of both are outstanding and fun to watch.
In thinking about these differences in execution, it is interesting to think about what qualities make up an ideal franchise quarterback. While Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick have proved they can compete in the NFL, they both leave me wondering how long they can stay healthy with their aggressive nature of play. In addition, Kaepernick especially, worries me that his ability to make quick decisions could easily lend him vulnerable to picks and turnovers. After watching these young quarterbacks play, Brady and Manning seemed almost boring in comparison with their ‘old school ways’ of working in the pocket. Despite frequently making fun of Brady for his ‘sissy slide’ and at times, non aggressive play, he manages to stay healthy through an entire season and postseason. In addition, when the ball is in his hands, I always have confidence that he is going to take care of it and get it where it needs to go. Despite looking routine and awkward at times, Brady gets things done consistently, wins games and wins championships. I am curious to see if the position of quarterback is overall changing into one of a more aggressive nature, where one needs to possess the qualities of a running back in addition to a precise arm in order to survive in the NFL. Or if this ‘fad’ will end when these younger ‘fearless’ guys start getting injured and are thus forced to be more conservative.
Lastly and unrelated in regards to this past weekend of football, I can’t help but to comment on post-game press conference outfits. Brady looked like a pretty boy model out of GQ magazine; too pretty if you ask me. Wilfork looked like he walked straight out of a rap video, Schaub looked like an uptight lawyer after a stressful day in court, Kaepernick looked like he should be clubbing in Miami all tatted up, and Belichick , well he looked like his usual disheveled self.
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