Leonardfan
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jul 30, 2006
- Messages
- 24,587
Quarterbacking, like all things pertaining to athleticism, is both an art and a science. I think coaches in today's game at all levels too often become enamored with the art of their QB's athletic ability. What you see in HS is what you'll get in the NFL. This is especially true for Black QBs who either don't get the proper coaching or fail to take advantage of it.
I have nothing against athletes with unconventional mechanics. Far from it. But I do think it helps to throw the ball and drop back properly. Footwork in particular is becoming a lost art.
This might be a controversial statement but I think the emphasis on shotgun passing has done more harm than good for the position as a whole and maybe even the game itself. I really think it benefits a young QB to learn the game from under center.
The "backyard" football that has become the norm and over reliance on shotgun formations have been two things that really have watered down the position. Of course these things were made into the norm due to the rule changes taking place. Unconventional throwing mechanics are one thing (Philip Rivers had an unorthodox throwing motion due to learning how to throw footballs at a young age prior to his hand size being able to hold onto the ball) but the phasing out of the 3, 5 and 7 step drops and footwork that go along with that is something that I personally find is diluting the position. The timing offenses (West Coast offense is the best example) that were really the staple of the NFL for decades are becoming less of a thing in the modern game. So many elements of the game from the 60s, 70s, 80, 90s and early 2000s seem to be asbent.
How many of us here have criticized a team for using shotgun at the goal line rather than line up in a power formation? The I formation doesn't exist in most NFL playbooks. Power formations are also lacking. With the spread offenses taking over there is much less variety and strategy, players have become the focal point rather than offensive schemes.