The Great Quarterback Fallacy: Part I

Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports As football fans, we often lionize the performance of great quarterbacks as the focal point of the offense and the face of the franchise. We see them carrying their team to victory with their heroics, winning big games and championships. Their greatness is measured mostly in wins, particularly post-season wins, which they are credited for delivering. The key to achieving “greatness” for a quarterback is winning a Super Bowl, although there are some exceptions to the rule. Joe Flacco is not seen as a great quarterback, despite winning a Super Bowl with Baltimore several years ago. Deshaun Watson may be seen as a great quarterback today despite an average winning percentage and only one post-season victory on his resume. The ‘great’ quarterbacks today, or top tier anyway, are Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers, Deshaun Watson, and Russell Wilson. They are also, with the slight exception of Tom Brady, the most expensive.

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