The model has always been to find the franchise QB and then everything else falls into place. We did this with Manning in 04 which yielded 2 SB titles (2011 was especially QB dependent).
I’d argue the following QB’s have been team deodorants in recent history - Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers & Andrew Luck. All of these players can mask team weaknesses, but it hasn’t equaled much success in terms of titles. Even Brady has talent around him & isn’t expected to bail his team out. Arguably the most talented QB in history, Aaron Rodgers has struggled due to lack of talent around him.
The Vikings have built a strong roster which was able to make Case Keemun look like a star & a game short of the Super Bowl. Could this be a suitable model to follow? Build strong line play, and support Eli/Webb with an excellent supporting cast maintaining cap flexibility. Having a roster that isn’t doomed if the QB gets hurt (2017 Eagles). A case study to this is the Ravens - Flacco is certainly a good enough QB, but not good enough to overcome roster deficiencies. The same can be said about Eli post 2011, he can’t mask the problems of the roster.
With all of the above said, which non-QB pick do you think would have the biggest impact in building a sustainable, winning program here?
Barkley - Nelson - Chubb
Plugging in one of these players has a low bust potential & can make a strong impact. If we aren’t going QB, I want to come away with one of the above. Forget trading with the Bills, quantity does not guarantee anything. I do not want another Pugh, Flowers or Apple.
Or at least a really competitive team against our Eli-led Giants...
Or at least a really competitive team against our Eli-led Giants...
I think if you go back and look at successful teams, you’ll find of myriad of ways to succeed. I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to have a great QB, although obviously it helps. Likewise, you don’t need to be super-stellar in any other single position. In fact, I think you would do much better by having broader greatness than just a single outstanding QB. I know everyone here want us to play 1v11, but there really are other ways to go about it.
They won the SB without Wentz though, which would prove the OP’s point
Quote:
Since McNabb, the eagles made the playoffs 2 times in 7 years(once with Vick, the #1 overall pick) and lost both those games in the wildcard rd. Then they drafted a franchise qb, #2 overall, who had an mvp caliber season and they won the sb.
They won the SB without Wentz though, which would prove the OP’s point
Cmon. Wentz was an mvp all season and got them to that point where all the backup had to do was win a few games. Do you really think they win a sb w foles as the qb all season???? Get real.
BTW, Brady still is a beast. How many championships and playoff wins and great games does he need to perform at such a high standard of play to convince you he's the motor that runs New England's engine?
But unless you have Lawrence Taylor -- it's hard for your defense to sustain. Especially with FA. The QB can give you sustainment if properly managed and utilized.
Every team in the history of this league - pre and post SB eras - have had a difference making QB.
Here’s what makes the OP’s proposal virtually impossible - the f-ckin cap. It’s designed to transfer success from one team to another. It rewards losers. That’s why so many teams go from toast to first almost every single year. It’s the worst system.
The only remedy is the franchise QB. That’s why you have to be desperate to get one and should ALWAYS draft a QB every year.