Full Description
Signal caller, gunslinger, field general--the quarterback goes by many lofty nicknames. It's arguably the toughest, most high-pressure position to play among all sports. The quarterback touches the ball on every offensive snap, is responsible for reading the defense, adjusting the play, and executing complex schemes that require tremendous physical and mental prowess. He is expected to be the undisputed team leader, whether he's an established veteran or an untested rookie. If he succeeds, he's the most likely player on the field to be canonized by fans and broadcasters. If he fails, he'll be vilified in the press and his home field fans will start cheering for the backup.
This book traces the interesting history of the professional quarterback, from the early years when the quarterback was a blocker (and the appellations quarterback, halfback, and fullback were literal and geographically correct) to the modern-day player who must be the eyes, ears, brains, and, of course, the accurate, strong arm of the offense. The narrative history in Section I is rich with statistical analysis. The author employs realistic metrics for statistical comparison across multiple eras, and includes all-time rankings as well as specific rankings among different styles of quarterbacks. Section II compares quarterbacks within their respective eras, putting their accomplishments in context with those of their contemporaries. Section III breaks down the quarterback position, team-by-team, for current NFL franchises. Appendices provide detailed passing records; additional statistics on everything from relative passer ratings to fourth quarter comebacks; and listings of first round draft picks, trades involving quarterbacks, awards, and uniform numbers.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction
I. Quarterbacks in Context
1. More Than Just a Live Arm
2. The Ongoing Search
3. Career Arc
4. Glory
5. Measures and Rankings
6. Of Passing Interest: Miscellaneous Notes
II. Quarterbacks in Time
7. 1920-1932: Grounded
8. 1933-1945: The Emerging T
9. 1946-1949: The All America Football Conference
10. 1946-1959: Taking Flight
11. 1960-1969: The American Football League
12. 1960-1977: Ball Control
13. 1978-1993: Full Throttle
14. 1994-2006: Air Time
III. Quarterbacks by Team
15. Arizona Cardinals
16. Atlanta Falcons
17. Baltimore Ravens
18. Buffalo Bills
19. Carolina Panthers
20. Chicago Bears
21. Cincinnati Bengals
22. Cleveland Browns
23. Dallas Cowboys
24. Denver Broncos
25. Detroit Lions
26. Green Bay Packers
27. Houston Texans
28. Indianapolis Colts
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
30. Kansas City Chiefs
31. Miami Dolphins
32. Minnesota Vikings
33. New England Patriots
34. New Orleans Saints
35. New York Giants
36. New York Jets
37. Oakland Raiders
38. Philadelphia Eagles
39. Pittsburgh Steelers
40. St. Louis Rams
41. San Diego Chargers
42. San Francisco 49ers
43. Seattle Seahawks
44. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
45. Tennessee Titans
46. Washington Redskins
Appendix A: Records (through 2006)
Appendix B: Extended Passing Data
Appendix C: Drafts, Trades, Awards, Numbers
Bibliography
Index
