Is rotating your quarterbacks really that bad? It is generally treated like
the plague when a football coach decides to use a two-quarterback system. You
think that coach has the head phones on to communicate with the press box, but
in reality it might be to block out the dual-quarterback critics in the stands,
saying "You need to pick one guy and go with him," "How is
so-and-so going to get in a rhythm if he gets pulled every couple series?"
and "He threw that bad pass because his confidence is shot."
Yes, making the throw is important. At the end of the day, in its simplest
form, accuracy is key. However, Jim Tressel wants to see other things from the
quarterback. "Flow of the game" and "rhythm" are crucial
elements in terms of the art of quarterbacking. Yet many other factors play a
role in the science of quarterbacking. Is he making the right checks at the
line? Is he managing the clock? IS HE MAKING THE RIGHT READS IN THE PASSING
GAME? Many variables play into it.
Linebacking can be an art and a science, as can playing o-line, db, tailback,
etc. All these positions have specific tasks to carry out, but you also need to
be in a flow and a rhythm. It is okay to rotate these other positions, but I've
often wondered why the quarterback is treated different.
I will admit it…quarterback is unlike other positions. They have tremendous
pressure on them. They have to have a great mental capacity.
On the flip side, I don't think it is THAT unlike other positions. All
positions have to think. Most positions have to really see the field. A mental
error at other positions can be field position and turnovers. With all that
said, it doesn't bother me to have two quarterbacks both playing if they are of
equal talent and production. I repeat: if they are of equal talent and
production. If one guy is better than the other, let the better man take every
snap. The same is true for a cornerback or a tight end or a receiver. If they
are equal, play both until you find out which one is better and becomes
differentiated. If they are not equal, play the better one.
The quarterbacks should wear the different color jersey in practice because
they are important. But they are not that important to say a dual system is
unacceptable for that position. Extra practice reps and confidence help a
quarterback, but they also help a defensive end.