Here are some football musings as we welcome the the 2023-24 football season!
The excitement and wonder is undeniable. The atmosphere is tense, the noise elevated, the much anticipated Kansas City Chiefs vs Buffalo Bills matchup has less than two minutes of play left. Buffalo trails by three, but with ball in hand, they speed down the field for a touchdown. Josh Allen is in a race with the clock—a race he refuses to lose. Just over the thirty-yard line, the ball is snapped and Allen shoots off with a purpose. Down the sideline he goes, and then, when it looks like he can go no more, he defies all expectations, leaping over the head of Chiefs defensive back Justin Reid, leaving him a memory in the dust. Even in the Kansas Stadium of adoring fans, a sea of red, there is wonder, awe, appreciation, at the magic. The excitement and wonder mark a “New Age”.
But . . . let’s rewind. To realize what’s “new” we must dive into the past first. Let’s start with what is considered universal today.I am pretty sure most of you will agree that there are certain attributes that are synonymous with great quarterbacks— a skilled throwing arm, awareness of the entire field, quick and decisive action, athleticism, mental toughness, creativity, and many more. One of the most notable examples is Peyton Manning. Manning won the Superbowl in 2007 and 2016, with the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos respectively.
Manning rose during a time when these qualities we consider synonymous with the greats today were not really a factor: football’s sole focus was on the physical elements of the game. This meant that the most successful players were the biggest ones, who were able to employ a brute strength strategy, both offensively and defensively. He, however, did not embody that raw strength, considering his arm was weaker in comparison to many other quarterbacks. So, how did he become a top class player?
Well, Manning played a role in changing the course of football. While he might not have had the strongest arm, he added a new level of strategy to the game. His great understanding allowed him to adapt on the field. He would be able to adjust protection, positioning, and other elements of the play, pre or even post-snap, making him incredibly versatile. These changes were made quickly and decisively, and he made up for his weaker throws with greater accuracy. The dynamic nature of his play made defenses unable to respond or know his next move. He proved that this strategy could not only combat more physical teams, but also transcend their limitations.
Another player, who this article would be incomplete without, is Tom Brady. Brady is an all-time great with seven Super Bowl wins, six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even at 45 years, he still continued to command the Buccaneers with promise. Brady was a core part of what Manning embodied—the more mental side of the game. He played with great accuracy and quick decision making. But along with this, one of the keys to his success was his admirable field presence. He played with poise, rarely looking rushed, even under heavy pressure. He took it on—with his unrivaled ability to read the game, he seamlessly responded.
In this same vein, today, the “New Age” of quarterbacks dares to change the nature of the sport yet again. Young talent is already looking so promising—for example, Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. These players have the arm, the presence, the athleticism, and countless other ingredients of greatness, but one of the most important to focus on is how they have redefined the role of the quarterback. The quarterback has a team of players they can use to advance the ball—their running backs, tight ends, and receivers. So, in the classical definition, the main role of the quarterback is to get the ball to one of these players, and that’s what defenses expect.
But, these players have added a new dimension. They have added an option to the playbook—what if the quarterback themselves took the ball and ran? By making themselves an offensive weapon, defenses are forced to account for this play—these quarterbacks, left unhandled, have the athleticism to get the first down and are not scared to take the opportunity if it presents itself, even employing a few moves of their own along the way. By forcing this new strategy, the quarterback opens up the field. This allows receivers to run new routes down the field, but also allows great play fakes with the running back. They’ve in effect assumed the role of the running back themselves because the defense knows fully well that the quarterback could keep it.
The Kansas City vs Buffalo Bills Game exemplifies the kind of impact that these players can make. It is impossible to know what they have up their sleeve next— that’s what makes their game sensational, and that’s what makes them so exciting. Football has gone through a multitude of changes in its past and will no doubt continue to evolve as time goes on. As older quarterbacks like Manning left the scene, and Brady’s era ends, this shift marks the ability of these new, younger players to have the space to come into their own which undoubtedly means some spectacular football ahead!
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Posnanski, J. (2023). Peyton Manning Was the Most Adaptable Quarterback Ever. [online] Esquire. Available at: https://www.esquire.com/sports/a42828818/peyton-manning-most-adaptable-nfl-quarterback-ever/ [Accessed 4 Sep. 2023].
Gstatic.com. (2022). Available at: https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/licensed-image?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWSh0-xy38Si6R6eQlt3gc3mdxDkmUqXP3-_ZSbXkxMBO7AsyHwL96nIIZQULa8zfc15bGWK8bXvAWYT4 [Accessed 4 Sep. 2023].