November 23, 2015, Troy NY The Quarterback position is the centerpiece of each franchise. He is the signal caller, the field general, and in all likelihood, the highest paid player on each team. Postseason success is dependent on having a very good QB. Without one, you are doomed to failure. Entering training camp prior to the 2015 season, eight of the NFL’s starting QBs’ were African American.
They are as follows: (in alphabetical order)
Teddy Bridgewater, first round pick, no. 32 overall 2014, by the Minnesota Vikings
Robert Griffin III, first round, no. 2 overall 2012, by the Washington Redskins
Colin Kaepernick, second round, no. 36, overall 2011, by the San Francisco 49ers
EJ Manuel, first round, no. 16, overall 2013, by the Buffalo Bills
Cam Newton, first round, no. 1 overall 2011, by the Carolina Panthers
Geno Smith, second round, no. 39 overall 2013, by the New York Jets
Russell Wilson, third round, no. 75 overall 2012, by the Seattle Seahawks
Jameis Winston, first round, no. 1 overall 2015, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Of the eight, four are first round picks, two number ones overall, and three are Heisman Trophy winners.
Of the eight, four have appeared in the postseason, two in the Super Bowl, with Wilson appearing in back-to-back seasons winning one.
Kaepernick has also appeared in a Super Bowl and consecutive NFC title games as a starter.
Cam Newton has made two postseason appearances and has a 1-2 record.
RGIII has made one postseason appearance and lost in his only start.
Bridgewater enters his 2nd season, and is now the incumbent starter.
RGIII, Manuel, and Smith were on shaky ground.
RGIII is the most polarizing of the batch. He was tailor made to run the zone read and had a Super Bowl winning coach in Mike Shanahan to guide him. RGIII has failed in spectacular fashion. He has proven injury prone and difficult to coach. He is on his 2nd professional head coach in Jay Gruden who was considered a QB guru who would be able to teach RGIII to play from the pocket. Gruden has proven to have no faith in RGIII and named Kirk Cousins his starter entering the season.
Manuel lost his starting job to Tyrod Taylor, who was signed as a free agent from the Baltimore Ravens after backing up Joe Flacco.
Smith was injured in training camp altercation, sustaining a broken jaw and was supplanted by journeyman QB, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Newton and Wilson signed contract extensions during the offseason and were compensated like franchise QBs.
Kaepernick was at a crossroads entering the season due to underwhelming performance in 2014.
Winston entered the season after a successful college career, winning a national title as a freshman and losing only one start. Winston experienced growing pains during his time at FSU, being investigated for vandalism, theft and sexual assault. He was suspended for one start as a sophomore for shouting a profanity in the student union.
Tomorrow each player will be ranked solely on their performance this season.
Manuel will be replaced in the rankings by Taylor due to the fact that he has taken the most snaps this season.
Each player will be given a grade and an explanation will be provided.
Their strengths and weaknesses will be explored.
The only statistics used will be wins, losses, TD passes, and interceptions.
Psychoanalysis is best left to professionals. This is football and only on-field performance will be considered.
Check back tomorrow to see who is Number One.