Abstract
The quarterback position in football is the most important position on the field. His decisions usually mean the difference between winning and losing the game. Because of his importance, it becomes clear that you must have a unique skill set in order to master the position. By analyzing the different types of quarterbacks from pocket passers, to rollout quarterbacks, to scramblers, it becomes clear that there are different ways to play the position, and that ultimately any of the three can become successful.
Keywords: quarterback, scrambler, rollout, pocket passer
In football, the quarterback is by far the most important player in the game. Besides the center, no other player gets to touch the ball on every single play. They impact wins and losses, and receive the lion’s share of the credit or blame based on how the team performs. There isn’t a right or wrong way to play the quarterback position; there are several different types of quarterbacks that can get the job done, albeit in very different ways. Coaches and scouts make their money analyzing and classifying quarterbacks based on the way they run an offense, many times designing their game plan according to their quarterbacks strengths and weaknesses. When observing a quarterback, there are several things you can look for to determine the way they most effectively play the game. Nearly every quarterback in the NFL plays the game either as a pocket passer, a rollout type quarterback, or a scrambler, and their effectiveness can be attributed to how well they fit the particular skillset and the type of offense they run.
The pocket passer is the most popular, and usually the most effective of the bunch. Quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees fit this mold. They tend to hang around in the pocket and keep their eyes downfield at all times. This type of quarterback can make all the throws and usually relies on quick slants to keep the defense from blitzing.