Keys to success: Rookie Quarterbacks

by Jeffrey Moore

Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco are both quarterbacks that had good rookie years. They both won at least one playoff game as a rookie, when only two other rookie quarterbacks have done the same. What makes these quarterbacks different from the other rookie starting quarterbacks? I believe there are certain qualities that make them different that recruiting staff look for. These qualities include being able to manage the game, being able to take the long shot every now and then, and a low turnover ratio.


Being a quarterback you have to manage the game. They both have been successful at managing the game. They don’t throw interceptions as often as a rookie might. They made a good transition to the NFL. If the game is on the line, with a minute left, they would be very successful because they don’t crumble as easy under pressure. They have the ability to keep the passes short and to open receivers and keep the game manageable. If they were ahead by a touchdown with a minute left, they can also be successful. Both teams are run first teams. This keeps the pressure off of them throughout the game and allows them to manage the game in the last minutes.


Being a quarterback, you have to take the long shot every now and then. Quarterbacks have to trust their receivers to make big plays. When you keep the passes short and are running the ball a lot, it makes the defense play up. When the defenses play up, you can take that big shot down field. This is like the game last week between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have the running game going and Joe Flacco took a long shot to Demetrius Williams. The only downfall to that play was that Demetrius didn’t make the catch.


Finally, part of managing the game is having a low turnover ratio. Teams and scouts look for quarterbacks that don’t throw interceptions. They need to have accuracy with each pass. Teams that have the better turnover ratio usually win the game. When Joe Flacco has a highly accurate game he leads the team to success. It’s all about ball control in the NFL.


Mark Sanchez and Joe Flacco had good rookie seasons. They have all these qualities but have the help of a great running game. This makes it easier to manage and make accurate passes and have a low turnover ratio. If college quarterbacks can master these three qualities they can be the next rookie starting quarterback to win a post season game. They can also lead teams to Super Bowls and more playoff opportunities.