Strong Arm Tactics
A History and Statistical Analysis of the Professional Quarterback
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About the Book
Signal caller, gunslinger, field general—the quarterback goes by many lofty nicknames. It’s arguably the toughest, most high-pressure position to play among all sports. The quarterback touches the ball on every offensive snap, is responsible for reading the defense, adjusting the play, and executing complex schemes that require tremendous physical and mental prowess. He is expected to be the undisputed team leader, whether he’s an established veteran or an untested rookie. If he succeeds, he’s the most likely player on the field to be canonized by fans and broadcasters. If he fails, he’ll be vilified in the press and his home field fans will start cheering for the backup.
This book traces the interesting history of the professional quarterback, from the early years when the quarterback was a blocker (and the appellations quarterback, halfback, and fullback were literal and geographically correct) to the modern-day player who must be the eyes, ears, brains, and, of course, the accurate, strong arm of the offense. The narrative history in Section I is rich with statistical analysis. The author employs realistic metrics for statistical comparison across multiple eras, and includes all-time rankings as well as specific rankings among different styles of quarterbacks. Section II compares quarterbacks within their respective eras, putting their accomplishments in context with those of their contemporaries. Section III breaks down the quarterback position, team-by-team, for current NFL franchises. Appendices provide detailed passing records; additional statistics on everything from relative passer ratings to fourth quarter comebacks; and listings of first round draft picks, trades involving quarterbacks, awards, and uniform numbers.
About the Author(s)
Bibliographic Details
John Maxymuk
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 360
Bibliographic Info: tables, appendices, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2020 [2008]
pISBN: 978-1-4766-8515-1
Imprint: McFarland
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments vi
Preface 1
Introduction 5
I. Quarterbacks in Context 11
1. More Than Just a Live Arm 11
2. The Ongoing Search 24
3. Career Arc 35
4. Glory 48
5. Measures and Rankings 60
6. Of Passing Interest: Miscellaneous Notes 71
II. Quarterbacks in Time 79
7. 1920–1932: Grounded 79
8. 1933–1945: The Emerging T 89
9. 1946–1949: The All America Football Conference 102
10. 1946–1959: Taking Flight 107
11. 1960–1969: The American Football League 122
12. 1960–1977: Ball Control 133
13. 1978–1993: Full Throttle 151
14. 1994–2006: Air Time 169
III. Quarterbacks by Team 185
15. Arizona Cardinals 185
16. Atlanta Falcons 189
17. Baltimore Ravens 192
18. Buffalo Bills 194
19. Carolina Panthers 197
20. Chicago Bears 199
21. Cincinnati Bengals 203
22. Cleveland Browns 206
23. Dallas Cowboys 210
24. Denver Broncos 213
25. Detroit Lions 217
26. Green Bay Packers 221
27. Houston Texans 225
28. Indianapolis Colts 226
29. Jacksonville Jaguars 230
30. Kansas City Chiefs 232
31. Miami Dolphins 235
32. Minnesota Vikings 239
33. New England Patriots 242
34. New Orleans Saints 246
35. New York Giants 249
36. New York Jets 253
37. Oakland Raiders 257
38. Philadelphia Eagles 260
39. Pittsburgh Steelers 265
40. St. Louis Rams 269
41. San Diego Chargers 274
42. San Francisco 49ers 277
43. Seattle Seahawks 281
44. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 284
45. Tennessee Titans 287
46. Washington Redskins 291
Appendix A: Records (through 2006) 297
Appendix B: Extended Passing Data 304
Appendix C: Drafts, Trades, Awards, Numbers 328
Bibliography 341
Index 343
Book Reviews & Awards
• “Well written…definitive…highly recommended”—Library Journal
• “Highly recommended”—Choice
• “Covers the quarterback position better than any scout’s report”—The Coffin Corner