How Much Does a QB Matter?

By: Josh Posner

The quarterback is widely considered to be the most important player on any NFL team. They have the responsibility of leading the offense, making split-second decisions on almost every play, and they have a major impact on important metrics, such as points per drive. 

But can an NFL team succeed without an elite QB?

The short answer is yes, but it is not very common. For example, Eli Manning managed to win the Super Bowl two times, both against Tom Brady, even though he was not considered a top-tier quarterback for most of his career. He led the league in interceptions three times and never earned an All-Pro selection.

He was able to do this because the Giants had an elite defensive line and a solid offense. Eli Manning’s career shows that, while a quarterback is rightfully considered the most important player on the team, a team can succeed without an elite quarterback if it has a dominant defense, a solid offense, and good coaching.

But how much easier is it to win with an elite QB? The short answer is much easier. Tom Brady is considered to be the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) of football, earning 7 Super Bowls and appearing in 10. The New England Patriots, Brady’s main team, only had an average defense and limited offensive weapons, most notably Julian Edelman.

The Patriots did benefit from an amazing coach in Bill Belichick. However, Brady’s Super Bowl with the Buccaneers demonstrates that it wasn’t solely the coaching but also the quarterback.

Overall, the quarterback is the most important position on the field and has a major impact on a team's ability to win, but it is still possible to win without an elite quarterback.