Brandon Weeden and the art of Bedlam

Sun Tzu's classic book "The Art of War" contains many pieces of wisdom that can be applied to the football world, but for offensive coordinators, none is more apt than the section of the book that states:

"If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."

The common thread of these instructions is to be ready to take advantage of whatever opportunity your opponent gives you. This is easier said than done because it requires a quarterback who can operate under a wide variety of play-calling philosophies.

One passer who has shown an ample amount of ability to do this is Oklahoma State Cowboys field general Brandon Weeden. His overall numbers are tremendous (second in FBS in passing yards per game, second in touchdown passes and 10th in overall passer rating) but a closer look at the game tapes illustrates someone with superb efficiency in an eclectic range of areas.

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KC Joyner

NFL Insider

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• NFL and CFB analyst for ESPN Insider
• Known as "The Football Scientist"
• Uses proprietary metrics from game tape study