Why RG3 is a 'prototype' QB

What makes the prototypical quarterback? You might think GMs hold some universal vision in their minds, a vision that consists of a 6-foot-6, rock-solid guy with thunder in his throwing arm and powerful legs that can drag tacklers. Although that's certainly an appealing portrait, in all my years in the league I haven't seen Hercules at an NFL scouting combine.

Certain quarterbacks may be built better or have more physical than others, but when I think of the prototypical NFL quarterback, I think of traits that are a little less tangible.

I want a quarterback with fast eyes that can see a passing window and a fast, accurate arm that allows him to strike while it's open. I want a quarterback who can read defenses and process information under fire. I want a quarterback who can make the right play under duress and stay alive in the pocket, not just scramble downfield at the first sign of pressure. And ultimately I want a quarterback who will make a big play in clutch situations.

Those are the characteristics that matter in a winning NFL quarterback. Big arm? It's a plus but not a necessity. Big frame? Maybe he can take a little more contact. Pocket passer? Athletic scrambler? None of that matters much. You can win (or lose) with any of those traits. What makes the prototypical quarterback is the intangibles ... and how a team uses him.

When the best teams -- winning teams -- find a quarterback with quality intangibles, they tailor their offenses to what he does best. See, it's that convergence that creates the prototypical quarterback, not a scheme or set of traits alone. That's the jackpot. And after Week 1, it sure looks like the Redskins have hit that jackpot with Robert Griffin III. In their particular case, I believe they've found their "prototype" quarterback.

To see why RG3 fits the bill when it comes to prototypical QBs, plus to get access to all of Insider's NFL content, you must be an ESPN Insider.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe

Bill Polian

NFL Insider

• Archive

• NFL analyst for ESPN Insider
• 24 seasons as GM of the Bills, Panthers, Colts
• Six-time NFL Executive of the Year