View topic - A thought on Big Ben. Elite QB or Elite Playmaker?

[lloydgreene Profile]

In the debate of elite QB's in the NFL BB often comes up but never in the top tier.

Here is why I think that is. BB is an elite playmaker, but not a QB who can read and react to the defense WITHIN the playcall. When the defense blitzes, the elite QB's (think Drew Brees, Brady, Manning) read and throw the ball to the appropriate receiver. BB's first reaction to the blitz is to try to avoid it and then scramble. In essence, Big Ben still struggles to read the defense but has an amazing ability to find the open man.

For example, the defense sends the cornerback on a blitz. Ward sees it and adjusts to a slant route to cut off the safety charged with covering him. Big Ben, rather than quickly hitting Hines on the slant first tries to avoid the cornerback. By the time he has eluded the rusher the safety has made up ground and is now in position to cover Ward. This causes the play to extend even longer as the receivers now must break their routes and begin the scramble offense.

To be clear, BB is one of the best playmakers in the nfl. Hell, he HAS TO BE with the calls by Arians. But I think until he learns to read and react to the defenses and deliver the ball more quickly he will never be held up as an elite QB.

On a completely serperate note, SCREW THE PATRIOTS! CHEATING BASTARDS.

[stillchest Profile]

Elite QB

IMO, all elite QB's must make plays..from audibles, checking down, buying time for a WR to get open..from the pocket or on the move..elite QB's make plays.

Each elite QB plays a different style of ball, Ben's style is unique.

Do not confuse fantasy numbers with defining an elite QB..Ben is quite excellent at doing the small things..most pundits fail to acknowledge this.

[hatethebrowns Profile]

2 rings that say super bowl champ sure help the argument as well for ben

[drosales Profile]

I actually think it is interesting that Ben will be compared to the Brady's of this game and people dont see that when Bardy has people in his face and hitting him he cant make plays (look at the jets game) you watch film on Brady and he cant make plays when the intense pressure is on him.

Obviously he makes plays in the clutch at times but not like Ben has been lately. Ben never "tucked" and a fumble and and I strongly believe you take Brady out of New England and you'll see an average quarterback exposed!

It's like someone on this site was saying awhile back its almost all coaching and schemes instead of players making plays anymore. And thats fine... But real stars REAL ELITE quarterbacks win with their GOD given skills. Ben in the Super Bowl for example. I honestly dont remember Brady leading a game winning touchdown (unless it was against the eagles that year) in any super bowl he always let the kicker win it for him which to me says something you say against the Giants he didnt manage it right to prevent enough time being on the clock to win that one same with Warner in this last superbowl.

Anyway done ranting!!! GO STEELERS!

[steelcitymetal Profile]

i believe he is both and i wouldn't trade him for anyone