Thomas George - Blitzed: Why NFL Teams Gamble on Starting Rookie Quarterbacks

Advance Praise for Thomas George and Blitzed

Quarterback is the most popular position in football, and football the most popular sport in America. In Blitzed , Thomas George takes readers on a fascinating inside journey of the high-stakes risks and rewards of that job, and how far teams will go to ride a young gunslinger to success. A terrific insiders view from a long-time football insider himself.

Mitch Albom, New York Times bestselling author and sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press

The biggest mystery in modern football is not what team will finally dethrone the Patriots for NFL supremacy, but rather which hotshot college quarterback will become a professional star. Thomas George rationally and methodically puts a microscope on this conundrum, from what happens when a coach realizes his bonus baby doesnt have the goods (Devastating, Dick Vermeil calls that feeling) to enlightening chapter and verse on the Eagles pursuit of new great quarterback hope Carson Wentz. Im glad George doesnt advance a theorem that will guarantee success for a young quarterback because, as he lays out, there simply isnt one.

Peter King, editor in chief, The Monday Morning Quarterback

Blitzed by Thomas George is a through, complete, and riveting study of the challenge faced by teams trying to find and develop a franchise quarterback. As one who has lived it, I can tell you that Blitzed is a must-read for every NFL fan.

Bill Polian, former general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, NFL analyst with ESPN, and Hall of Fame executive

A franchise quarterback is the NFLs most important asset, and Blitzed is the most important work on this subject. Thomas George delves into the subject of franchise quarterbacks, trying to explain the riddle that baffles and bewilders the worst teams, and rewards and stabilizes the best ones. It is educating, enlightening, and highly enjoyable.

Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Insider

Ive known Thomas George for a long time and have always respected the quality of his work. He puts years of experience and expertise covering the NFL to excellent use in Blitzed . With particular focus on Carson Wentz, Jared Goff, and Dak Prescott, George dissects the trickiest task in sportsfinding and developing the franchise quarterback. How do you know when a quarterback has that it factor? Thomas knows.

Jim Thomas, NFL writer, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Thomas George has written one of the most important books about the NFL in years. Blitzed is a provocative first-hand look at how NFL teams thrust very young men into the most difficult position in professional sports and demand they succeednow. I could not put this book down.

Sal Paolantonio, National Correspondent, ESPN

Thomas George has spent thirty-five years seeking answers to what makes some NFL quarterbacks great while others fail. In Blitzed: Why NFL Teams Gamble On Starting Rookie Quarterbacks , he uses his wealth of experience and lifetime of NFL contacts to explore what has become the central issue of successful team building in the NFL. Why are more rookie quarterbacks being handed the ball and why do so few succeed? What determines success or failure? Thomas George set out to find the answers and succeeded like Tom Brady. By the time you finish Blitzed youll understand why more and more teams risk the future on rookie quarterbacks and why all but a handful are doomed from the start.

Ron Borges, writer for Boston Herald and author of Present at the Creation: My Life in the NFL and the Rise of Americas Game

Thomas George knows the ins and outs of the NFL and, in particular, NFL quarterbacking. He dives into the age-old issue of finding a franchise quarterback in an insightful way. Georges interviews with coaches who have found and failed to find that star quarterback provide deep analysis of the biggest challenge for pro football teams. And his examination of the flops is especially enlightening.

Barry Wilner, pro football writer, Associated Press

Ever wonder why some early-round quarterbacks thrive and others fail? Thomas George goes behind the scenes to give you the answers from the coaches and decision-makers whose livelihoods depend on making the right choice at the games most important position.

Alex Marvez, writer for Sporting News and host of SiriusXM NFL Radio

Copyright 2017 by Thomas George

Foreword copyright 2017 by Warren Moon

Afterword copyright 2017 by Tony Dungy

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Brian Peterson

Cover photo credit: AP Images

Acknowledgment of Pro-Football-Reference.com for use of its extensive research and statistics.

Print ISBN: 978-1-68358-107-9

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-68358-108-6

Printed in the United States of America

To my family near and far, and to all those who appreciate this incredible games enchanting tapestry.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FOREWORD BY WARREN MOON

N obody wants a good quarterback. Every team and every coach in the NFL wants a great quarterbacksomeone they can build a franchise around. As a Hall of Fame quarterback, many people have asked me, What makes a franchise quarterback so special? In my opinion, what makes that type of player different is that he gives you the opportunity to win every week, no matter your opponent. A franchise quarterback provides an air of confidence thats not only noticeable in the locker room, but is present within the building, stadium, and organization. Nothing compares to having your fan base rally around the guy who is behind center, knowing that hes the right player to lead the team and franchise.

The perception around the NFL is that if you dont have a great quarterback, then youre probably not going to have a very competitive football teamespecially due to the way the rules have changed in recent years. Today, quarterbacks are protected in the pocket and defensive backs cannot be as physical with receivers, so that it is more of a pitch and catch type of game for the offense. As a result, the quarterback position dominates the game, making having a franchise quarterback even more important.

Transitioning to the NFL from college, rookie quarterbacks quickly realize that professional football is a completely different ball game. In college, youre typically not playing against exceptionally talented teams every week and there might only be two or three players on opposing teams that have the talent to play in the National Football League. Then, suddenly, upon entering the NFL, youre playing against 52 guys who were the very best in college, and have the tenacity to win. As a rookie, you have to adjust to the fact that there are no glaring weaknesses in anybodys game. Youre playing against the best cover guys and pass rushers in football, the game moves a lot faster, and windows to make throws close quickly.