Two accomplished NFL quarterbacks are under attack by the ill-informed sports media. Both of them share similarities, and both are victims of poor management. Andrew Luck was obviously the most outstanding quarterback in the 2012 draft. Colin Kaepernick was drafted in 2011 in the second round. Both have talents which cannot be compared to other play callers in the NFL. Both share some of the same difficulties. Offensive lines succeed or fail because of their coaches, and both the 49ers and Colts are far from adequate. Both organizations have allowed players who were compatible with the offense to leave for greener pastures. Both have experienced coaching changes which have proven to be less than acceptable.

The NFL and the NHL are the only two major professional franchises which can be called team sports. When major components are missing, it is difficult to achieve the level of success necessary to win championships. In the NFL, the quarterback is expected to be the catalyst for offensive success. Few signal callers in the history of the game have overcome failures by management and coaching.

Both Kaepernick and Luck have extraordinary physical talents, and have proven that they have the intellect to lead their teams to post season success. They have not failed; management has failed them. Allow me to take a look at the most successful quarterback and coaching combinations in NFL history.

Bart Starr and head coach Vince Lombardi were a team. Together they guided the Packers to the first two Super Bowls. Hank Stram trusted Lenny Dawson to lead his high powered and innovative offense to win Super Bowl IV. Although they did not have a smooth beginning as the team was building a roster of talented players, Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw led the Steelers to four Lombardi trophies. The reason that the Dallas Cowboys became ‘America’s Team’ is because of the success of Tom Landry and Roger Staubach. Later Troy Aikman and Jimmy Johnson added to their fame. Bill Walsh changed football, but without Joe Montana his offense could not have succeeded. Together the 49ers dominated the NFL. The odd couple may be the Giants Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning. Their mutual trust has resulted in two Super Bowl Rings. Today there is no doubt that the closest and most successful combination is the Patriot’s Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Brady merely has to meld with his head coach, and the wins add up.

Kaepernick had a close relationship with Jim Harbaugh who recognized his unique abilities. A rifle for an arm and his uncanny running speed were evident when he was allowed to play the game and use his talents.

Luck was guided as a rookie by Bruce Arians. Losing him is likely the primary reason why the greatly talented young quarterback is struggling in 2015.

Some sports fans deny the importance of coaching. The teams which remain undefeated are proof of the need for a cohesive relationship between quarterback and head coach.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Kate

Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2