When did the term “Game Manager” for a QB become a dig? I get it - everybody wants a Mahomes or Allen. They don’t, however, grow on trees.
To me, the No1 job of any QB is to execute the offensive scheme they’re given. To “manage the game” if you will. Was there ever a better “game manager” than Joe Montana. He ran Walsh’s offense to perfection, spreading the ball out, getting it quickly and in stride to his playmakers. That in and of itself made him a very very good QB. What made him one of the best ever is that he could also extend and make plays when he had to. He also had remarkable vision and presence.
Mahomes and Allen, as examples, first are terrific at running their respective offenses. Then there is the X factor both of them have. The ability to extend, make plays downfield and (particularly Allen) run. (Buffalo has a lot of runs designed for Allen. Personally, I’d cut way back on those. Save them for the big games.)
The hot ticket with QBs now are dual threat guys. Fields, Wilson, Lance all fitting that bill. Extending the play ability. But first, a QB has to be able to run a system. Fields has yet to show he can run an NFL offense. Although admittedly he has very little to work with. Wilson has been hurt. But also hasn’t shown much. Lance, well you know. (Lawrence is also not lighting it up. But he’s improved quite a bit. And the oft criticized “game manager” Mac Jones was the best of the rookie QBs in 22. He also had the most to work with. Alas, now hurt.)
Which brings me to Jimmy G. The problem is not he’s a “game manager”. The problem is, he is exceedingly limited. When he has a clean pocket and can throw to receivers between the numbers, he’s very good. Look at the first couple drives vs KC. (He also made a very nice extend play on the TD to Ray Ray). But it ends there. He lacks a downfield arm. He doesn’t throw well outside the numbers and he doesn’t seem to have a lot of pocket presence.
I would be very happy to have a good “game manager” at QB. Maybe if the O-line improves as they regain health and CMac gets incorporated into the offense Jimmy G will be just that. If so, the Niners still have a shot. The Rams game is obviously h.u.g.e. Duh.
To me, the No1 job of any QB is to execute the offensive scheme they’re given. To “manage the game” if you will. Was there ever a better “game manager” than Joe Montana. He ran Walsh’s offense to perfection, spreading the ball out, getting it quickly and in stride to his playmakers. That in and of itself made him a very very good QB. What made him one of the best ever is that he could also extend and make plays when he had to. He also had remarkable vision and presence.
Mahomes and Allen, as examples, first are terrific at running their respective offenses. Then there is the X factor both of them have. The ability to extend, make plays downfield and (particularly Allen) run. (Buffalo has a lot of runs designed for Allen. Personally, I’d cut way back on those. Save them for the big games.)
The hot ticket with QBs now are dual threat guys. Fields, Wilson, Lance all fitting that bill. Extending the play ability. But first, a QB has to be able to run a system. Fields has yet to show he can run an NFL offense. Although admittedly he has very little to work with. Wilson has been hurt. But also hasn’t shown much. Lance, well you know. (Lawrence is also not lighting it up. But he’s improved quite a bit. And the oft criticized “game manager” Mac Jones was the best of the rookie QBs in 22. He also had the most to work with. Alas, now hurt.)
Which brings me to Jimmy G. The problem is not he’s a “game manager”. The problem is, he is exceedingly limited. When he has a clean pocket and can throw to receivers between the numbers, he’s very good. Look at the first couple drives vs KC. (He also made a very nice extend play on the TD to Ray Ray). But it ends there. He lacks a downfield arm. He doesn’t throw well outside the numbers and he doesn’t seem to have a lot of pocket presence.
I would be very happy to have a good “game manager” at QB. Maybe if the O-line improves as they regain health and CMac gets incorporated into the offense Jimmy G will be just that. If so, the Niners still have a shot. The Rams game is obviously h.u.g.e. Duh.
