I have mentioned how flawed this strategy is before, so instead of doing that, I will simply recap this philosophy as it relates to how the playoffs worked this year.
In this philosophy, the most valuable pick every year goes to a single position without understanding how last year’s most valuable pick going to the same position has actually worked out. Also, it means that every other position on the team is robbed from the best possible player at that position by virtue of the top pick being redundantly spent elsewhere. The underlying belief being that only the QB really matters, every other position is dramatically less important.
So, how did that play out this year in the playoffs?
Prospective HOF QB’s in the playoffs: Brady, Brees, Rivers
1. Brees is out. Reason? No defense
2. Rivers is out. Reason? Bad game plan and coaching
3. Brady is in. Reason? Excellent game plan and coaching
Other great QB’s not in the Super Bowl:
1. Mahomes. Excellent QB, possibly better than all the others on the list. Out because of no defense and scared coaching in the clutch.
2. Russel Wilson. Not enough talent around him.
Lastly, there is Goff. Far from a great QB, but in due to excellent coaching and great surrounding talent.
What does it mean? Having a great coaching staff and talent acquisition team is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing for any team, not the QB! The entire team must be good to make it all the way to the SB, or the coaching must be able to hide deficiencies and amplify strengths. Without the right coaching and game plan, lots of HOF QB’s miss the playoffs or exit before the big game.
Spending a first rounder every year on QB is just a way of saying you don’t know how to evaluate QB’s to draft one and are perfectly fine with a mediocre team around them. It’s a failing strategy. Get the right coach and staff, and the players and wins will come.