Super Bowl Week: A Tale Of Two QBs

Here at EverydayQB we want to take the time to admire (and analyze) the two quarterbacks left standing in the NFL. These two men both have great stories, talents and a few weaknesses. Both will play important roles in their teams chances this Sunday for the ‘Big Game’. While football is one of the greatest team sports ever created, the Quarterback position is also one of the most important/high profile callings in all of sports. Kurt Warner and Ben Roethlisberger will be pivotal in the game on Sunday. Here’s how they match-up:

Specs:

Kurt Warner-While the 6’2”, 218 lb 37 year old is one of the oldest quarterbacks to start in a Super Bowl, his long resume is worth the ‘extra’ age. His successful time with the St. Louis Rams rose him to prominence when he won two NFL MVP awards in ’99 and ’01 as well as the Super Bowl MVP award in Super Bowl XXXIV. Warner is ranked third all-time in career passing rating with a 93.8 and is the the second-most statistically accurate quarterback in NFL history with a career completion percentage of 65.7%

Ben Roethlisberger-6’5” 241 lb 26 year old has a little size on his counterpart but less experience. He did however win the AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2004 and became the youngest Super Bowl-winning quarterback in NFL history. He currently ranks 7th all-time in NFL passer rating (89.4) and yards per attempt (7.86).

Skills

Warner-Warner is highly accurate and highly explosive. He can hurt you with a down the field pass at any point in the game. Especially with Larry Fitzgerald in the game, look for him to lay the ball up for Fitzgerald to go up and get. Warner’s experience is also one of his greatest skills. His age may slow him down in the pocket a little bit, but his experience allows him to anticipate and intuit what defenses are trying to do and make quick adjustments.

Roethlisberger-Has one of the best arms I’ve seen in the NFL. He’s most definitely a pocket-passer, meaning that he won’t be doing much scrambling, but when the Steeler Offensive Line gives him time to throw, he can really step up and deliver the football. His sense of poise and size gives him the ability to read defenses well. While he is young, he knows what it is like to play in a Super Bowl and win.

Special Intangibles

Warner-Warner’s faith and integrity have greatly contributed to his life and to the way his teammates view and respect him. At one point, Warner was bagging groceries at a Supermarket and the sense of privilege and humility/love for the game that he carries with him is infectious with his teammates. Again his experience plays a key role, since this is the first Super Bowl trip for the Arizona Cardinals and many on the team. His ability to relax and help focus his team will be a key part of the Cardinal’s success.

Roethlisberger-Also has the leadership capability needed to help a team be successful. HIs presence is one of the foundations of his leadership. A calming influence and steady demeanor give his teammates confidence that, even through obstacles and adversity, he has the resolve and ability to lead them through it.

There’s the EverydayQB breakdown. Now you can impress your friends on Sunday with some quarterback commentary. It wil be a great match up between two great quarterbacks.