We hear it all the time. “*Insert NFL QB Here* is a system Quarterback.” Most notably, QB’s such as Blake Bortles, Joe “Elite” Flacco, and even Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr.(Easily a top 5 most White name of all time) have all be slapped with the label of System QB’s. Before we jump into debates and trigger all of the fanbases, what even is a System QB?
Well, to answer it in short, a System QB is a QB who thrives only due to the System, scheme, or players. This means that they flourish in a particular system that is focused on pass first, and the oh so wonderful and sexy Spread system. Where did this term come from? Here is the boring explanation from Wikipedia:
“Russ Lande of Sporting News traced the term’s etymology, or at least currency, to the early 1990s, when two University of Houston quarterbacks failed to carry college success into their professional careers. First, Andre Ware, in head coach Jack Pardee and offensive coordinator John Jenkins’s run and shoot offense, had a record-setting 1989 season that culminated in a Heisman Trophy. He was the seventh overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, but did not have success in either the National Football League nor the Canadian Football League. David Klingler took over for Ware at UH and was the sixth overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft. He too, failed to find exceptional success in the NFL.”
The more fun version of where it came from? Texas Tech in the 2000’s. Everyones favorite dad Mike Leach led the Red Raiders with several QB’s to throw over 4000 yards in college but absolutely stunk in the pros. Most notably Kliff Kingsbury, the current TTU Head Coach. (Side Note: Air Raid Systems don’t translate in the NFL I.E Pat Mahomes). It is a label that was originally given to college players, but has been transferred over into the NFL due to backup’s playing just as well or even better than the original starters. So, after a late night acting like Charlie with a Conspiracy Board, I present the Top 5 System QB Systems in College Football (Trigger Warning):
5. Arizona State
Out deep in the far east side of Phoenix, you will find the System QB factory of the Desert, ASU. As noted by a SU Writer Chad Collins “Brock threw for like a million yards at ASU”. Well, so did every other gunslinger. Mike Bercovici, Brock Osiweiler, Jake Plummer, and Taylor Kelly are a few of the names to have had solid careers for the Sun Devils in their system ,but flunk in the Pro’s.
4. Alabama
Roll Tide Roll! Bama is without a doubt a powerhouse of CFB (I know, act surprised) BUT they produce the absulte worse QB’s to ever grace the NFL Fields. AJ McCarron, Greg McElroy, Jake Coker, Blake Sims, and Spencer Pennington are a few of the bismal playcallers to come out of Tuscaloosa. All those trophies, but the last Bama QB to win a game before AJ was…
Jeff Rutledge of the New York Giants in 1987, when the Bengals beat the San Francisco 49ers 24–14.
BAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
3. Ohio State
Now, OSU has had its fair share of QB’s to come through the Program. Terrell Pryor, Troy Smith, and Craig Krenzel has all graced the field, but my focus is more on the “The Ohio State 3”. The fact that these 3 QB’s all could be thrown into this sysem (Not so much Miller, but still) and produce video game numbers, OSU is like a Lumber Mill of Terrible NFL QB’s. (Note: While Barrett hasnt has a shot at the NFl yet, his throwing motion and footwork are so bad he’s already a bust)
2. USC
Now, I had a FBFQB on the ultimate USC System QB (say that 3 times fast), but the internet pimp slapped me and it got deleted from our servers…but just trust me when I say he was bad, USC Since 2000 has had the following QB’s that I believe to be System QB’s:
Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, John David Booty, Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley, Matt Cassel, and Sam Darnold.
Do I need to say anymore?
1. Texas Tech
And we finally hit out winner, Texas Tech and the Damn Air Raid system. Mike Leach installed it once he became the father of the Red Raiders and then our hearts, and he created a monster. QB’s such as Pat Mahomes, David Webb, Baker Mayfield, Nic Shimonek, and Kliff Kingsbury have all be the head honchos of this terrible offense. You may be wondering, “Who is Nic Shimonek?”. Well, he is the 1 year starter at TTU and threw for over 4000 yards and 25+ TD’s, and was signed as an undrafted QB to the Chargers. No great traits, not an amazing arm or crazy footwork, he was just able to throw it where he was told due to the Air Raid. He. Is. Terrible. Curse you TTU for developing the System QB and even worse, Pat Mahomes.
