11 Commandments for Quarterbacks

Back in 2007, Bill Parcells related his quarterbacking statutes and bylaws by which his quarterbacks should live. This was during a MNF game tape in preparation for the game the Cowboys eeked out over the Bills in the waning moments of the fourth quarter (25-24); this is another in the long list of reasons that antidepressant medication is dissolved into the city of Buffalo's tap water.

Before reading the list, I'd like to suggest everyone run through a list of Parcell-chosen quarterbacks. A rough list would include, Hostettler, Simms, Quincy Carter, Pennington, Romo, Testeverde, and a new project Chad Henne.

Do these players have things in common? Maybe not in terms of playing style, but it seems were all on the path of becoming the type of player that the Tuna wanted to either take his team to a championship level (Giants) or out of the cellar (like he was brought on to do in Dallas & Miami).

He really never cared about bringing in a hot new prospect, or paying top dollar for a high impact free agent. He just wanted to see that his guy could buy in to the system, not complain too much and not screw up.

Before you totally destroy the veracity of the list on first site because you saw Quincy Carter is present, remember that with him and Chad Hutchinson (yikes) on the roster in 2003, the Cowboys went from 5-11 (in 2002) to 10-6 (in 2003).

We, the fans of the Orange & Blue, have debated Orton/Cutler/Cassel as much as the media has for better or for worse (though we're normally able to at least contribute viable arguments and thoughtful commentary - ahem Mike Klis), and though that's no the intention of this post, it will surely be in the back of our minds and up for discussion.

Parcells' former defensive coordinator was Belicheck over 20 years ago, which is how this list is relevant for Broncos fans. We have to decide if Bledsoe, Brady, Cassel, and Orton (especially) buy into this list of commandments which Parcells has been developing for years. 

It's interesting that Phil Simms' kid is now indirectly tied to this list by being a product of the system, though he was not truly selected by Coach McDaniels.

Ok, sorry about the proLONG. List time:

11 Commandments for Quarterbacks

1. Ignore other opinions – Press or TV, agents or advisors, family or wives, friends or relatives, fans or hangers on – ignore them on matters of football, they don’t know what’s happening here.

2. Clowns can’t run a huddle – don’t forget to have fun but don’t be the class clown. Clowns and leaders don’t mix. Clowns can’t run a huddle.

3. Fat QBs can’t avoid the rush – A quarterback throws with his legs more than his arm. Squat and run.

4. Know your job cold – this is not a game without errors. Keep yours to a minimum. Study.

5. Know your own players – Who’s fast? Who can catch? Who needs encouragement? Be precise. Know your opponent.

6. Be the same guy every day – in condition. Preparing to lead. Studying your plan. A coach can’t prepare you for every eventuality. Prepare yourself and remember, impulse decisions usually equal mistakes.

7. Throwing the ball away is a good play – sacks, interceptions and fumbles are bad plays. Protect against those.

8. Learn to manage the game – personnel, play call, motions, ball handling, proper reads, accurate throws, play fakes. Clock. Clock. Clock. Don’t you ever lose track of the clock.

9. Get your team in the end zone – passing stats and TD passes are not how you’re going to be judged. Your job is to get your team in the end zone and that is how you will be judged.

10. Don’t panic – when all around you is in chaos, you must be the hand that steers the ship. If you have a panic button so will everyone else. Our ship can’t have a panic button.

11. Don’t be a celebrity QB – we don’t need any of those. We need battlefield commanders that are willing to fight it out, every day, every week and every season and lead their team to win after win after win.

The following numbers describe Kyle Orton pretty well to me:

1 - he hasn't been affected by mainstream opinions, negative local fan base, or even former criticism. 

2 & 5 - I really like how he has good relationships with his offense without demanding the spotlight.

7 - clearly throwing the ball away during the Cleveland game brought a few boos, but no turnovers.

8 - debatable with wasted timeouts, but end-of-half game management has been good.

10 - he hasn't panicked so far, knock on wood.

11 - besides a couple of party pictures with girls during his rookie campaign, he's no Romo, Cutler, or Brady.

In all cases, GO BRONCOS, and we won't be seeing JaMarcus Russell obeying any of these commandments or his Weight Watchers diet.