The myth of a difficult system

After commenting on Quinn vs. Orton, I noticed a lot of comments that harped on how difficult McD's system is to learn. One interesting comment was that Brady said it was incredibly difficult. The problem is we're missing something when we apply that logic.

Let me make an analogy.....Math. We have to learn geometry, then we can learn algebra, then calculus, then theoretical functions (not even sure if this is a math subject; doesn't matter). The point here is that each one is a little bit different, yet they build on one another based on certain principles. The fact that one person does well in the basic levels does not assure success at a higher more difficult level. The fact that one person struggled at the basic level does not necessarily mean he will struggle in a higher level. The basic concepts may just come more slowly. While the latter (struggling at a basic level) should raise concern, people respond differently to different subjects, different ways of learning and take different amounts of time to comprehend. The crux of success in all these "math" subjects relies on the person's aptitude for a "mathematical" way of thinking and the quick, solid grasp of the core fundamentals of how math works. They kinduv go hand in hand. Certainly hard work can overcome aptitude and aptitude without the right intangibles can mean nothing.

How does this relate? Look, McD's system has certain principles that are required to operate it at every level. Has McD broken out the Calculus problems yet. I highly doubt it. If, when, Tom Brady is saying the system can take years to learn he is really commenting on the depth of the system, not the difficulty. McD is not giving Tom Brady or any QB a play or situation that is too difficult. In fact, he is feeding in baby size quantities. We clearly saw this with Cassel in '08. The guy had been in the system for a couple years, but when he started playing the system became a H.School version. There is no difficulty in that. The difference between McD's system and other systems goes back to the Paige interview early last year. If you remember, McD pridefully noted how thick his playbook was and how difficult and complex his ideas, schemes were/are, even noting there are some schemes that have never been seen.

This type of "difficulty" and the difficulty and challenges that Orton experienced are most likely two different things. Early in the year, when McD is exasperatingly saying, "no more my bad, make the play," he is showing frustration with Orton's inability to grasp and execute basic concepts. These are things he has gone over and expects success from his pupil on. I felt like this kind of reaction from McD occurred all year at different points.

What does it mean? Well, when we have gone out and picked up Quinn, it means McD may be seriously worried about Orton's ability to grasp, demonstrate proficiency in the basic decision-making & reaction requirements necessary to operate his system. Certainly Orton could be one of those learners that takes more than a year, but this is really, really unlikely. Certainly, Orton also showed that even at 80% of the requirements McD seeks, he can win games and lead this team far, even very far (everybody remember Dilfer/Grossman; he's far better on every level).

This is exactly why I expect Quinn to start. Quinn has demonstrated, when not under immense pressure (he was mostly), to be excellent in reading and making decisions. His time at ND demonstrated this as well. The fact is that the Cleveland Off and the coaches did not mesh with him, nor did he have the weapons to take pressure off him doing everything. The other factor is his arm is better. Notice I don't say stronger. Strength is a tricky topic and I want to avoid using that word. In more limited time than Orton, I thought Quinn made far more throws down the field in coverage (I don't count the Redskin TDs here).

I want to note that this potential competition has very little to do with the difficulty of the system, but the aptitude and foundation of each of these QBs as football players. At this point, very little is gonna change for these guys. They've been playing and doing this stuff for years. They are maxed out on their aptitude/talent. Their success will be based on the system, situation, and coaching. I had very high hopes for Orton last year. I was disappointed. This year, I have high hopes for Quinn. We've seen Orton and nothing is changing from last year. That is not necessarily bad. However, we could have someone that surpasses that because the change in system, situation, and coaching offer an excellent opportunity for seeing how far Quinn can go. I'm pretty sure after watching the Browns that we have definitely not seen that. Either way, it is only reason for optimism at the start of this next year.