The Game Manager: Just Win Baby

January 16, 2016

I've been hearing the "Game Manager" moniker used to describe quarterbacks in the last few years. If you are a quarterback, is there a more insulting term to be called? When this tag gets placed around a quarterback's neck, assume that he doesn't show lofty statistics and a supermodel wife right away. Label him as somebody who offers the personality of a soap dish and can hardly throw the ball farther than ten yards. Lastly, go on to believe he barely made his high school football team and went to a junior college or played in the Arena Football League.

Seriously, why does a quarterback need to be labeled the dreaded "Game Manager"? I think the term got started and pinned on the Baltimore Raven QB, Trent Dilfer. Poor Dilfer, he wasn't lighting up the Fantasy Football charts, and these scrupulous fantasy owners only used him if they were forced. Forget about the fact he was the QB on a winner, and he was on the field when the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2001.

By definition, a game manager will execute a conservative offensive scheme and not turn the ball over. The team he is quarterbacking for will be victorious by not fumbling and throwing a lot of lower percentage passes downfield to eliminate the risk of interception. The game manager will usually use a good running back to his advantage and solid defense, which keeps opponents from running up large scores. Therefore, the team can win the majority of the games by doing enough to secure a victory. Wow, it sounds like a robot that can execute simple commands.

I think I correctly captured the term as described by pundits in the media. Have you heard a coach ever describe his quarterback as a game manager? Have you ever noticed if a QB gets called a game manager, he typically has won more than lost?

When the game manager is working his magic and managing the plan, he might throw a touchdown pass or two, and the whole team has played well in all aspects. It becomes an odd dynamic to always put your finger on. Football is called the ultimate team sport where all pieces must gel and complement each other. The game manager is the cerebral mind on the offensive side, and he needs his squad in check to execute a winning formula. The good quarterbacks know when to unload the ball, take fewer sacks and when to run. Again, these are game manager qualities.

Bill Walsh, the legendary coach of the 49ers who perfected the west coast offense, knew that a quarterback who mastered the short and mid-range throws could disrupt the defenses enough to possess a successful running game. The need to keep chucking the ball all over the field creates a higher percentage chance for turnovers. The first 49er Super Bowl team in 1982 didn't showcase a lot of statistical marvels. It was Joe Montana masterfully executing a conservative game plan along with a tough defense.

Next time you hear the innocuous game manager term, listen to what the so-called expert tells you. Most likely, he says the quarterback is not a big play come from behind leader and will only take you so far. I love game managers; I like a good running back who punishes and a solid defense who can keep the other team under 20 points. It sounds like winning to me.