Big Blue Huddle

Is a great WR behind an average QB better, or is a great QB with average receivers better? That is the question

I was reading through Great Blue North this morning and saw this blip and figured I'd share https://gbnreport.com/giants-report-thoughts-on-the-draft/

Maybe there's more hope than some believe 

"...in fact, there have been rumblings that head coach Brian Daboll had been lobbying for the Giants to take a WR with their first round pick, possibly even if one of the top QB was still on the board at that point. Just maybe Daboll recalls that Josh Allen, whom he has been credited with 'developing' in Buffalo really didn't emerge as a top player in the NFL until the Bills went out and acquired a true #1 receiver in Stefon Diggs. Whatever, Giants fans probably shouldn't underestimate how impactful a really good receiver can have on a team.

Indeed, in addition to the Bills' Allen, Joe Burrow didn't really take off in Cincinnati until the Bengals' selected Ja'Marr Chase, his former teammate at LSU with the 6th in 2021, while there questions being asked in Miami whether Tua Tagovcailoa was indeed a legitimate franchise QB before the Dolphins brought in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. And we could go and name QBs from Jaylen Hurts to Geno Smith whose careers improved dramatically once given elite receivers with which to work.

And one can also look at the Giants own history. Back in 2008, for example, they appeared to be on cruise control to a possible second straight Super Bowl appearance before Plaxico Burress shot himself – and his career – in the leg and the 11-1 Giants finished the season 1-4 and crashed out of the playoffs in the first round. They were crowned champions again in 2011 with Eli throwing to a couple of Pro Bowl receivers in Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, only to have the bottom fall out the following season, which coincided with Nicks being injured and never playing at that level again. And while there has been a tendency to dismiss the impact of Odell Beckham, the reality is that Eli had the best three-year run of his career from 2014-2016 during which the Giants had a top 10 offense in both 2014 and 2015 and made the playoffs in 2016. It's also hard not to notice that the bottom really fell out for the Giants in 2017 around the time that Odell was injured. Indeed, the fact is that over the course of his career, Eli was a very good QB when he had special receivers, but was closer to ordinary when he didn't..."

I don't believe in this "single pillar theory" that has become so prevalent in current football narrative. It really took hold once Brady left the Patriots. 

Ric,

I like your post. I will say, to me this question is akin to which tire on a car is the most important.  For an offense to be successful you need a good QB and at least one really good receiving threat (can be a WR or special TE)

Well...... based upon Tom Bradys rotisserie of average WRs playing way above their heads, you have to go with the QB position

"The clothes" do not make the man....never believed that old saying

What is more important to the QB than the WR is the offensive line.

Go and look up the offensive line rankings Tom Brady and Eli Manning both played with in the prime of their careers.

It is no coincidence that both had elite level line play to give them time to dissect a defense.

Quote from: sxdxca38 on May 03, 2024, 10:20:38 AMWhat is more important to the QB than the WR is the offensive line.

Go and look up the offensive line rankings Tom Brady and Eli Manning both played with in the prime of their careers.

It is no coincidence that both had elite level line play to give them time to dissect a defense.

You bring up the great point that it's "team work" that makes the plan work as schemed...not a single individual. Football ain't golf!

Quote from: Jolly Blue Giant on May 03, 2024, 10:23:35 AMYou bring up the great point that it's "team work" that makes the plan work as schemed...not a single individual. Football ain't golf!

Thank you my friend, and as Todge has said repeatedly this isn't tennis.

Quote from: MightyGiants on May 03, 2024, 09:59:01 AMRic,

I like your post. I will say, to me this question is akin to which tire on a car is the most important.  For an offense to be successful you need a good QB and at least one really good receiving threat (can be a WR or special TE)

And an at least competent OL.  It's a three legged stool.

Quote from: sxdxca38 on May 03, 2024, 10:20:38 AMWhat is more important to the QB than the WR is the offensive line.

Go and look up the offensive line rankings Tom Brady and Eli Manning both played with in the prime of their careers.

It is no coincidence that both had elite level line play to give them time to dissect a defense.

And both times the Giants beat Brady-led teams in the SB they did it by breaking down his OL.

Quote from: AZGiantFan on May 03, 2024, 11:19:32 AMAnd an at least competent OL.  It's a three legged stool.

I agree, although some will point to the Bengals SB run as proof you don't need a line.  I would counter by saying they haven't sniffed the SB since, and their QB is frequently injured.

Quote from: MightyGiants on May 03, 2024, 11:24:44 AMI agree, although some will point to the Bengals SB run as proof you don't need a line.  I would counter by saying they haven't sniffed the SB since, and their QB is frequently injured.

I think you can have success if you have 2 legs. 

Quote from: AZGiantFan on May 03, 2024, 11:21:09 AMAnd both times the Giants beat Brady-led teams in the SB they did it by breaking down his OL.

Ha, ha...I remember reading the patriot message board the following day and one guy wrote, "I just want to shoot myself in the eye...and who the f..k is Jay Alford anyway?" (who got one of the 5 sacks on Brady in 2008 SB)

 

Quote from: AZGiantFan on May 03, 2024, 11:21:09 AMAnd both times the Giants beat Brady-led teams in the SB they did it by breaking down his OL.

Exactly, and Bradys Bucs returned the favor on Mahomes in the Super Bowl a few years ago, when their D line broke down the Chiefs O line.

Quote from: MightyGiants on May 03, 2024, 11:24:44 AMI agree, although some will point to the Bengals SB run as proof you don't need a line.  I would counter by saying they haven't sniffed the SB since, and their QB is frequently injured.

And to add to what you're saying Mighty, the Bengals didn't win the Super Bowl either.

The second you use the word "great" the answer is quarterback.  I could see a real argument around good/very good WR vs. good/very good QB- but the great QBs are definitely much more important to their teams than great WRs.