Tom Brady a system QB?

In the college game there are certain situations that "a product of the system" can be a viable concern. The limited time that the players are coached and the level of competition can vary widely in the college game. Does the Hawaii team see the same success if they are playing in the SEC? Maybe, but it is not debatable that they are not seeing the level of competition as most SEC teams are paired against. Chris Leak played for the national champions last year and was an effective QB, but his transition to the NFL is not close to being a "success". Why? Is it the system? or was it the fact that he was not really the player that carried the team to the National Championship. Florida's defense and all around team speed was what carried that team. (In my opinion)

In the NFL I do not believe that a QB is purely "a product of the system", although certain systems do translate better for certain QB skills. Tom Brady is great and I don't think he has played in a consistent "system" throughout his entire career. This years incredible success has as much to do with the upgrade at receiver as anything. His ability to make great decisions quickly would make him effective in nearly all Pro style offenses. Throwing deep to a motivated Randy Moss is a "system" (LOL) that any NFL caliber QB could execute.

I think I just confused myself more than usual with this post. I apologize for the inability to make sense of any thought that I may have. I am not very sharp most of the time!

What is that supposed to mean?

How do you define "system player?" It all depends on what your definition of a great player or talented player IS. If your definition of a great talented player is someone who runs around like Steamin' Willie Beaman and does what he wants, then I guess you're going to define Tom Brady as a "product of the system." If you believe that part of having true talent is understanding the game and the system you play in, doing your homework, and making yourself better, then you are going to thik that Tom Brady has talent.

What was the question again?

Yes, he is a system QB, who makes the system better because he is fit for the system.

Another way to look at this, without getting caught up in the "who is he playing with" debate, is to consider the athlete physiologically.

The NFL QB will always benefit from an O-line like Brady has, a receiver corp like he has, etc.(the system) However, before you get to play at that level, Tom Brady needs to be physically able to compete at that level - to meet the standards a system like they run demands. That incorporates a whole ton of factors in talent and fitness.

The NFL is considering the general fitness of the athlete a lot more, in addition to the skills they bring. It is a synergistic relationship. The system benefits the physically fit(NFL physically fit, not presidential fitness) QB who has the tools, and the QB makes the system look good, because of his fitness and ability. It can be a chicken or the egg argument.

Chris Leak was not physically fit enough to play at the NFL level. Now, understand, it does not mean he couldn't run a mile faster than most, or do 40 pushups. NFL fitness is whole other ball game. It means his technique, arm strength, quickness, speed, agility, reads, response time, psychological makeup, etc. wasn't up to NFL standards. It just goes to show you that the separation between the leagues has as much to do with fitness, as skills.

A great system supports a physically fit QB(NFL level fitness), and vice versa. Hence, there is no separation. A physically fit QB in a subpar system will struggle. Both parts have to be amping at a high level.

Get the mix of fitness, personnel, and scheme right, the whole thing is a system that kicks...and takes names.

You can never separate the QB from the system, his contribution makes or breaks it. You can argue about how much he contributes to the system as a whole, but if you are going to evaluate a QB, you evaluate his "fitness" - the whole package. If they are successful, it could mean the QB is fit in areas, but everyone is getting better - that is why we play.

To try and say a QB is totally a success because of a system can be as accurate as saying, he is what makes the system. It is a circular argument.

If you want to evaluate the QB, break him down in "fitness." I think you will start to find the breakdowns in a lot of systems that way, and you will find the phenomenal contributions a Brady, or Manning is making in their systems because of their preparation.