First time in NFL history three "rookie" QBs are starting in postseason

[Auggie]

Griffin III, Luck, and Wilson. Add in Kaepernick, Dalton and Ponder, and you have six QBs who are in their first or second year. Kaepernick has the fewest starts of all.

"The guys aren't rookies, not if you watch them," former 49ers quarterback and current ESPN analyst Steve Young said. "They're leaders, they make all the throws and they don't make the mistakes you usually associated with rookies. It's hard to believe what we're seeing."

Link to the San Francisco Chronicle story: http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Proving-you-can-win-for-losing-4166248.php

[TZ]

1. My favorite story this week

is how after the Skins-Cowboys game RG3 went over to Romo to give him words of encouragement! LOLOL. None of these guys act at all like rookies. I think its their poise under pressure thats amazing.

[Auggie]

5. You nailed it -- but why?

The college programs must be coaching them better to deal with the pressure and/or leadership role. And as Steve Young points out, they're not not making the mistakes you'd expect either. That's taught as well.

[JonLP24]

6. Luck obviously had great coaching

Plus he was top 5 QB recruit out of high school so he always had a high level of talent.

I remember RGIII, after the season before he won the Heisman, used Todd McShay's statement that he would only go as high as the second round ... as a receiver as motivation to elevate his game and prove the critics wrong. In his case, certainly determination and motivation.

I don't really know what it is about Wilson to have a strong season for his rookie campaign. Probably good coaching like you say.

[TZ]

8. Could be personality

They all just happen to be calm unflappable people. RG3 is from a military family, that gave him the discipline too, I should think. But yeah good coaching helps I should think

[JonLP24]

10. I agree with that

Personality is probably the biggest factor. There have been QBs from big programs, high pressure games, and great coaching and still made rookie mistakes and fold under pressure.

[getting old in mke]

9. I think Wilson benefited a lot from the from the Wisconsin year

Not so much in coaching and playing time, but having gone through the experience of coming in to a completely new program and within a few weeks taking ownership, establishing himself as "the man" and going out and backing it up.

Not an NFL experience, but an organizational trial run to a rookie year.

[JonLP24]

2. I have to disagree w/ this here

Last edited Fri Jan 4, 2013, 03:24 PM - Edit history (2)

In the AFC Championship Game, we think the clock strikes 12 for Manning's fairy-tale season. The Broncos have feasted on a terrible AFC West and a soft schedule, and he has been inviting teams to blitz so he can beat them to the punch with short passes. The Patriots get to Manning here, he makes a couple of mistakes and the Broncos fall short to a more-balanced opponent.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Proving-you-can-win-for-losing-4166248.php#ixzz2H20PySKE


The schedule isn't as strong as other AFC division winners but .457 isn't that weak. Plus, they have been extremely efficient in the process, winning big against the soft teams(rather than narrow victories). #1 or #2 in YPPA differential. That's what matters. Plus, the Patriots aren't balanced unless he means on offense. They are one of the best rushing teams which gives the Pats the best offense but they are #29 in defense (efficiency ratings at advancednflstats.com - where Denver is #1 overall indicating they're the most balanced team).

I do feel the Pats are extremely dangerous which is why I want Houston to advance so bad. I feel Houston is the only team from the 1st round strong enough to take NE and hopefully defeat NE then I can live w/ either winner of the Kubiak vs Denver AFC Championship game.

[KamaAina]

3. Houston is not a wild card team

They're the AFC South champions, but failed to secure a first-round bye.

Also, the Pats have improved on D late in the year. Besides, they own Peyton, if not Eli.

[JonLP24]

4. I meant teams in the Wild Card round of the playoffs

I include Baltimore in my statement about teams I don't feel are strong enough to take NE(though I acknowledge the possibility NE could lose to anyone due to bad bounce, bad decision, penalties, luck, etc).

[KamaAina]

7. There is one other possibility for NE to lose

As another coach said in another era, "They ate it once, and they can eat it again!"