Is it necessary to have an all-star quarterback in the NFL?
In the National Football League (NFL), most can agree that the quarterback position is the most important on the field. Today, we will analyze some of the league’s best quarterbacks over the past two years. These names include Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Russel Wilson( Seahawks), Josh Allen (Bills), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Tom Brady (Buccaneers),Desean Watson(Texans). In this data lab, we will determine how important a star quarterback is to a team’s overall performance and competitive success.
From this table, we see that teams with star quarterbacks are given huge advantages. These quarterbacks had an average of a 71.4% win percentage and every team — except the 2021 Houston Texans — were able to reach the postseason. Both teams that won the Super Bowl had two top quarterbacks (Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes). Although these quarterbacks may have had better teams around them, they still make a huge impact on the game. One example of this is the New England Patriots, who, with Tom Brady, went 12–4 in 2020, yet as soon as he left, their record declined to just 7–9.
From this table, we can see that most of the teams that won had a star-caliber starting quarterback. Clear stars won seven out of the ten Super Bowls, including Peyton Manning, Tom Brady (4 times), Patrick Mahomes, and Russell Wilson. Eli Manning and Joe Flacco also were above-average starters. However, we also see that it is still possible to win without a star as the 2017–2018 Philadelphia Eagles won with quarterback Nick Foles, even if less likely. The Eagles were able to put a great team together outside of the quarterback position giving them the chance to win.
Conclusion
Overall, having a star quarterback on your team puts your team in the running for the Super Bowl. However, the team with the best quarterback doesn’t necessarily mean the best team. The Houston Texans, with Desean Watson, a top-six quarterback, still finished 4–12. Ultimately, it’s the prowess of the supporting cast around a star quarterback that determines exactly how many Super Bowls are won. Without a star quarterback, a Super Bowl is possible but unlikely. Such Cinderella stories include Nick Foles (Won Super Bowl), Jared Goff (Lost Super Bowl), Jimmy Garropolo (Made Super Bowl). In conclusion, with all pro quarterbacks winning the last sixteen of eighteen Super Bowls, star quarterbacks prove to be an extremely helpful asset, but not necessary.
