Nature vs. Nurture (QB version) (1 Viewer)

[toppshelff]

Age old debate of Nature vs. Nurture, but when it comes to a QB coming into the NFL, how much do each play a role?

If you look at David Carr, maybe also Jay Cutler, you see some great natural talent, but it has been quickly beaten out of them through constant hits and sacks. Perhaps combined with some lack of internal fortitude, these problems have become amplified.

Others like Aaron Rodgers have had a good nurturing environment, and a solid team to develop with.

As I think about it, I come up with 4 factors to determine a new NFL QB's long term success:

1) Nature - Natural talent

2) Nature - Intangibles (leadership, thinking on feet, ability to learn/coachability)

3) Nurture - Good coaching and development

4) Nurture - Confidence inspiring situation (decent team, good protection, WRs that can make plays)

I don't have a theory as to what portion of success each of these represent, and perhaps I'm missing some. Just thought it might be interesting conversation.

 

[Crippler]

This is why I am high on Colin Kaepernick for the future

1. I think he has some really nice talents with a good arm, mobility and size.

2. He seems to adapt well to coaching and is coming along but this area is the biggest concern

3. Great coaching in Jim Harbaugh who seems to be a QB guru

4. Love his weapons really. The OL is struggling now and why I like the nurturing but they have some talent on it and some talent with Crabtree, Davis and Gore to help also. Just need all of them clicking but when they do, the talent is there for success

 

[Resident A]

The mentally strong ones can survive being thrown to the wolves. They get the crap beat out of them for a year or 2 & come out stronger. The weaker ones go the way of David Carr & Tim Couch. Guys like Aikman & Manning had the mental makeup to persevere through a rough first season.

This year, it looks like Newton has what it takes mentally. Gabbert is playing for a bad team, he's gonna have more downs than ups, it remains to be seen how he'll come out.

 

[SacramentoBob]

I feel like an organization's ability to develop a QB is vastly overlooked when we talk about successes v failures. What would we be saying about Aaron Rodgers right now if he had gone #1 overall to the 49ers instead of Alex Smith?