Quarterbacks need certain attributes to be good at their jobs. They also needs some abilities that will make them good leaders. This article will give examples of quarterbacks playing today who have those attributes, qualities and abilities.

Strong arm:
Even though a short pass (less than 10 yards) will often fill the bill, a good quarterback has to be able to throw the long ball as well. Long strikes against the safeties keep the offensive line from taking too much of a beating.

New England Patriots Tom Brady has averaged more than eight yards per attempt during the 2007 season. He has been successful at throwing the short passes to get a first down and throwing the bombs to take the pressure off of his front line.

Throwing ability & accuracy:
Being able to throw the ball is a requirement to becoming a quarterback, but throwing it accurately may be even more important. Completing the pass while avoiding interceptions is the combination necessary for a good quarterback.

Jacksonville Jaguars David Garrard finished the 2007 season with only 3 interceptions. Add that figure to the 64% completion percentage and you have both ability and accuracy.

Ability to read the defense:
When the coach has called in a play, the quarterback needs to be able to read the defense to see if the play will fail. He should be able to call an audible when he sees the rush coming against a screen.

Two quarterbacks are renowned for this talent: Indianapolis Colts Peyton Manning and veteran Green Bay Packers Brett Favre.

Good scrambler:
Quarterbacks are not called on to run very often. When the only choice the defense offers is a sack or a run, the quarterback has to be able to scramble. This entails getting yardage, avoiding injury and perfection of the slide.

Tennessee Titans Vince Young has mastered the scramble. In 2007, he scrambled in every game for a total of 93 rushes for 395 yards.

Cool under pressure:
In the seconds following the snap, the momentum is closing in on the quarterback. He must be able to think quickly and make a sound decision.

Vince Young and Brett Favre are the examples of this. Both have had tremendous pressure put on them and still managed to complete passes, showing their coolness under pressure.

Vision:
Height is the easiest way to see over the front line. Taller quarterbacks have an advantage here. This cannot be considered a needed attribute though. Doug Flutie of both NFL and CFL fame was only 5' 6" tall.

Leadership skills:
Without the ability to encourage teamwork, a quarterback is destined to fail. He must be able to lead his team to victory with good play calls, business approach to each game, consistent attempts to improve, people skills to talk to his team and a strong work ethic.

Peyton Manning embodies all dimensions of a good leader.

Quarterbacks are the captains of the team. All of these qualities are necessary to field a good quarterback.

Learn more about this author, Russell Dwyer.
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