IIt’s no secret that the NFL is a cyclical league, what is working often changes every decade or so, however the sport is currently undergoing a dramatic change in how quarterbacks are viewed.
As noted in Sports Illustrated Michael Rosenberg‘s think article on the topic, the 2022 season is the first since 2001 where none of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees or Aaron Rodgers will have a realistic chance at winning the Super Bowl.
The era of the non-franchise quarterback is here
While there are exceptions in the league, most notably Patrick Mahomesthere isn’t the necessity for a franchise QB any longer.
Teams used to strive to draft the next Tom Brady or pay exorbitant salaries to free agents in the position.
However, in 2022 teams are now achieving success with a more team-centric approach.
The Philadelphia Eagles have a record of 12-1 in 2022, but Jalen Hurts isn’t necessarily a leading quarterback.
In San Francisco, the 49ers are onto their third quarterback of the season and still have a division-winning 10-4 record.
What is becoming clear is that if a team gets enough talent in other positions, as a team they can overcome not having a generational QB.
Defenses are more important than ever
In the case of 49ersthey have a spectacular defense. Nick Bosa is a dominant pass rusher, and he is ably supported by Fred Warner.
With no set quarterback to rely upon, the defense has had to win the team games, even though the running game has worked spectacularly.
It is far less expensive to build a roster without an elite QB, and if teams are starting to achieve success by doing so, everyone will look to copy them.
That is what happens in the NFL, teams look to copy what is hot, and if this involves saving money then owners will be all over it.
Quarterbacks who are functional are cheap. This allows more money to spend on defensive game-wreckers.
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