So you want to be an NFL quarter-back someday? Can you say, “Ouch!”?
Major QBs have been catching some sideline rest this year. Big hits and just the general rough play of the game are taking even more than the usual toll on key players.
Already sidelined have been San Francisco’s Steve Young, Miami’s Dan Marino, New England’s Drew Bledsoe and Dallas’ Troy Aikman. Many other quarterbacks have also taken time off due to injuries.
So what’s the deal?
Quarterbacks are the target of defensive linemen trying to cut them down before they throw a pass. Because the passers are focussing on defensive pass coverage and finding open receivers, they often don’t see mon-ster pass rushers barreling in on them. That spells t-r-o-u-b-l-e.
One of those injuries could influence the whole NFL standings. Niner Steve Young is supposed to miss the big showdown with Dallas Nov. 12. The winner of the last two 49ers-Cowboys games has gained home-field advantage for the NFC championship game and gone on to win the Super Bowl. That’s got to be hanging over Steve as he lets doctors know just how fit he’s feeling.
NFL teams are trying to find ways to solve what is becoming an annual problem. Teams recognize just how important that position is and how likely it is that a quarterback will be hurt. That’s why teams continue to stock up on QBs — just in case their No. 1 guy gets hurt.
That explains why guys like Vinny Testaverde, Bernie Kosar and Steve Walsh, who have been the top QBs in the past, are so important to teams.
