The quarterback is the most important position in football. That’s why four playcallers — all of whom host a playoff game this weekend — were the only players to receive MVP votes, even though Titans running back Chris Johnson ran away with the Offensive Player of the Year award. Running backs are just not as valuable as quarterbacks.
Well, the importance of having a dominant, experienced guy under center will be put to the test in the AFC Divisional Round this weekend.
The Colts’ Peyton Manning has four MVPs — most in NFL history — and the Chargers’ Philip Rivers is in the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Both San Diego and Indianapolis rely heavily on their passing game due to their inept rushing attacks — the two worst in the NFL.
The Colts’ and Chargers’ playoff opponents this weekend couldn’t have a more contrasting offensive approach. The Jets have a rookie quarterback (Mark Sanchez) who threw eight more interceptions than touchdowns this season and the Ravens have a second-year playcaller (Joe Flacco) who attempted 10 passes in their win over the Patriots last week.
Both the Jets and Ravens rely on their running game — ranked first and fifth respectively — and a tough defense to win games.
So which philosophy will prevail?
“I think we have the best defense. I know we do,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said before the opening round of the playoffs. “I know we have the best rushing attack. Those are two huge factors in our favor.”
Ryan has claimed from the beginning of the playoffs that New York’s ability to run the football and play defense makes it the favorite to win the Super Bowl — going as far as to present a calendar to his team with a Super Bowl victory parade in the schedule.
Championships have been won with Brad Johnson, Trent Dilfer and Jeff Hostetler under center. Will Sanchez or Flacco be the next undistinguished quarterback to hoist the Lombardi Trophy?
