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How much does your quarterback help your team? What kind of role is he playing?

It is widely known that the quarterback position is the most important position in the sport of football. The player filling that spot almost always determines the outcome of a game.

There are thousands of debates regarding quarterback production. Two key factors consistently brought up are versatility and statistical success. But is something overlooked?

I gathered information concerning the production of a quarterback based upon total offensive production. In essence: How much of a team’s offensive output come by way of the quarterback?

Listed below are the vast majority of 2009’s returning starting quarterbacks in the Football Bowl Subdivision, according to conference. The players who were clear starters make up the top portion of each section, while the lower tier (denoted by *) represent players who saw limited time, because of injury or benching.

To be fair, some teams had a more experienced offensive line, more talented running backs, a better coaching staff, or a combination of the three.

These features provided said team with greater opportunities for better success on the ground. The teams which had great rushing numbers took away from the quarterback position—unless that quarterback is a dual-threat.

The idea that a team with a good run game from the running back position provides thought that the quarterback had an easier job; he does not have to carry a large load, so obviously his percentage will be lower.

Others may argue that having a solid run game will open up the pass, which makes some sense. But if a team possesses a good rushing attack, then those yards gained by (a) running back(s) are perpetually lost for the quarterback, hence the inevitable drop in his percentage.

I digress.

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