The NFL Super Soldier: Creating the Ultimate Field General

The National Football League is no doubt a team sport, and no one man can win the Lombardi Trophy on their own.  That said, some players simply carry more weight than others.  To that point, the Quarterback is the player that touches the ball most frequently during the course of a game, and season.  Whether they are dropping back in the pocket to pass, or handing the ball off, the ball must go through their hands.

Even though football is considered a team sport, the Quarterback is the center piece.  This is why year after year teams who are in dire need of one desperately try to secure the best available, whether it's by a trade, free agency or the draft.  The Quarterback makes the offense go, it's plain and simple, and except for extremely rare occasions, a team must employee a top-tier Quarterback to be championship caliber material.

Let's be honest, the following slide-show has been done before by writers on this site, but I am going to try and tackle the obstacle as well in my own unique manner...I'm going to try and build the perfect Quarterback. 

The next 15 slides are going to showcase the most important traits that I think the perfect Quarterback must encompass.  The qualities are going to range anywhere from Leadership to Discipline to Size.

By the end of the slide-show (hopefully), I will have built the Ultimate Quarterback, or at least laid out the blueprint.  There will be some guidelines applied though, and they are the following:

 - The Quarterback must have been in the NFL last year.

 - The Quarterback must have started at least one game.

 - The Quarterback can be a current Free Agent, but must have started on an NFL team last year.

Each slide will list the characteristic as well as a brief summary of why I chose the particular Quarterback that best fits the characteristic.  In addition there will be two alternate choices that just missed the mark, but could fit the bill.

In the end it's all in fun...hope you enjoy

1. Character/Personality: Drew Brees

Merriam-Webster defines Character as the following: one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual—moral excellence and firmness.

Drew Brees defines this word, and he has a wonderful personality to boot.  His unselfishness and love for the city of New Orleans is well documented, as well as the love of his family.  How can anyone forget Drew holding his ear muffed son after he won Super Bowl XLIV? 

It can easily be argued that he and the Saints organization helped save New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  When the battered city needed a hero, Drew Brees stepped up, and then, won them a championship.

Runner Up - Matt Ryan

Second Runner Up - Peyton Manning

2. Intelligence/Savvy: Peyton Manning

Merriam-Webster defines Intelligence as the following: the ability to learn or understand or to deal with new or trying situations: the ability to apply knowledge to manipulate one's environment or to think abstractly as measured by objective criteria.

He's the smartest player in the game, if not the best player.  These aren't my words either, rather hey are those of his peers bestowing this honor upon Peyton Manning.  Rex Ryan said it himself, all he does is study game film.  Peyton  Manning will likely go down as the greatest player in the history of the NFL when his career comes to an end. 

His ability to learn, and then process is uncanny.  At the Quarterback position, it's not even a close race, Peyton is by far the most intelligent.

Runner Up - Tom Brady

Second Runner Up - Drew Brees

3. Leadership: Peyton Manning

Merriam-Webster defines Leadership as the following: the office or position of a leader: capacity to lead: the act or an instance of leading.

One doesn't really need to break this one down.  Since 1998 Peyton Manning has been the leader of the Colts.  Players have come and gone, and players have retired, but still Peyton keeps the Colts competitive year after year.  Not only competitive, but in the Super Bowl hunt.

It can easily be argued that if your were to pull out the pin of the Colts organization, which is Peyton Manning, they would crumble.  When his career finally does come to an end, how do you replace him? 

Runner Up - Tom Brady

Second Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

4. Discipline: Tom Brady

Merriam-Webster defines Discipline as the following: training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character: self-control.

Tom Brady gives his team the same performance year in and year out.  He's excellent at what he does and exceptionally consistent.  Rarely will you ever see him have a mediocre or below average year.  His statistics and performance remain excellent annually, and that takes discipline and talent.

Peyton Manning maybe the most intelligent player in the game, and master film studier.  But Brady's discipline makes him just as great as Peyton.

Runner Up - Peyton Manning

Second Runner Up - Drew Brees

5. Confidence: Jay Cutler

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears under center while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Merriam-Webster defines Confidence as the following: a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances.

Jay Cutler, though somewhat controversial has an abundance of confidence in his arm and game.  This was made apparent in the 2009-2010 season when he threw for 27 TD's and 26 INT's.  He may have had a little to much confidence that year.

Runner Up - Tom Brady

Second Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

6. Heart/Determination: Aaron Rodgers

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 31-25. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

Merriam-Webster defines Determination as the following: the act of deciding definitely and firmly; also : the result of such an act of decision : firm or fixed intention to achieve a desired end.

Heart and determination is sitting behind a legend, and future Hall of Famer for three years waiting for your time to shine.  Heart and determination is accepting the reigns to a franchise under the pressure of stepping into, and then filling the shoes of the previous mentioned future Hall of Famer.  Heart and determination is not only succeeding and proving every one of your doubters wrong, but to also put up ridiculous stats while winning a Super Bowl in only three years.

Runner Up - Mark Sanchez

Second Runner Up - Michael Vick

7. Field Vision: Tom Brady

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots signals during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Image

Merriam-Webster defines Vision as the following: the act or power of seeing.

Tom Brady 2010-2011 Stats: 65.9 Completion %, 36 TD's, 4 INT's, 111.0 QB Rating—need I say more? 

If so, simply he can pick teams apart.

Runner Up - Peyton Manning

Second Runner Up - Drew Brees

8. Desire: Philip Rivers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers reaches the ball to the sideline down marker as he scrambles for a first down against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. T

Merriam-Webster defines Desire as the following: to long or hope for: exhibit or feel desire for.

It's hard to question any athletes desire.  The fact of the matter is that any athlete who doesn't want success, or doesn't care about success isn't around for very long.  Philip Rivers wears his emotions on his sleeve though.  If you watch any of his games you always know if he's happy, upset, mad or excited. 

It's easy to place Rivers ahead of everyone else because you know he has the desire, you can always see it when he plays.

Runner Up - Peyton Manning

Second Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

9. Toughness: Ben Roethlisberger

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens 13-10 at M&T Bank Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Merriam-Webster defines Toughness as the following: capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor.

He's never going to be the poster boy for the NFL, but he is one of the toughest guys that plays in it.  Year after year he is battered by defenders, but he keeps getting up.  If he didn't earn this honor for playing the Baltimore Ravens with a broken nose that they gave him, while on a broken ankle, then no one deserves it.

Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

Second Runner Up - Philip Rivers

10. Throwing Accuracy: Drew Brees

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 12: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw the ball during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Louisiana Superdome on December 12, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

Merriam-Webster defines Accuracy as the following: freedom from mistake or error: the quality or state of being accurate : the ability to work or perform without making mistakes.

Drew may have had an off year by his standards this past season, but a lot of that can be blamed on a lack luster running game.  Drew is the most pinpoint accurate thrower in the game. 

The spaces he is able to squeeze or get the ball into sometimes are just insane.

Runner Up - Tom Brady

Second Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

11. Arm Strength: Jay Cutler

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears throws the ball during pregame before the Bears take on the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Pho

Merriam-Webster defines Strength as the following: the quality or state of being physically strong.

I touched on this in a previous slide.  Jay Cutler has a cannon, but sometimes his confidence gets in his arm's way, which can cause disaster.  There is no denying it though, Cutler's arm is a laser. 

Runner Up - Philip Rivers

Second Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

12. Size: Ben Roethlisberger

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gestures before the snap during the first quarter of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Merriam-Webster defines Size as the following: the total amount of physical space that a person or thing occupies : how large or small someone or something is.

"Big Ben" says it all doesn't it?  The guy is  6 ft 5 in's, or (1.96 m) and 241 lb's, or (109 kg).  He's a beast, a Linebacker playing the Quarterback position.  It's almost unfair for rushing defenders.

Runner Up - Josh Freeman

Second Runner Up - Joe Flaaco

13. Physical Strength: Ben Roethlisberger

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws an 8 yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie S

Merriam-Webster defines Strength as the following: the quality or state of being physically strong.

There's a reason why Ben is so praised for being the best at extending a broken play.  He's as strong as an ox, and can fight defenders off with one arm while looking down field and throwing with the other.  It's pretty impressive when you can fight of guys like Terrell Suggs consistently.

Runner Up - Josh Freeman

Second Runner Up - Donovan McNabb

14. Speed: Michael Vick

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Merriam-Webster defines Speed as the following: the rate at which someone or something moves or travels.

Was there ever any question who's wheels are the best?  Michael Vick is absolutely explosive when he uses his feet.  Like Roethlisberger's size, Vick's speed is almost unfair to defenders attacking him.

Runner Up - Vince Young

Second Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

Mr. Clutch: Ben Roethlisberger

Al Bello/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs for a second quarter touchdown against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by A

Merriam-Webster defines Clutch as the following: happening during a very important or critical time especially in a sports competition.

This pick will most likely be the most scrutinized.  However, besides the fail that he had in this past Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers, Ben has been nothing but clutch throughout his career.  He has most definitely had some bad games on the big stage, but that's what makes him the most clutch. 

Even if he has a bad game he is able to will his team to win in the end.  That is the definition of clutch, as listed above.  Roethlisberger has the most comeback wins at 19, and game-winning drives at 25 through the first seven seasons of a NFL player's career.  If he plays another seven years and continues to put up those same stats, those records could become unbreakable.

Runner Up - Matt Ryan

Second Runner Up - Aaron Rodgers

The Final Product

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 10: The NFL Shield logo is shown on the field before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 10, 2006 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Falcons defeated the Bucs 17-6. (Photo by Doug Pensin

We can break the final specimen down into three categories with five attributes each.  The Ultimate Quarterback would be built in this fashion, possessing all of these particular players abilities matched with one of the fifteen traits.

Mental

- Personality - Drew Brees

- Intelligence - Peyton Manning

- Confidence - Jay Cutler

- Leadership - Peyton Manning

- Discipline - Tom Brady

Physical 

- Toughness - Ben Roethlisberger

- Arm Strength - Jay Cutler

- Size - Ben Roethlisberger

- Physical Strength - Ben Roethlisberger

- Speed - Michael Vick

Football Prowess

- Determination - Aaron Rodgers

- Desire - Phillip Rivers

- Accuracy - Drew Brees

- Field Vision - Tom Brady

- Clutch - Ben Roethlisberger

Bonus: The Current Ultimate Quarterback

The Ultimate Current Quarterback Hybrid

If we add up the top vote getters in each category we get a three man Hybrid of who the Ultimate Quarterback would be comprised of today.

Mental

- Personality - Drew Brees

- Intelligence - Peyton Manning

- Confidence - Jay Cutler

- Leadership - Peyton Manning

- Discipline - Tom Brady

Peyton Manning gets the nod in this category with two votes while Drew Brees, Jay Cutler, and Tom Brady all only received one.

Physical 

- Toughness - Ben Roethlisberger

- Arm Strength - Jay Cutler

- Size - Ben Roethlisberger

- Physical Strength - Ben Roethlisberger

- Speed - Michael Vick

Ben Roethlisberger wins the Physical category with three votes, while Jay Cutler and Michael Vick only scored one a piece.

Football Prowess

- Determination - Aaron Rodgers

- Desire - Phillip Rivers

- Accuracy - Drew Brees

- Field Vision - Tom Brady

- Clutch - Ben Roethlisberger

The last category ended up being a five way tie with all of the players receiving a vote under each attribute.  Since it was a tie, by default Aaron Rodgers wins this category because he was selected as a runner or second runner up the most times.