rgr22j

I agree with you in general, Konichiwaneko, but I have a slightly different take. Do you think Black QBs run because they have so much raw talent, or does the media focus on black QBs that run? In other words, perhaps we think black QBs can run because comparatively less attention is paid to classic pocket passers that are black.

I ask because I don't think that black QBs can necessarily run better or throw worse than white QBs, but that the media plays up black QBs that do run in a way to somehow make them distinct, different. In their early careers Young and Rich Gannon were considered "running quarterbacks" as well. Elway was, by yesteryear's standard, a good running quarterback. By today's standards he's a snail! In contrast, Warren Moon, in his long (Hall of Fame-bound) career, was more of a classic pocket quarterback. Steve McNair has significantly better mechanics than Donovan McNabb, but less attention. Vick, well, is Vick. QB or not were he not injured he'd be battling Dante Hall for highlight reels on SportsCenter.

Or, how about this? Consider the career of journeyman quarterback Jeff Blake in comparison to McNabb. Better QB rating, about the same completion percentage, higher yards per attempt, but lower touchdown-interception ratio. And, of course, since Blake isn't a running quarterback, less rushing touchdowns on average. In part, Blake has had an awful supporting cast, but he's actually a fairly solid backup quarterback. And there lies my case -- Blake, a non-running quarterback with similar numbers to McNabb, is considered a journeyman backup. McNabb, with a dash of running and a significantly better supporting cast, is hailed as one of the best in the NFL. So, I ask, if we hypothetically insert Jeff Blake into Donovan McNabb's place, would he be the one deep in the playoffs? Or does that little touch of running bring that much to the Eagles' offense? And if not, then is he not a bit overrated?

Mostly I fear that the media, by overexaggerating the advantage that a mobile quarterback brings, are forcing black quarterbacks to conform to their own little vision, so much that we think the only good black quarterbacks are the ones who can run. And that would be terribly racist. As an example, allow me to point you to Randall Cunningham's incredible season with the Vikings -- who knew he could throw? (Ignore the following season, of course) And what potential black Joe Montanas or John Elways have been passed by because we are looking for black running quarterbacks rather than just quarterbacks? Were we looking for a running quarterback and got a Kordell Stewart when a black Peyton Manning was right in front of our faces?

A lot of questions, no satisfying answers. But at least, to me, despite being a world-class moron, Rush is right in this instance. As they say, even stopped clocks are right twice a day.

-- Alvin