I feel like they are only 2 no doubt elite QB’s currently (Burrow and Mahomes) and maybe Allen (depending on the day). Then there are lots of young QBs with promise, but nothing that would show consistent excellence yet. The largest group is the pretty good QB-they differ very little among themselves and go as the rest of the squad goes-they look great on a great team and terrible on a terrible team and mediocre on a mediocre team (when you look over the entire season performance). Only a couple truly dreadful QB’s and they are typically backups or out of the league very quickly.
Signature performances are typically wins that occur in the postseason-though there can be a foreshadowing regular season win that is backed up in the playoffs (of course the QB has to perform great in those wins).
I’m starting to feel that if a team does not have an elite QB, the team should give the QB a maximum of six years (utilizing franchise tags), for the QB to take the team to at least a CCG. Otherwise, the team should move on to another QB no matter what the stats say (unless the team ranks bottom 5 in points given up every single season). Line of scrimmage dominance can make QB’s from the largest group above appear competent and oooh ahhhh. For the largest group of QBs, I feel like the offensive and defensive lines are the most important position(s) for this largest group of QBs. Then receivers/tight ends. Than the QB. Then linebackers and secondary. Then running back.
I believe that most professional QB’s that have a terrible season can usually point to a poor offensive line and/or weapons. Lots of JAGs and a few diamonds.
having an elite QB is the fastest way to a superbowl. thus Mahomes and Burrows. but as you said, its 2 out of 32 starters. so having a good QB, surrounded with a good team can get you there (but not necessarily win it agains the Elite, but you have to get to the dance first). Eagles did it with Hurts, SF did it with Purdy. they had strong defenses. strong running games. strong OL.
so you either get lucky with an Elite QB. but Mahomes is once in a generation. Burrows is elite, but not once in a generation. Allen is on the verge but has too many bone headed plays that make you scratch your head, and he hasn't had much playoff success (except the covid year when they won 3).
so you can either go shopping every few years for 15-20 years hoping to find Mahomes. or you build a good team and get there and have a chance (both Eagles and SF had a chance). the problem is our GM is not capable of building a winning team. I strongly believe if Mahomes was a cowboy, we probably make it to NFCCG, but not superbowl or win the superbowl (does anybody think Garrett could have won a superbowl?).
and to your point, I think the QB is a team strategy. do you go shopping to even find a good QB (not easily done as 80% of first roudn picks fail and about 50% of top 10 picks fail) or do you try to continue to build around what you have. tough choice.