This video starts with what I think the problem is now... the high cap cost. QBs are outdistancing the other positions in contracts. Teams are paying QBs like Alex Smith, Derek Carr and Joe Flacco more than the best at any position in the NFL.
So if you do bank on the wrong guy, it kills you more than it ever did just ten years ago, and it becomes very tempting to think you can gamble on a hidden gem, especially with all the parity. I would argue the parity still makes it that more important because it guarantees a decade of winning records and Super Bowl chances if you pick the right talent.
The Titans didn't choose to go cheap with Mariota, he did it to himself. They spent one of the highest draft picks available and waited years for him to develop. The Titans wanted him to succeed. Parting ways with him was a complete loss.
You may not need a franchise QB to win the Super Bowl, but it sure as hell helps. The last 15 years of Super Bowl champs - Brady, the Mannings (yes, both of them!), Brees, Wilson, Rogers, Roethlisberger. You have a Flacco and Foles sitting in there, but everyone else was treated long-term.
It's also not as easy to find a hidden gem like Bridgewater or Tannehill. And once you find that stable QB, assuming he's not a one year wonder, he's eventually coming to your front door and asking for his payday. You can't survive just trying to find a random QB every 2 years.
And the other thing I would think is easily forgotten in this age of Madden and instant gratification, is it took time for all those guys above to develop, some much quicker than others. If I was a head coach, I don't want my team limited because I'm still waiting on that development. Garrett knew Romo was a better QB in Dak's rookie year, he just chose to ride the hot hand and I really don't blame him.
So again... it goes back to the first question. Do I trust this guy? Do I trust him to take the $30-$40 million and become better? Dak has proven he has the personal and leadership qualities to succeed. He's made of good stuff. He's our QB, let's run with it. How many offensive coordinators and QB Coaches has he had already in his 4 short years. I keep thinking of TO's Twitter comment (yes, I hate to quote TO) about how many careers in their prime were wasted under these last ten years of coaching regime. Let's hope Big Mike brings it out of him and Zeke who are both now entering their prime.
