NFL quarterbacks in the heydays of stars like Johnny Unitas and Roger Staubach had to decipher three defensive fronts and three coverages. Today, veterans like Troy Aikman and Steve Beuerlein, as well as quick learners like Peyton Manning and Ray Lucas, must read and adjust to 15 potential fronts and as many or more receiver coverages. All in a matter of seconds. No wonder the Golden Age of Quarterbacks is dead and gone. And because of the speed of players, the margin for error is cut in half.
Errors occur, and so do injuries.
Ferguson's image of a 300-pound linebacker hitting an unassuming quarterback explains the NFL's phobia concerning injuries to its stars. League rules now prohibit defenders from hitting passing quarterbacks above the neck or below the knees. That's how quarterbacks usually land - on their shoulders. And something's got to give. Darrell Royal, the former University of Texas coach whose teams relied much more on running than passing, says that is the key to keeping quarterbacks healthy.