What Does A Quarterback Do in Football?
Are you a football fan? Do you know what a quarterback does? Most people think quarterbacks just throw the ball, but they actually do a lot more than that.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what a quarterback does in football and how they play such an important role on the team.
We’ll also discuss some of the most famous quarterbacks in NFL history and what makes them so successful.
So if you’re ready to learn what does a quarterback do, and discover who had the best quarterback rating in the 2021 season, keep reading!
What Is the Role of the Quarterback Position in Football?
The quarterback is the leader of the offense and is responsible for making sure that the team scores points. Quarterbacks are also responsible for making sure that the ball gets to the right receiver.
They have to be able to make quick decisions and know when to pass the ball and when to run with it.
As leaders, quarterbacks also have to be able to motivate their teammates and keep them focused on the game.
They also tend to call the plays for the offense, which means they have to be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure.
The quarterback is often considered the most important player on the team, which is why they are typically paid the most money.
They very often end up being the face of the franchise and are expected to give interviews and make public appearances.
What Is the Role of the Backup Quarterback Position?
The backup quarterback is the second-string quarterback and is typically only called upon to play if the starter is injured or playing poorly.
Backup quarterbacks don’t usually get a lot of playing time, but they still have an important role on the team.
They have to be able to come in and play well if they are called upon, which can be difficult since they don’t usually get much practice time with the starting offense.
Backup quarterbacks also have to be good leaders and motivators, as they may have to step in and lead the team if the starter is struggling.
Even though they are a backup, they still have to be prepared to be a starter at any moment. For instance, they must be familiar with all the plays in the playbook and be able to execute them flawlessly.
Similar to the starting quarterback, they are expected to have a thorough understanding of the opposition’s defense and any weaknesses they may have.
What Is the Job of the Quarterback?
The quarterback is responsible for making sure that the other offensive players are in the right position and he also calls the plays. The quarterback may also run with the ball or throw it to another player.

The quarterback is usually the most important player on the team because he has control of the ball in every play. He is the one who decides what the team will do on offense. The quarterback is also responsible for leading the team and helping them score points.
Quarterbacks need to be able to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. They also need to be able to read the defense and know where the open receivers are.
They need to be able to throw the ball accurately and have strong-arm strength.
Quarterbacks also need to be good runners because they may have to run with the ball if the play breaks down.
Some of the greatest quarterbacks of all time are Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Joe Montana (more of that below!)
Why Is It Called Quarterback?
The term “quarterback” is derived from the game of rugby. In rugby, the quarterback or “out half” is the player who begins each play from behind the center or scrum, which is equivalent to the line of scrimmage in American football.
The term eventually made its way over to American football, where it has been in use since the early 1900s.
While the role of the quarterback has changed significantly over time, the name has remained largely unchanged. Today, quarterbacks are responsible for making many of the key decisions on offense, including calling plays, making audibles at the line of scrimmage, and throwing passes.
In many ways, they are the leaders of their respective teams and play a crucial role in determining the outcome of each game.
Other Names for Quarterback
Some other names for the quarterback position are signal-caller, field general, and play-caller.
The quarterback is often referred to as the “most important player on the field” or the “most valuable player.”
In some cases, the quarterback is also known as the “franchise player.” This is a term that is often used in the NFL, which means that the quarterback is the face of the franchise and is expected to give interviews and make public appearances.
What Makes a Good Quarterback?
A good quarterback must have several important qualities. The better quarterbacks tend to excel in many of these areas. The most important ones are:

Body Type – Average Height & Weight
A good quarterback must have an athletic body type. They must be tall enough to see over the offensive and defensive linemen, but not too tall that they can’t deliver a low pass under pressure.
They also must be heavy enough to withstand being hit by large defenders, but not so heavy that they can’t move around in the pocket or escape outside it.
Skills
The quarterback must have strong passing skills. They must be able to make all the throws required in the NFL, including the deep ball. They must also have good accuracy, touch, and timing.
They must also have good footwork and mobility, as they will often need to buy time for their receivers by moving around in the pocket or running with the ball.
Game Play Intelligence
The quarterback must be able to understand and execute the game plan. They must be able to make pre-snap reads, identify blitzes, and change the play at the line of scrimmage if necessary.
They must also be aware of what is happening on the field at all times, as they will often need to make quick decisions with the ball. This is why many quarterbacks are also good students off the field. Their gameplay intelligence is just as important as their physical skills.
Accuracy With the Football
A quarterback must have the ability to make all the throws required in the NFL. This includes short, intermediate, and deep passes. They must also have good accuracy, touch, and timing.
A few inches can make the difference between a completion and an incompletion, so the quarterback must be precise with their passes.
Leadership
The quarterback is the leader of the offense. They must be able to motivate and inspire their teammates. They must also be able to handle adversity, as they will often be the one who gets blamed for a loss.
This is why many quarterbacks are also good communicators. They must be able to clearly convey the game plan to their teammates and make adjustments on the fly.
More recently, with the growth in commercialization of the sport, the quarterback must also be able to handle the pressure of being the face of the franchise. This includes dealing with the media and endorsements.
Footworks
The first and most important thing a quarterback must do is master the footwork of their dropbacks and plays. Without proper footwork, a quarterback will not be able to properly deliver the ball to their receivers, or move around in the pocket to avoid pressure.
A good quarterback will have quick feet and be able to move around in the pocket while still maintaining their balance. They will also be able to properly execute dropbacks, which is key to being successful in the passing game.
Decision Making
A quarterback must be able to make quick decisions while under pressure. They need to know when to throw the ball away, when to take a sack, and when to scramble.

A quarterback must also be able to read defenses and make pre-snap adjustments. This is key to being successful at the quarterback position.
When under pressure, a quarterback must be able to make quick decisions and get the ball out of their hand quickly. It is often good quick decision-making that separates the good quarterbacks from the great quarterbacks.
Good decisions can and will decide the outcome of a football game.
What Is A Quarterback Passing Rating?
A quarterback passing rating is a number that measures how effective a quarterback is as a passer. There are many factors that go into a quarterback’s passing rating, such as completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdown to interception ratio, and QB rating.
A quarterback’s passing rating can be affected by many factors, including the quality of their offensive line, the skill of their receivers, and the play call from the offensive coordinator.
A quarterback with a high passing rating is considered to be an effective passer, while a quarterback with a low passing rating is considered to be ineffective.
Furthermore, a quarterback’s passing rating can be a good indicator of how well they will play in the future.
It is something opposition defenses look at when game-planning against an opponent, and it is something that fans and analysts use to judge a quarterback’s performance.
Who Had the Best Quarterback Pass Rating in 2021?
In 2021, the quarterback with the best passing rating was Aaron Rogers of the Green Bay Packers. Rogers had a passing rating of 119.1
The second-best quarterback was Tom Brady of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had a passing rating of 102.1
Aaron Rogers was the best quarterback in 2021 because he had the highest passing rating. He was also the MVP of the NFL.
Tom Brady was the second-best quarterback in 2021 because he had the second-highest passing rating. Brady is a 7-time Super Bowl champion and is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, if not the greatest.
Famous Quarterback in Football
Now that we know a little bit about the role of quarterbacks, let’s take a look at some of the most famous quarterbacks in NFL history.

Famous Quarterbacks in NFL History
Tom Brady
Tom Brady is often considered the greatest quarterback of all time. He has played in ten Super Bowls, winning seven of them. Brady is a five-time Super Bowl MVP and three-time NFL MVP. He currently plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He famously led the New England Patriots to 9 Super Bowl appearances, winning 6 of them, their first in 2002 and their last in 2019.
He then led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021 at the age of 43 to their first Super Bowl appearance since 2003 and won, making him the most successful player in NFL history.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is a quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. He is a two-time NFL MVP and a Super Bowl champion. Rodgers has led the Packers to ten NFC Championship Games and six NFC North titles.
A hugely successful quarterback, he was drafted by the Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He replaced legendary Packers quarterback Brett Favre in 2008 and has been the Packers’ starting quarterback since then.
In 2011, he was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP after leading the Packers to a win in Super Bowl XL
Joe Montana
Joe Montana is a retired American football player who was a quarterback for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame, where he was a member of the national championship team in 1977.
Montana started his professional career with the San Francisco 49ers in 1979, and after winning four Super Bowls and two Super Bowl MVPs, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1993.
In his final two seasons, Montana rejoined the 49ers and won his last two Super Bowls. He was then elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning is a former quarterback who played for the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. He is a five-time NFL MVP and a two-time Super Bowl champion.
Manning holds the record for most passing yards in a season (5,477) and most passing touchdowns in a season (55). He also holds the single-season record for quarterback rating (121.1).
Manning announced his retirement from football in March of 2016.
Drew Brees
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Drew Brees is one of the most accurate passers in NFL history. Throughout his career, he has completed 68 percent of his passes, which is the third-highest completion percentage in NFL history.
In addition to his accuracy, Brees is also known for his arm strength and ability to make throws into tight windows. He has led the NFL in passing yards six times and is the only quarterback to ever throw for over 5,000 yards in a season five times.
Brees has also been selected to 11 Pro Bowls and was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year twice. He is currently ranked as the fifth all-time leading passer in NFL history and won the Super Bowl with the Saints in 2010.
Why Quarterback Is Important
The quarterback is the most important position on the field in American football. The quarterback is responsible for leading the offense and making sure that the team scores points. Without a good quarterback, it is very difficult for a team to win.

He is responsible for calling the plays, making sure that his team is properly aligned, and directing them on the field.
Quarterbacks have a unique ability to see the entire field and make split-second decisions. They need to be able to think fast and make quick decisions to take advantage of the defense.
Quarterbacks need to be extremely accurate when they throw the ball. In most cases, they only have a split second to make a throw, so the ball needs to be placed perfectly.
Without a strong quarterback, it is very difficult for a team to be successful. That is why so much emphasis is placed on finding and developing good quarterbacks.
Quarterbacks truly are the leaders of their teams, and they play an essential role in determining whether or not a team is successful.
When a team has a great quarterback, they have a much better chance of winning games and championships. That is why quarterbacks are often the most celebrated players in the NFL.
What Are the Duties of a Quarterback?
The duties of a quarterback are to lead the offense, make sure that the team scores points, and call the plays. They also need to be accurate when they throw the ball and make quick decisions.
Is the Quarterback Hard?
Yes, the quarterback is the most important position on the field and requires a lot of skill and intelligence. They need to be able to think fast and make quick decisions while being accurate when they throw the ball.
What Does Being a Quarterback Mean?
Being a quarterback means that you are the leader of the offense and responsible for making sure that the team scores points. You will need to have good communication skills and be able to think quickly under pressure. As the quarterback, you will also be responsible for making sure that the ball is snapped correctly and that the play is run according to the coach’s plan.
Conclusion
A quarterback is the most important position on a football team. They are responsible for leading the team to victory and must be able to make quick decisions under pressure.
They must have a combination of physical skills, intelligence, and leadership qualities to be successful. If you are looking to become a quarterback, remember that it is a demanding position that requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
But, if you have what it takes, it can be an extremely rewarding experience.
Do you have the skills to be a quarterback? Who is your favorite quarterback?
Related Article: Are you looking for other football positions? Read to know what a running back does. Learn more about the roles, characteristics, and some of the most well-known running backs in the NFL.