Joe Theismann as a Quarterback

[CSKreager]

Joe Theismann has polarized a lot of people since his playing days ended as a TV commentator.

But as a quarterback, what did you make of #7? Forget all the TV stuff, media stuff, etc. For this topic, I just want to get your thoughts on Theismann just as a player- the guy who won an NFL MVP and a Super Bowl title, who took over following the Kilmer/Jurgensen 70s stuff.

Was he overrated, underrated, or was his career what you'd expect?

[bachslunch]

Theismann actually does pretty well in career adjusted listings such as those of Chase Stuart (51st) and Kiran Rasaretnam (29th, 34th, 30th in best 4, 7, 10) -- about HotVG level, not far off folks like Charlie Conerly and Ken Stabler. Not sure of people think he was that good a level of player, so I'd guess he's kind of underrated generally.

[BD Sullivan]

I'd say underrated, simply because it was the Dolphins who drafted him and yawned when he signed with the CFL instead, since they had a still-young Bob Griese in place. Due to that factor, they were thinking of shifting him to DB because of his (lack of) size. Supposedly, Theismann and the Dolphins had come to a verbal agreement, but when they sent him the contract, some changes were made.

Three years later, they traded him to Washington. One indication of how little George Allen valued draft choices was the fact that he sent Miami a first rounder in 1976 in exchange for the rights to Theismann. Miami ended up taking Larry Gordon with that pick.

[74_75_78_79_]

His toughness may be underrated as well. Last QB to play with a kicker's facemask (following Kilmer's example). Chipped a tooth and kept on playing. Threw blocks as well.

It's safe enough to say that in '82 & '83, his Pro Bowl/SB years, he was not only at the peak of his powers, but simply the best QB in the game, if only for those two years.

[JuggernautJ]

His toughness may be underrated as well.,,. Chipped a tooth and kept on playing.

I'm sorry.
I know the incident of which you speak and it was (slightly) more than a chipped tooth but...

...those sentences really cracked me up.

(still laughing)

[Rupert Patrick]

I think a Super Bowl win against the Raiders in SB XVIII against the Raiders may have made him a very marginal HOFer in that one might be able to make an argument for him in the Gale Sayers category due to the short but brilliant career and the injury. However, I think that one could also argue that by 1985 he was finished and when Lawrence Taylor's tackle accidentally snapped his leg, it did the Redskins a favor as he was 8-16 in TD-INT and Jay Schroeder was on the bench waiting to take over.

Compared to Plunkett, whom of course he finished runner-up to for the Heisman Trophy, it's a tossup who had the better career. Plunkett gets an edge on career length, but on peak value, I have to give the edge to Theismann. At his peak, in 1982 and 83, he was probably considered the top QB in pro football. Plunkett seemed to be streakier and prone to injuries. I would love to have seen how a full 15-year NFL career would have worked out for Theismann instead of spending the first half of it in the CFL and on George Allen's bench because he wasn't old enough to lead the Over The Hill Gang. With a full career, I suspect Joe Theismann would have a bust in Canton.

[Bryan]

I thought he was a pretty good QB who benefited from playing in Joe Gibbs' system. Not trying to diminish Theismann's accomplishments, but his 82-83 seasons were kind of unexpected. I loved the fact that he returned punts. Kilmer clearly outplayed Theismann from 1974-1977, so I don't think you can fault George Allen for having Theismann on the bench. His greatest play was probably batting the ball away from Kim Bokamper.

Its weird that the Dolphins drafted Theismann. Also kind of weird that Theismann lasted to round 4. He had started 2 years at QB for Notre Dame, and probably would have won the Heisman had the voting taken place after the bowl games, because ND defeated a Texas team that no one could beat for about 3 years. In the Americas Game film, Theismann bemoans the fact that he signed with the CFL because he envisioned himself leading the Dolphins to the 1972 undefeated season after Griese got hurt. I don't really buy that scenario because I would think that Shula would turn to Earl Morrall instead of an untested QB, but I guess maybe if Theismann had been on the team in 1971 then Shula doesn't feel the need to acquire Morrall in the offseason.

[BD Sullivan]

...kind of weird that Theismann lasted to round 4. He had started 2 years at QB for Notre Dame, and probably would have won the Heisman had the voting taken place after the bowl games, because ND defeated a Texas team that no one could beat for about 3 years.

As I noted, his size worked against him.

[Bryan]

...kind of weird that Theismann lasted to round 4. He had started 2 years at QB for Notre Dame, and probably would have won the Heisman had the voting taken place after the bowl games, because ND defeated a Texas team that no one could beat for about 3 years.

As I noted, his size worked against him.

I'm sure it did. But Pat Sullivan was taken in the 2nd round the following year. Surprised that guys like Leo Hart and Karl Douglas got picked before Theismann in 1971.

[74_75_78_79_]

His toughness may be underrated as well.,,. Chipped a tooth and kept on playing.

I'm sorry.
I know the incident of which you speak and it was (slightly) more than a chipped tooth but...

...those sentences really cracked me up.

(still laughing)

Don't blame you. Was at the end of break at work and rushed the comment but it's no excuse (no explanantion). Yes, now I know it was 'slightly' more than that (two front teeth). Glad to entertain just the same, lol.