Fascinating NFL Coach-QB Relationships To Watch In 2015 by Erik Lambert 2h ago Few relationships are more important in the NFL than those between the head coach and the quarterback. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are the gold standard by which that is set. So what is there to make of the newest unions happening around the league?
May 28, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford (7) during OTAChip Kelly and Sam BradfordThe Oakland Raiders used to tell a lot of journeymen players that there weren’t many stops after they landed in Silver and Black. That was a big reason they were so good at reclamation projects. The same can be said for Chip Kelly and his impact on quarterback. His offense is at such a level of ingenuity and design that even modest players can have a good year in it. Ask Mark Sanchez. So if anybody can put forth a scheme to unlock that long-elusive #1 pick potential of Sam Bradford, it is Kelly.
Jan 19, 2015; Lake Forest, IL New Chicago Bears head coach John Fox speaks during a press conference at Mugs Halas Auditorium. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports John Fox and Jay CutlerHe never gets enough credit for knowing what to do with the players he has. Feel free to look this up, but every quarterback that played for John Fox had his absolute best year in the NFL. It was true for Jake Delhomme, it was true for Tim Tebow, and it was true for Peyton Manning. Look it up. So there is reason beyond just the fact that Jay Cutler has gotten three previous head coaches fired to watch them in 2015. Maybe, just maybe, Fox is the kind of motivator and common sense coach the 32-year old head case has lacked in Chicago.
Mar 13, 2015; St. Louis, MOSt. Louis Rams quarterback Nick Foles (center) is introduced to the media at Rams Park. Foles is joined by Rams head coach Jeff Fisher (left) and general manager Les Snead (right). Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports Jeff Fisher and Nick FolesThe one time that head coach Jeff Fisher had a quarterback deemed “Pro Bowl caliber”, his teams were competing for championships. That was Steve McNair, who won MVP honors and led the Tennessee Titans to four playoff appearances in five seasons. Now Fisher hopes he’s finally reached that level again with Nick Foles. A Pro Bowler in 2013, he is 26-years old and owns a 15-9 career record as a starter. So it’s curious why the Philadelphia Eagles saw fit to trade him. Regardless, Fisher has a chance to take advantage and fill the last miss piece of the puzzle of what many feel is a loaded St. Louis Rams roster.
May 1, 2015; Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3), the number one overall draft pick, poses with general manager Jason Licht and head coach Lovie Smith for a photo during a press conference at One Buc Place. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Lovie Smith and Jameis WinstonHe took the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl with Rex Grossman as his quarterback. That should be grounds for having high expectations for Lovie Smith and new 1st round pick Jameis Winston, who is infinitely more talented than the retired former Gator. At the same time, Smith has a reputation for not being able to get his offensive coaching staffs right, as he proved yet again in 2014 with Jeff Tedford. In fairness Smith had no way of knowing the man would develop heart problems, but the fact remains Dirk Koetter, his replacement becomes the sixth coordinator to work under Lovie since 2004. In that time none of the offenses have ranked higher than 15th and no quarterback has thrown for more than 4,000 yards. Will Winston be different?
Jun 11, 2015; San Francisco, CASan Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula looks on during minicamp at Levi Stadium Jim Tomsula and Colin KaepernickWithout question the relationship that will save or sink the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 is between Colin Kaepernick and Jim Tomsula. Kaepernick is considered a Jim Harbaugh disciple, the same man who was run off by the 49ers brass this off-season in favor of Tomsula. Rumors were rampant a few months ago that the team was trying to shop the young quarterback. Whether it’s true at this point is immaterial. Tomsula knows pressure is on him already. This was a team that came a goal line pass away from a Super Bowl title two years ago and have since watched a large part of their core either retire or leave in free agency. The only conceivable way this team stays competitive in that tough division is if Kaepernick matures. Hopes aren’t high that the former defensive line coach can get it out of him.link
