The mental effect of a QB getting swarmed and slammed to the ground cannot be over rated. If a QB is nervous in the pocket, it effects his entire game. That's a big reason sacks are important. A throw away generally doesn't hurt the QB at all. But a nasty sack of a 250 lb + (perhaps 325+) defensive player falling on their shoulder sticks with them the entire game.
Originally Posted by: doddpower
Exactly.
These guys are all supreme athletes. I worked out with semi-pro guys and got injured in a scrimmage. Those guys can't hang with the pro guys so I can imagine just how awesome even your #3 and #4 pro guy is.
So, when you have someone who is a supreme athlete vs someone else who is also a supreme athlete, it comes down to morale/heart. It becomes a test of wills. We saw Tom Brady put up the best season ever for a QB (up until that time) in 2007 and Tom Coughlin get into his head to beat Brady in the SB. That's one example I probably use too frequently, but it's for a reason - it was an extreme performance getting nullified by better chess moves.
After these QBs all retire, ask them how they feel about CM3 standing over them and doing the Predator move. Ask if that got inside their heads. I can guarantee you it did.
There was a commercial years ago with Joe Montana looking at ink blots. The psychologist asks him "what do you see?" Montana says "Reggie White." The psychologist shows another ink blot and asks the same question. Same answer. Repeat one or two more times.
I know it's a joke, but I can also guarantee you that at any time, those QBs were hoping they had a safe distance from Reggie White.
My man Donald Driver
(thanks to Pack93z for the pic)
2010 will be seen as the beginning of the new Packers dynasty. 🇹🇹 🇲🇲 🇦🇷