There are often times in which the ultimate goal can too easily become lost. In the NFL, this should, in theory, mean pursuing a Super Bowl.
One must, however, take notice of how teams actually approach their business. Their actions do not, in fact, show that they are actively willing to do whatever it takes to earn a ring at the end of the grueling season.
This can manifest in the form of short-sighted decision-making by appeasing fans with a splashy free agent signing. In such an instance, the overall fit within the team scheme or glaring personality clashes are overlooked so that the day can be won in the headlines.
Again, these are examples of franchises that are not actually interested in winning a Super Bowl. Their focus and priority are on other areas.
Teams that are still in doubt as to who their starting quarterback is going to be in Week 1 are equally in a perilous position. While certain situations may come up that can catch a front office off-guard, such as sudden injuries, for the most part, not having a certified QB1 at this point in the year is often a reflection of poor planning.
The adage of bringing out the best through competition works throughout many facets of life and on the gridiron. This does not, however, actually work in a functional manner at the professional level or really at the college level at the position of quarterback.
A team that has ‘two options’ at QB really does not have any, or at least any that will lead to a successful postseason run, which is, again, what the aim should be for all.
Splitting first-team reps and not allowing the ones to get as many chances as possible to develop rapport and get on the same page ultimately harms the team once the actual games begin.
Coaches would, in most cases, be better served by making a decision that appears too early. This would at least allow the team to know what to expect heading into training camp. And unless someone truly comes and grabs the starting role throughout camp, then it is better for the staff to just live with their decision.
This helps the players to know how to approach their preparation for the season. Approaching QB like this also avoids the potential for having a split locker room. The media can then also not clamor for the ‘much better’ option that has been snubbed. At least the claim carries much less weight then.
All coaches have access to tons of film and know people who know practically every aspect of all athletes and players who may have even the slightest of chances of playing in the NFL.
At this rate, there are truly no such things as surprises or unknowns. It does, of course, occur when a backup carries a team on a great run or when someone shows up to camp almost reinvented. These examples, though, are more of the exception than not.
Teams need to take heed during the summer months. All energy needs to be on actually putting the team in a position to win, instead of getting mixed up in the silly political games or whatever other narratives that the media may be pushing at this time of year.
