Hackett’s answer about QBs should be a concern in Broncos Country

It was hard not to like Nathaniel Hackett’s introductory press conference. The new Broncos head coach was everything the fan base was hoping he’d be.

Energetic. Personable. Engaging. Genuine. Intelligent.

Name a personality trait that’s attractive in a football coach and Hackett had it. Check. Check. Check.

But not everything he said that day was perfect. In fact, there was one particular thing that was a bit concerning.

Everyone in Broncos Country knows that the team has to solve the quarterback riddle. It’s plagued the franchise since Peyton Manning retired, with 10 different signal callers trying and failing to fill the void.

So Hackett, an offensive-minded head coach, was brought in to help provide the answer. In large part, his success will be dependent on his ability to finally put an end to the revolving door at the most-important position in sports.

Thus, it was no surprise that Hackett was asked about his QB philosophy, both during his press conference and an on-air interview on “The Drive” later that day. His answer about what he’s looking for in a quarterback, however, was troubling.

“Intelli-tough,” Hackett said, coining a new word to describe the characteristics needed to succeed at that position.

This was a continuation of what he said in front of the media at Dove Valley.

“Toughness and intelligence; those are the two things,” Hackett answered when asked what he looks for in a QB.

He elaborated from there.

“Quarterbacks take some massive hits and they’ve got to still get up,” the head coach added. “It’s both mentally and physically. They have to talk and answer for a lot of things. It’s one of the hardest positions in all of football. Then intelligence is so important to be able to do the different things you would like to do on offense.”

On the surface, that all sounds good. A quarterback does have to be tough. He also has to be intelligent. The best in the game have both of those traits.

But that’s not it. Those aren’t the only things.

They also have to have confidence. And moxie. And swagger.

They also have to have talent. A big arm helps. The ability to run around does too.

A look through the NFL playoffs shows what’s important. Yes, toughness and intelligence are on the list. But are they really the top two things?

Joe Burrow and Matthew Stafford are going to the Super Bowl. Supreme confidence and arm strength are their defining characteristics, respectively.

They’re smart. They’re tough. But they’re much, much more.

Same for Patrick Mahomes. And Josh Allen. And Aaron Rodgers. And every other elite quarterback.

That’s why Hackett’s answer was concerning. He didn’t touch on anything that describes those players. He didn’t mention the attributes that make them special.

Instead, he talked about the things needed to execute a system. Hackett sounded like a coach who was in love with the X’s and O’s he puts on the whiteboard more than the plays made on the field.

This isn’t anything new. In fact, it’s happened in Denver before.

After the Broncos won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1997 and ’98, they could’ve tried for a three-peat with Bubby Brister at QB. The veteran filled in for John Elway the season before, going 4-0 in relief of the future Hall of Fame quarterback. So he was the logical choice to take over when Elway retired.

Mike Shanahan didn’t like Brister’s improvisational style, however. He wanted someone who could run his system. He wanted someone who was good at the whiteboard.

So he went with Brian Griese in 1999. He was smart. And he was tough. But he didn’t have the intangibles. The Broncos finished 6-10.

Fast forward to 2016 and Shanahan’s former offensive coordinator made the same mistake. On the heels of winning Super Bowl 50, Gary Kubiak elected not to go with Mark Sanchez as the Broncos starting quarterback. Instead, he tried to defend a title with Trevor Siemian behind center.

Siemian was smart. And tough. But he didn’t have the skills necessary to succeed on a weekly basis. He wasn’t mobile. He didn’t have a big arm. And the Broncos finished 9-7, missing the playoffs.

Shanahan wanted smart. He went with the Michigan guy. Kubiak wanted smart. He went with the Northwestern guy.

Both quarterbacks gave it their all. Both were tough as nails, taking hit after hit after hit.

But neither could ultimately get it done. Their average talent ultimately made them average quarterbacks.

That’s the reality that Hackett seemed to be missing. That’s the fact that he, and a lot of other coaches, often overlook.

Yes, talent alone isn’t enough. There have been plenty of big-armed, fleet-footed QBs who didn’t hit it big in the NFL. Paxton Lynch and Drew Lock are two recent examples in the Mile High City.

But intelligence and toughness aren’t enough, either. There isn’t a single successful QB who has those attributes above talent. Not one.

The next quarterback of the Broncos has to be smart. And he has to be tough. But he also has to have a big arm, the ability to run around and make plays, a swagger and other intangibles.

Here’s hoping Hackett gets that. Otherwise, it’s going to be more of the same in Denver, with a coach relying on a QB who is better in Wednesday meetings than Sunday games.

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