Derrick Henry

[W&M_Steeler]

I guess i see two definitions of ‘game manager’:

(1) “Low risk, low reward passing QB that lets the game come to him. Big plays are mostly YAC. Avoids turnovers and focuses on taking care of the football. You never want to rely on him to come through for a 4th quarter comeback.” <== this definition is almost the exact opposite of early career Ben.

(2) “Quarterback is supported by strong defense and running game. Passing attempts are minimized and counting stats are low.” <== these were all true for early career Ben.

So i see this as less of an argument over whether Ben was a “game manager” and more of an argument about what the definition of “game manager” is.

I think definition #1 is what most people usually mean by game manager. It's the QB who is good enough to not lose the game, but not good enough to put the game on his shoulders and win it on his own when needed. The smart, conservative QB who is decent and avoids turnovers but who is not spectacular at anything. Trent Dilfer and Alex Smith are classic examples of game managers. Ben never fit the definition.