The NFL stands for "Not For Long" and this tag is espcially applicable to incoming Heisman quarterbacks as of late. Look no further than two NFC West quarterbacks in Matt Leinart and Alex Smith if you need further proof that being an elite college quarterback does not guarantee professional success.
Who would have thought that Alex Smith, the former #1 overall pick, would be battling Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan for the San Francisco 49ers starting QB position?
If I must be honest, I wasn't sold on Alex Smith who to me was only selected #1 because he is a quarterback. He benefited from the fact that in the NFL draft QB's are typically drafted higher than their talent because of a premium placed on finding good quarterbacks.
I also believe that Alex Smith benefited in college from playing in Urban Meyer's system at Utah which has also led to much of Tim Tebow's success. Matt Leinart's lack of success is much more of a surprise to me. He was decorated and seemed to possess all the attributes needed to be a great quarterback. He was accurate, played in a pro-style offense, and had winner written all over him. However, after two-years into his career, there are more questions than answers about where his career is headed.
As I sat and watched the Thursday night football game, it was amazing to hear the language bantered about when talking about Leinart two-years into his career. They questioned his maturity and it was even reported that Kurt Warner has outplayed him in practice. That's not exactly what was being said about him on draft day, but again, welcome to the life of a NFL-quarterback when on draft day, you are a can't-miss prospect who can do no wrong. And a year into your NFL career, they are talking about you as if you can do nothing right.
Both of these former Heisman winners need to play big this year for their team's sake, and for the sake of their careers.
Alex Smith's career is much more on the line. If you think what I stated previously to be incorrect, note that he is battling Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan for the 49ers starting QB position. Doesn't that say it all? I have not seen one thing in him that has ever suggested that he would be a great NFL quarterback.
With Smith, it's about showing that he has NFL level quarterback talent. With Matt Leinart, his lack of success may be closer tied to his lack of maturity. Leinart has looked like a great NFL-quarterback at times and just needs to add consistency. The rumors of partying and celebrity ties are okay when one is playing at a high level but are taboo if you are a highly drafted player who is not living up to his billing.
Unlike Smith, Leinart has the tools to win in the NFL. The question remains for each of these quarterbacks is, "Will They"?
we are all busts from USC
Mike Martz will save me
The entire NFC West sucks
Matt Leinart was the only heisman winner.