Hurst

The Yerkes­-Dodson law is a relationship between arousal and performance. The law dictates that performance will increase when physiological or mental arousal occurs, but only up to a certain point. When arousal/stimuli becomes too great, performance decreases. With the many types of quarterbacks in the league, and more specifically the Eagles, coupled with the now potential cutting of RG3, we must wonder and figure out what exactly makes the best quarterback?

Per the law, difficult or study driven tasks demand low levels of stimulation so concentration can prevail. However, when it comes to stamina driven tasks, arousal becomes a positive as it keeps motivation levels high. Yet further, for complex, unfamiliar, or difficult tasks, performance decreases as arousal increases.

Let us take three examples of distinctly different types of quarterbacks. In the study and concentration driven category we have Peyton Manning. Under the stamina driven, perfect someone else’s plan category we have Tom Brady. Lastly, under the “what will he do next, where did that play come from!?” list we have Mike Vick.

If we utilize the law, Manning’s lack of success in championship games can easily be explained. As he learned how to quarterback by listening to his father’s audio game tapes and mentally visualizing each play, that is how he now plays on the field. Each play is supposed to go a distinct certain way; to memorize and visualize hundreds of plays for every game is very concentration driven.

In big games, the over-­stimulation and arousal can cause for a large decline in performance, and thus far in his career that has proven to be the case. Next, there is Tom Brady. Growing up, he played multiple sports and was a natural athlete (drafted by the Yankees out of high school), but did not mentally apply himself to a given position or sport in the same manner as Manning. In college, learning behind Brian Griese (who learned from his Hall of Fame dad), and battling from 7

Still clearly learning and perfecting the implementation of systems, Brady was a 6 pick. He again had time to learn a system from not just a great quarterback, but also learn and grow with a coach. Brady’s career, both in games and in learning, is a product of stamina. In short, he will never be the most intelligent player nor the most athletic, but his ability to build up and maintain the precise amount of arousal allows him to pull perfectly from both categories.

The third style quarterback, one of the best athletes you will ever see, is Mike Vick. Due to his pure, raw athleticism, he can make defense­-defeating plays on a whim. He made quite a career out of such plays.

However, when in big games, he is the epitome of the over­-stimulation aspect of the Yerkes­-Dodson law. In the prime of his career, every play had the potential for greatness; he would find receivers’ hands that had no business being hit, or he could cut on a dime after a missed block and break free for 30 yards.

With this type of quarterback, aside from age slowing them down, the biggest drawback is over­-stimulation. When adrenaline is too great (normally shoots off in 6-­8 minute spurts), it can cause negative effects on performance. With Vick in particular, his precision on throws suffers greatly.

On many occasions, as though he is purposely trying to follow science, Vick misses, overthrows receivers, or reverts to running too quickly, within the first 6­-8 minutes.

Broadcasters often call it “jitters” or “getting settled”, but really it is just standard science. Which is your favorite type of quarterback? Who would you want leading your team? The awesome, electric player maker thriving off adrenaline? The mentally calculating playmaking architect?

Or the boring, not great at any one thing, hybrid of skills leader that wins a Super Bowl every other year? All are exciting in their own right.

Fortunately for Eagles fans, Sam Bradford follows the Brady profile. You may not see electric Vick-­like athleticism, but I think all Philadelphians will trade a few fancy­-footed touchdowns for a championship.

As always you can reach me at TrainHurst@gmail.com.