Joe Namath
New York Jets
Joe Namath makes the best passes, on and off the field. He keeps some of
his teammates a little unhappy with his off the field activities and his
loose, flamboyant life-style, but once he puts on his uniform he's 100
percent football player.
Undoubtedly the best throwing quarterback today. With sound knees, he
would likely be the best of all-time. "They'd have to build a statue to
him," said one observer. Sets up extremely fast to throw. . . faster
than anybody ever has before continued knee problems slowed him down
some. Joe has the fastest release of any quarterback in the game and can
throw well and with authority off balance, off either foot.
He is not often associated with courage but few players would have the
nerve or guts to play on a pair of painful knees like his. A scout says,
"He has the guts of a burgler."
Namath has great accuracy, even on long passes. When going long he'll
hit his receivers on the numbers as many times as he won't. His overall
percentage usually isn't extremely high and a lot of this is due to
being a little bull-headed. Joe appears to sometimes tell himself, "I
don't care what kind of defense you're playing. I can throw it in
there." Thus he takes some chances that aren't necessary.
Can pick a zone defense apart as well as anybody, throwing to spots, the
seams, such as he did in the Super Bowl victory over Baltimore. This
game did more to pull the AFL to parity than anything else. Namath did
more to win the game than anybody. His ability really showed through
because Baltimore was stronger than the Jets overall.
Namath is very cock but has the ability, the arm, to back up what he
says. Confidence just rolls off him, falling on his teammates, who do
not for a second doubt his ability.
Joe,
with only six seasons under his belt, has the knowledge and ability to
key defenses that usually don't come until a quarterback has been around
for nine or ten years.
He is extremely tough and aware mentally. During a game he has an
unbelievable awareness of everything that is going on- penalties,
timeouts, what to call and who to call on to do what in all situations.
Has a natural knack at football and he can use the clock in the Unitas
tradition.
An excellent big play man, Namath may not always have the best passing
percentage but he'll be near the top in touchdown passes and yardage.
"Another thing you can't overlook about Namath," said a report, "is his
feel for the tempo of a game. He has a great knack for changing the
tempo just at the right time.
The Jets keep extra blockers, the backs, in to protect Namath because,
to the man, they know he's their meal ticket. Joe sometimes seems to
retreat deeper than most quarterbacks to pass but he has said he
actually doesn't, unless somebody is chasing him. Probably, he just
appears to be going back farther because he gets back so fast and
releases the ball so quickly.
Missed most of season with a broken hand. Keeps saying he might retire.
If he does he might as well take the New York Jet offense with him.
