Bob Berry

Atlanta Falcons

Bob Berry is 5-11, a fact which immediately tells you that the Atlanta quarterback must have something- because he doesn't have the height every scout insists is a necessary ingredient for any NFL quarterback.

And, after seven years, the pro scouts are no more impressed with his throwing ability than at any other time, rating him a mediocre 2.

What does Berry have that compensates for his inadequacies? He has leadership qualities, and Norm Van Brocklin. Originally drafted by Philadelphia, Van Brocklin traded for Berry when he was coaching at Minnesota and reacquired Berry when he moved on to coach at Atlanta.

Van Brocklin obviously values Berry's leadership abilities, and the innovative coach has installed a rollout offense that enables Berry to handle the job despite his lack of height and an arm that is at best only adequate.

Berry's effectiveness, despite his handicaps, is underscored by his completion percentages in 1969 and 1970- 57.3 and 58.0, both marks with which any quarterback would be satisfied and which make the one-time Oregon star an able director of a methodical offense.

Injured midway in the 1971 season, Berry saw his job taken over by Dick Shiner, acquired from the New York Giants. But the scouts feel Berry will be No. 1 again when the 1972 season begins.
 

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