I really don't think Schaub was a bad trade, it was just the timing with his injury, at his age, coming up to being UFA that led to the bad contract we signed him to.
In fact I'd go as far as to say we could have won a SB with Schaub had the right people been put around him. Take the 2011 roster for example, and with draft misses like travis Johnson and amobi okoye, the injury to Charles spencer, key FA misses like Morlon greenwood, Ahman green etc, you could make a case to say it should never have taken the time it did to give him the supporting cast.
There's every chance that we're about to head into a QB wilderness and well all be longing for the days of a healthy Matt Schaub pre injury.
Agree on Schaub. I know there is a lot of negative feelings about him this season, but overall, dude has been a pretty solid QB.
And your last point is where my fears are at right now. It is a gamble to take most QBs, regardless if they are rookies or vets.
I don't think history supports this narrative. Aaron Rogers has never had a good line and he won the SB. Peyton Manning's lines were rarely good (if ever) and never great and we all know what he did.
QBs and their line have a symbiotic relationship. It's not all of one or the other. There is a balance.
Look at the dynasties that have won multiple Super Bowls and you will see consistently good offensive line play.
As far as Aaron Rodgers, consider this about the 2010 Packers:
OT Chad Clifton made the Pro Bowl
OG Josh Sitton was named Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association (and Pro Bowl alternate)
OT Bryan Bulaga was named to the 2010 NFL All Rookie Team
There's three out of five that played exceptionally well that year.
Now for Peyton Manning in 2006, consider this:
C Jeff Saturday made the Pro Bowl (one of six times, and a two time First Team All Pro)
LT Tarik Glenn made the Pro Bowl (one of three times)
I'm not going to argue that this was the best line ever, but take into account that we are talking about Peyton Manning, one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game.
Do you think we are going to get a QB anywhere near the caliber as Rodgers or Manning?
Of course not. So there is a direct correlation between great QBs and their line. Great talent can pick up the slack.
A great QB transcends line play.
Of course, nobody is saying otherwise.
If you think Bridgewater or Manziel or Carr or whoever is that kind of QB, you take him, regardless of the line.
This is where your argument gets shaky. You put an "if" in there, which basically undermines critical analysis. We can "if" all kinds of scenarios.
Do you honestly think Bridgewater or Manziel or Carr are going to be elite like Manning and Rodgers?
We cannot depend on it happening, so the logical thing to do is make sure the line can protect whoever the Texans get as QB.
Look at Luck; his line is awful and he will be making the playoffs for the second time in two years. Look at Wilson; he's playing behind patchwork and leading the best team in football.
I like Luck, but c'mon, be real. The Colts make the playoffs by default because the AFCS is the worst division in football right now. The Colts will be the only team in the division that does not have a losing record.
And do not be surprised when the Colts lose in the first round of the playoffs.
As far as Wilson, let's see how the Seahawks do in the playoffs before crowning them "the best team in football". Their line problems could cost them in the post season.
IMO, a good/great line can make up for mediocre QB play (see: Matt Schaub), but a great QB almost make the line superfluous.
So, in the end you agree with me. Interesting...
"A good line can make a decent QB look good, and a good QB look great."