He doesn’t make the headlines. He won’t see his name in the papers because of his latest arrest, his new Hollywood girlfriend or his exciting dogfighting business.
You won’t know anything about him during the off-season. He will not be the most prominent in the public consciousness.
His name is Marc Bulger and he is the best quarterback in the NFL not named Peyton Manning.
Bulger is the unassuming leader of the St. Louis Rams, who has slowly proven to the world and the NFL that he has more substance than the flash (in the pan) and the glitz of Michael Vick.
He will not appear in any magazines, news programs or celebrity gossip. You’ll be lucky if someone mentions it. Too bad, because he’s the best quarterback you’ve ever heard of.
You do not believe me? Well, the numbers don’t lie.
Last season, Bulger threw for 4,301 yards, only Manning and Drew Brees had more. He had 24 touchdown passes with just eight interceptions, as well as a 63 percent completion percentage.
Not bad when you consider he was learning a new offense under first-year coach Scott Linehan last season.
In his career, Bulger has thrown for 16,233 yards with 95 touchdowns and 59 interceptions for a 91.3 passer rating and 64.4 percent completion percentage. Not bad for a guy who was selected in the sixth round of the draft.
By comparison, Manning has a 64 percent completion percentage and a 94.4 approval rating. There is not much difference?
He doesn’t have the Super Bowl rings of Tom Brady or Manning, nor the arm of a Carson Palmer, but he has the heart of a lion and the determination of a Hannibal, leading his soldiers over the Alps. Bulger won’t let adversity stop him.
He was considered too small in stature and arm strength when leaving West Virginia. How did he respond to criticism?
All he has done is go to two Pro Bowls, earning an MVP in one of them, while leading the Rams to the playoffs three times in his five years as a starter. Bulger might have had a Super Bowl ring on his finger now if the Rams’ defense had been stronger.
His accuracy is the best in the league. Most other quarterbacks would agree with that. He can hit a receiver calmly without breaking his rhythm. He is a silent leader who speaks on the pitch. Simply put, he is the best quarterback anyone knows.
His name is Marc Bulger and he is one of the best of his generation. Maybe one day he’ll get the respect he so deserves.
