When it comes to quarterbacks, people always love to talk about physical traits. How strong is the arm? How big is the body? Can he run really well? All of that stuff does play a part in their success. However, don’t get it twisted. Any great quarterback will say the thing that matters most is what happens between the ears. The sharpest minds are those who stand tall at the end of games. Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Bill Lazor understands this like anybody else in the NFL.
One thing that a quarterback must have to succeed is a near-photographic memory. They need to absorb a massive playbook and know what all the other 10 players on the field are supposed to do from one play to the next. He also needs to see and understand what a defense is trying to do to stop it at the same time. That is a lot of information to process in the space of 45 seconds.
In the midst of talking about Nick Foles and what he brings to the Bears, Lazor offered a story that shows he has that type of memory.
“Yesterday, he reminded me of something that I had said back in 2013 and it was really a cool experience for me. He probably doesn’t even know it. He brought up a coaching point … He told me how it affected him and I guess as a teacher and as a coach, what greater compliment can you get than for one of the guys who played for you to tell you that something you said that many years ago, he still remembers it today.”
Bill Lazor provided a great glimpse at why Foles is special
People need to understand something. Back in 2013, Foles was in just his second year of the league. Lazor had just been hired that same year as quarterbacks coach. The two had no prior relationship. Not only that but the coach would leave the next year to become Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator. So their time together basically spanned less than a year.
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The fact that Foles managed to remember a coaching point so vividly is a testament to his brainpower. He’s able to absorb and most importantly retain information. That is what separates him from most other quarterbacks. That is why he has a Super Bowl ring. He sees and understands the game at the highest level. This is why the Bears traded for him.