Tom Brady and his New England Patriots are headed back to the Super Bowl this week, all thanks to a near-perfectly-built system reliant on one compliant quarterback and one strategic-commanding coach.
But first, let’s step back for a moment and consider a few facts that even an arm-chair or Monday-morn quarterback could easily detect. Think of Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning (#5 FEIR), and go and ask your friends (or anyone remotely familiar with the NFL) one simple question. “Which of the two would you consider to be an emotional, Animate “feeler,” and which would you consider an ice-in-veins, Inanimate “thinker”? To be sure, most of those given the question would say Tom Brady is the “feeler”, while Manning is the “thinker”. Fellow teammate Julian Edelman (#13 FCIR) gave the perfect impersonation of Brady in our last article, changing his voice to a high pitch and acting emotional. This is simply because, yes, Tom is known for his emotions. Tom cries, Tom screams, Tom pouts, Tom swears, and Tom throws things (see our link or Google any of these words). This is what happens when a #9 FCAR loses their cool, falling head-long (or brain-long) into their Conceptual, Animate world of “unreality,” for lack of a better term.
We at BTI have researched the dysfunctional styles of each Brain Type for over 30 years, including countless criminal profiles to assist law enforcement (Unabomber, O.J. trial, etc.). Though #9s rarely engage the brutal crimes (like certain Inanimate BTs), they nonetheless can do some rather crazy things, especially in their melt-down moments. When this occurs, cerebrally, they leave their Pollyanna anterior Right brain locale and transition to the same-side posterior deep limbic system. Here lies the dreaded amygdalae, the most intensely emotional region of the brain (for good and bad).
Only two Brain Types make this visceral roller-coaster their permanent home, the #10 BCAR and #2 BEAR. Thus, since #9s and #10s are both Right brain Conceptuals, the #9 mimics the #10 when entering this super-sensitive enclave. But unlike the tempered-10 that lives here 24/7, the #9 emotes far more outwardly. Additionally, they cannot process the visceral vibes as can the typically mellow #10. Result? When the deep limbic exceeds its threshold, childlike behavior is guaranteed to follow as the touch with logic exits out the window. Primal tones accompany the oft-nonsensical speech, and bystanders typically seek cover.
All this to say that this neural activity does not produce the top QBs in big-pressure situations, especially when their offense scheme is breaking down (a rarity with Belichick’s Rolls Royce operation).
Meanwhile, one need only look at a Peyton Manning, or a Joe Montana, or a John Elway, and behold in their eyes that they are intense, “thinking’ individuals, despite their easy-going personas. So, which makes for a better QB especially in an unscripted, unplanned, and a truly big-pressure moment when a rabbit MUST be pulled from the hat? Is it an Animate, Right brain QB who sees the field with abstract, spatial emotion and feelings (and is more affected by hostile crowds, tough-minded coaches, etc.), or a dominant Empiricist with ultra-superior spatial Right brained logic. The answer is quite clear neuro-scientifically as well as practically speaking. Spatial, Inanimate logic far exceeds Conceptual, Animate feelings at the QB position. Thus, the scientific explanation why so many NFL #5 QBs are considered the greatest of all time, whereas only two number-10s have excelled (and both for separate reasons).
Let’s stop and admire a few things about Mr. Brady, however. Under pressure, the #9‘s motor-skills typically hold up better than any of the “Body Skill Birds.” When nervous, the EA‘s gross motors, or the CI‘s fine motors, will stiffen up more quickly than that of the CA‘s (especially Front brain #9s who don’t ruminate like #10s). Also, being Right brain dominant (the spatial hemisphere), Brady will see the field well, AS LONG as he remains relaxed. In fact, as a Q1, he can often see the open man and throw the accurate pass as well as anyone when he is on his game. However, when the big-time pressure hits, and they are called upon to make difficult passes (and see the entire field), the FCAR must bow to the #5 FEIR‘s superiority.
Fortunately for Tom, he is rarely called to do this by Mr. Belichick. Yes, watch any Patriots game and you will witness one craftily-planned short pass after another, with the occasional long-ball thrown to the open man. For nearly 2 decades Tom has been trained by the #15 Field-marshal, considered the top NFL coach ever, to quickly go through his progressions and throw the ball asap, unless his O-line is well protecting him. If they are, he can then pick daises while choosing among multiple, wide-open receivers running highly-strategic routes (and comebacks). With his in-sync and highly-coordinated gross and fine motors, he can then typically hit them right in the numbers.
Make no mistake, no NFL QB in decades if not ever could implement CEO Belichick’s offensive system as well as T. Brady. Not only is his BT arguably the most compliant and people-pleasing among top athletes, when lacking athleticism and speed, it relishes someone providing an organized, strategic system where the #9‘s brain borders ineptitude.
And let us not forget how everyone raves about how Belichick can take any player from the scrap heap, regardless of his past performances, and turn him into a renowned NFL performer. This is true. The #15 is the consummate CEO knowing how to develop people optimally while putting them in a system and position where they will not fail, but excel. Yet if Commander Belichick is able to do this with all non-QB positions, why do we not logically and factually carry this over to the QB position as well? Has he not gotten all his QBs to excel when Mr. Brady cannot play? Yes, he has, but as we all know, that does not mean they will excel when they leave his tutelage and system by going to another team. History has proven this true, too.
Irrefutably, #5s have been regarded as the best overall QBs in NFL history. The list is amazing how many of this lone BT prospered on the field like none others. (Off the field is another story; here many became known in ways their parents would not be proud.) Conversely, #9 NFL QBs have been rare. Their innate designs have not been optimal at this position. Instead, they are best suited for nearly every other position on the field especially receivers like Jerry Rice.
The two best #9 QBs, by far, have been Tom Brady and Drew Brees, whom we have written about for many, many years. Where the two have particularly excelled, cerebrally, is with innate neural genes, transmitters, and chemicals. Their superior neural health has separated them from most other #9s who’ve also attempted QB. Thanks to their ancestry, they’ve been passed robust genes that efficiently process vital neurochemicals such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and the like. Thus, these two QBs have been exceptional for maintaining their calm and vision under most pressure situations.
Immobile Brady has flourished in Belichick’s prolific and organized offensive system. Brees has also maximized his #9 skills to make very accurate throws, like Tom, yet highly mobile Drew can do this on the run as well regardless the offensive system. Yes, there have been other #9 QBs like Kordell Stewart and the now, Teddy Bridgewater (who’s yet to be proven), but the list is quite short for #9 QBs. Why? Simply stated: As Conceptual Animates (abstract feelers), they are not innately designed to excel at QB like the #5s and #13s, both Animate thinking BTs.
Remember, Tom Brady himself admitted that, had he been playing for any other team (or man), his career would have been drastically different.
Peter King: Do you ever wonder what would have happened if you had been drafted by Arizona?
Tom Brady: Yeah, I’d be on my third team by now.
And so, when headlines continue to tout the affable Mr. Brady as the best quarterback of all time (“No debate: Brady is best QB ever”), people should simply be shaking their heads. This is not golf. This is not tennis. Football is a multi-man sport, and Brady was placed in the ideal position for his Brain Type to succeed. Yet since some 80% of the sports media are innately non-contextual Right brainers (we’re not talking LB language center dominance), it’s no small wonder their non-contextual perceptions are as they are. All perceptions are amalgamated with Right brain-dominant males; carefully separating and categorizing events according to the most relevant facts is for the Left brain.
In any team sport, no athlete should be evaluated as the best until all relevant facts are carefully segregated in proper context with an unbiased attempt to make all things equal among the contestants. Only then does it make for a rational, contextual debate. And finally, are we talking about the best QB to operate within the guidelines of a strict, regimented system, or the innate river boat gambler who sees the whole field (even the pretty lady in section G, row 9, seat 3) like a hawk, throwing from any angle and any situation? Granted, today’s coaches want the compliant and big-picture QBs, not the throw-the-game-plan-in-the-trash gunslingers. Yet, when you can make the rare find of a #5 Manning, schooled by Archie and other competents from day one, then the Q1 FEIR is a most prized possession, though still a gambler when others aren’t carrying the load.
And please, sports fans, do not think we are haters of Terrific Tom. We love him and the amazing things he’s been able to accomplish over his stellar career. Yet as science (and sports) researchers, we continually attempt to understand why folks do what they do via DNA, neurons, biomechanics, and optometrics. Brain Typing enables us to grasp the inborn drivers of both physical and cognitive behavior, and now that it is confirmed that some two-thirds of human mind and body actions are not from nurture but instead nature, and DNA-derived (revealed in twin studies, etc.), we have no other option in our reporting. It isn’t an issue whom we like or dislike, it’s always how each BT is DNA-configured to perform, regardless the task.
The #5 BT, the FEIR, is inherently designed, scientifically, as the consummate QB. Yet as BT students know, other key issues can impede individual development, negating one’s upside potential. On the other hand, the #13 BT, the FCIR and the second-best designed QB now dominates this NFL position. What gives? Football has become consumed with stats, mechanics, systems, drills, and perhaps most importantly, whether a QB is goal-oriented, strategic, and driven daily (mentally and physically), all perfect for the #13 FCIR to flourish, and that they have!
Most starting quarterbacks in the league are #13s, including the talented Matt Ryan. To be sure, he and his Atlanta Falcons will give New England a run for their money, ESPECIALLY if they can get ahead early and put the squeeze on Mr. Brady’s emotive brain. But do not forget, both Brady and Ryan are dominant, Q1 Conceptuals. Seeing the big picture and possibilities is their most adept cognitive function. If either player gets flustered, their seeing what is will quickly go south. Hurried throws will then be directed to where they think (Ryan) or feel (Brady) the receiver should be, not in reality where he is. Here is where the #5 and #1 BTs exceed all other innate designs.
It will be a fun game to watch!
Written by: Staff
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