By Dean Michaels

A constant in winning close games in the NFL? Quality play at quarterback when the game is on the line.

"Late in the game, the quarterback has to keep his smarts and poise during tough situations and exude confidence," says former NFL head coach and NFL Network analyst STEVE MARIUCCI. "He has to be mentally tough and demand the same from his teammates."

Houston Texans quarterback MATT SCHAUB, who leads the NFL with a 99.1 passer rating since 2007 in games decided by eight or fewer points, says the quarterback has to turn into a game manager in close contests.

"If you can manage your situations, keep your third downs manageable and execute the plays that are called against what the defenses are doing, you'll keep yourself in good shape," says Schaub. "You have to be into what you're doing and what the defenses are trying to do to you, especially in crunch time when the game is on the line."

The quarterbacks with the highest passer rating in games decided by eight points or fewer since 2007 (minimum 500 attempts):

Quarterback Comp Att Yards TDs Passer Rating
Source: NFL
Matt Schaub7371,1089,103522299.1
Drew Brees8531,2479,306613295.8
Aaron Rodgers5398386,639391895.3
Eli Manning5198356,203461794.7
Philip Rivers7131,1199,016543492.2

 

Buffalo Bills quarterback RYAN FITZPATRICK, who has led the Bills to a 2-1 record this season in games decided by eight or fewer points, says composure is a key component in crucial situations late in a game.

"I think the biggest thing is staying calm and staying within yourself," says Fitzpatrick. "You hear all the clichés -- ‘take it one play at a time.' Well it's a cliché for a reason because you're not going to be able to score three touchdowns with one play. You've got to stay within yourself, stay positive and just keep at it.

"The biggest thing is everybody being on the same page," he says. "It doesn't matter if it's a run play or a pass play or an audible. Everyone needs to do their job and understand what their job is."

NFL quarterbacks with the most touchdown passes in games decided by eight or fewer points since 2007:

Quarterback Most TD Passes
Source: NFL
Drew Brees61
Peyton Manning60
Jay Cutler58
Philip Rivers54
Matt Schaub52

 

NFL quarterbacks with the highest winning percentage in games decided by eight or fewer points since 2007 (minimum 15 starts):

Quarterback Win - Loss Record Highest Win Pct.
Source: NFL (*Active)
Peyton Manning*26-8.765
Eli Manning*19-7.731
Matt Ryan*19-7.731
Tom Brady*13-6.684
Brett Favre15-7.682

 

NFL 2011 - Clutch Quarterbacks Are Key in Close NFL Games