Arch Manning has his faults, there's no denying it, but doesn't everybody?
Despite being the heir apparent to the Texas Longhorns' QB1 role after Quinn Ewers headed to the NFL, and despite leading the team to a 14-3 overall record since taking over in the backfield, a lot of people have cast doubt on Manning's abilities.
That has included even the Horns' biggest fans, who have questioned their starting quarterback over the last year and a half.
However, if you stand back and look at some of Texas's all-time great quarterbacks, including National Championship-winning QB Vince Young and beloved QB Colt McCoy, the Longhorns' current offensive leader is one of the best in program history.
Ranking best quarterbacks in Texas history by passing efficiency rating
So far in his career, Manning has earned a 149.5 passing efficiency rating, and that is the second-best all time among Texas quarterbacks (with a minimum of 400 pass attempts):
- Colt McCoy, 155.0
- Arch Manning, 149.5
- Quinn Ewers, 148.0
- Sam Ehlinger, 145.0
- Vince Young, 144.9
- David Ash, 138.6
- Chris Simms, 138.4
- Major Applewhite, 136.6
Back in 2005, you weren't hearing calls for Mack Brown to bench Young, even though his passing efficiency rating is notably lower than Manning's. Even in the late 90s and early 2000s, fans were beholden to Major Applewhite, who has the worst PER among the group.
Yet, Texas fans and haters alike have called into question whether or not Manning is the guy who can take Texas back to the Holy Land: the National Championship game.
One could argue that Young was more of a dual-threat quarterback, but Manning has an impressive running ability of his own; head coach Steve Sarkisian just wants him to rely on the Horns' running backs more often than on his own capabilities.
Of course, there are still eight games remaining in this year's regular season, and that includes Manning having to face some of the top defenses in the country, like the Oklahoma Sooners and LSU Tigers. So, we could see that number drop.
However, we could also see that number get even better as he continues to find his footing, just like he did last season.
We could see Manning ascend to the level that McCoy and Young are held at if he is able to lead the Longhorns to an undefeated season, a possible first-ever win in the SEC Championship game, a berth in the CFP, and a run to the National Championship.
In other words, yes, Manning has his faults, but he also has a lot of impressive accomplishments to his name, including one of the best passer efficiency ratings in program history.
So, while you can question Sarkisian play-calling and Manning's decision-making all you like, maybe take a deep breath before you start doubting if the Horns' QB1 is good enough to hold that title.
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