Super Bowl 49: Whose legacy will be most affected?

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Super Bowl champions ring on the hand of Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during a press conference to announce the signing of quarterback Carson Palmer (not pictured) at the Cardinals practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks downfield to throw during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Will The Next Evolution Of The Quarterback Leave Pocket Passers Out In The Cold?

Positive Legacy Prospects:

As we all know, the NFL is a copycat league. And why not? If another team is successful, the easiest path to finding your own success is to do what those guys are doing. Pretty soon it just becomes a habit.

So too has the dual threat quarterback become a real evolution to the position. Much of that is driven by the fact that fewer and fewer pocket passers are being developed in college. A running quarterback who is also an excellent passer obviously provides more options at the position.

If Russell Wilson wins his second ring in a row, the inexorable march away from pure pocket passers will only hasten. Every team will be looking for the next Wilson or Rodgers or Luck.

Negative Legacy Prospects:

Should Russell Wilson screw up or simply not win this one, it might cause some GMs to think twice about the next slightly undersized dual threat quarterback – Marcus Mariota, for instance. It’s not likely to halt the evolution of the position, but it could give some NFL executives some sleepless nights as they try to determine if they have the courage of their convictions.

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