I hope this shows just how HARD it is to play QB in this league. Think about it. Both Kapernick and RGIII have had remarkable success when placed in certain situations, but for just brief times.
First it tells you that what system you play in matters. Griffin couldn't function in Gruden's system. Kapernick couldn't grow past the athletic QB we saw those 2 great seasons. Who knows if Brady had been forced to play in a system that didn't value what he COULD do at the start. Who knows what Brady would have been like if he hadn't decided it was important to improve some aspect of his game EVERY year. He never rested on his laurels. Did he have have the mobility to run the west coast offense in SF. (he might have it now ).
I hope Garapolo knows just how lucky he was that he wasn't drafted in the first round and forced to start for some team long before he was ready (and I don't think he's ready now) Which leads to the second factor in QB success. Too many of them have to play right away. I understand why, given the huge investment teams make in the top picks. But too few are ready, and if they are put in the wrong environment it could ruin them.
David Carr insists to this day that his brother was a far better QB that he was coming out of college. But he just got physically beaten up when he reached the pros and it ruined him. The point is you not only have to be good, you have to be lucky in being put into the right system.
I wonder if part of the problem Andrew Luck is having now can be linked to the number of hits that kid has taken the last 4 years. IIRC I heard a stat that he's been the hit the most of any QB over the last 3 season coming into this one. Is it any wonder he's regressed some.
The luck of the draw goes for position players as well. Patrick Chung playing predominantly in a tampa 2 was cut by 2 teams. Patrick Chung being used like has been in his 2nd stint with the Pats is a key contributor. Think about it. Ninko couldn't make 2 teams as a LB or Long snapper. It was by luck that he came here, put into positions were he could succeed and grow, and VOILA, we have one of more effective all round DE's in the league. Right place, Right time. It matters.