The Cowardly Lion

[papabear]

Toughness is one of those things like leadership in that it's more or less intangible so the media(and fans) use it as their fall back explanation when they can't come up with anything else. Anytime a QB is winning they talk about how great a leader he is and how tough they are. When they aren't winning it gets questioned. I don't think Manning is a better leader or tougher than the average NFL QB....he's just a much better QB.

I don't have a problem with Schaub's toughness. He busted his ass to get back on the field after his knee injury and forced his way on to the field likely before he was 100% last year. He could be one of those guys who is more susceptible to injury than average, but that doesn't mean he isn't tough enough to play through some pain.

My biggest complaint with Schaub is pocket awareness. He doesn't seem to be able to slide around in the pocket to buy a little extra time like the great ones do. I'm not sure if that's something that can be taught, or if it's something that might develop over time but Schaub doesn't have it right now. He's shown he can put up some pretty good numbers, but I don't know that he's shown enough for the Texans to pick up that big option on his contract. I don't think there's any reason for him not to get every chance to prove himself this season though.

As far as Carr. Sure he took a lot of hits and came back for more and I don't question his toughness...but the last year or so he also got to where he would just drop into the fetal position before he got hit. If ever it could be said that a QB was playing scared it was Carr that last season or two.