Otto Graham vs Joe Montana

Question

Who was the better player? Why?

Answer 1

Montana because of the superbowls and i never heard of the other guy. I will google him now.

Otto played in the 40's when the NFL had 0 black athletes in the game. Joe Montana had way more of a challenge

Answer 2

This is a good question.  Both were the dominant QBs of their day.  Both were smart, accurate, and had very good arms.  Both had innovative coaches -- Paul Brown coached Graham, Bill Walsh coached Montana.  Incidentally, Walsh worked for Brown as offensive coordinator.

The biggest difference between them were the rules and style of play at their times.  For that reason, comparing their stats is pointless.

Montana faced better defenses (in Graham's time, they put the best athletes on offense), but Montana had better receivers.  Graham had a better running backs, namely Marion Motley.

Still, I'd say Montana, though I might say Graham next week.

Answer 3

Graham was an innovator. Montana just perfected it. And they both had a lot of great talent around `em.

Answer 4

What rules?  If post 1978 rules where receiver can not be touched after five yards and "Roughing the QB" is a new penalty then Otto's game improves, to Montana's level we don't know.

If the rules of, say 1950, and helmets with no face mask, the question is does Montana survive long enough to adapt.