When I see his leadership mentioned, I always have to scratch my head. We don't know for sure without being part of the team, but from afar, that appears to have been one of his weaknesses. Having respect and/or likeability are neither a synonym nor a substitute for leadership. I didn't see, at many key points, his ability to make key plays or to inspire teammates.
A couple of leadership scenarios:
1) "I have confidence that he is going to make key plays in this drive and I need to do the same for him and my other teammates.
2) "He has said I can do this and he expects me to. I don't want to let him and my teammates down.
The staff stated at the time they picked him as the starter, that they were hesitant because of his inability to assert and project himself. It's not a lack of desire. But a QB can't just internalize desire. That can become a double negative----the team gets no inspiration and the QB plays tight.
QB leadership is more important than arm strength. I am hopeful that we will soon see both.