Best of the Best :: Quarterbacks Edition
January 8th 2012 20:54
Whenever I have time, I'll be discussing the best of the best at different positions in the NFL; before I get too deep in this - I DO take a lot into consideration: age, team, personnel surrounding player, stats, career, etc. I'll begin by outlining the top five quarterbacks and reviewing their 2011 seasons.
Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
In 13 of 16 games this year, Aaron Rodgers has posted a quarterback rating of 110.0 or higher - to say this is elite is almost an understatement. Rodgers led his team to a 15-1 record, and even in that sole loss, he still put up a TD and over 200 passing yards. His awareness on the field is arguably second to none - could you honestly look at Greg Jennings, at James Jones, at Jordy Nelson, and say they would excel at their same position with any team in the NFL? The Packers pedestrian running game is another problem - mainstay Ryan Grant and young James Starks aren't very intimidating, letting teams drift focus heavily on defending the pass, though only one was successul in 2011. Rodgers can only get better in the future; he's primed to lead the Packers to back-to-back Super Bowls this season.
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
Brees put up historical numbers in 2011; 5,476 yards, 46 TDs, 14 INTs, 110.6 QB Rating. He broke Dan Marino's passing yards record, and led the Saints to the playoffs again. In his wildcard round matchup with the Detroit Lions, Brees became the third player to throw for over 400 yards in two different postseason games, becoming the only player to do so in consecutive games. His modest receiving corps includes star Marques Colston, with up and coming Jimmy Graham as his largest target in the redzone. Brees led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2010 over the Indianapolis Colts. He's primed to do it again, short of stature as he may be.
Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Brady is a perennial competitor for MVP, so its no surprise to see him on this list. His consistent play, year in and year out, has led the Patriots to tons of success, on and off the field. Lacking big names, Brady has had no problems creating stars out of duds [Deion Branch, Wes Welker], and has been rewarded with three Super Bowl titles. Brady is excellent in the pocket, and with time, can make any throw on the field.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
Stafford's huge 2011 numbers were easily lost in the record setting years of Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, but his stats don't lie: 5,038 yards, 41 TDs, 16 INTs, 97.2 QB Rating. His receiving corps, headed by the talented Calvin Johnson [96 catches, 1,681 yards, 16 TDs] are benefitting from having their first true quarterback in a long time. Offensively, the Lions were riddled with injuries all year, but Stafford still managed to lead the Lions to their first playoff appearance in the 2000's. Stafford was 3rd in the NFL in TDs & yards, and 5th in completion percentage and quarterback rating - all career highs. Look for the insane duo of Stafford/Johnson to only get better in the future as Detroit builds around their two pillars of success.
Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers
While the top three quarterbacks are pretty set in stone, there's always a lot of discrepancy involving the fourth, fifth best quarterbacks in the league. Personally, I think Rivers belongs in the group. For years, this guy has led a average Chargers teams to deep playoff runs, playing arguably his best ball in the month of December, crucial for any quarterback. This year, riddled by injury and inconsistency in his WR corps, Rivers noticeably struggled at times. However, by year's end, he had regained his true form; 4,624 yards, 27 TDs, 20 INT, 88.7 QB Rating. With Vincent Jackson showing up for one game here and there, and Floyd struggling to catch the ball at times, Rivers has really put up great stats for his situation. With the stalwart Mike Tolbert and rookie sensation Ryan Mathews, the Chargers are poised for a playoff run in 2012.
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Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers
In 13 of 16 games this year, Aaron Rodgers has posted a quarterback rating of 110.0 or higher - to say this is elite is almost an understatement. Rodgers led his team to a 15-1 record, and even in that sole loss, he still put up a TD and over 200 passing yards. His awareness on the field is arguably second to none - could you honestly look at Greg Jennings, at James Jones, at Jordy Nelson, and say they would excel at their same position with any team in the NFL? The Packers pedestrian running game is another problem - mainstay Ryan Grant and young James Starks aren't very intimidating, letting teams drift focus heavily on defending the pass, though only one was successul in 2011. Rodgers can only get better in the future; he's primed to lead the Packers to back-to-back Super Bowls this season.
Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints
Brees put up historical numbers in 2011; 5,476 yards, 46 TDs, 14 INTs, 110.6 QB Rating. He broke Dan Marino's passing yards record, and led the Saints to the playoffs again. In his wildcard round matchup with the Detroit Lions, Brees became the third player to throw for over 400 yards in two different postseason games, becoming the only player to do so in consecutive games. His modest receiving corps includes star Marques Colston, with up and coming Jimmy Graham as his largest target in the redzone. Brees led the Saints to a Super Bowl victory in 2010 over the Indianapolis Colts. He's primed to do it again, short of stature as he may be.
Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
Brady is a perennial competitor for MVP, so its no surprise to see him on this list. His consistent play, year in and year out, has led the Patriots to tons of success, on and off the field. Lacking big names, Brady has had no problems creating stars out of duds [Deion Branch, Wes Welker], and has been rewarded with three Super Bowl titles. Brady is excellent in the pocket, and with time, can make any throw on the field.
Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions
Stafford's huge 2011 numbers were easily lost in the record setting years of Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees, but his stats don't lie: 5,038 yards, 41 TDs, 16 INTs, 97.2 QB Rating. His receiving corps, headed by the talented Calvin Johnson [96 catches, 1,681 yards, 16 TDs] are benefitting from having their first true quarterback in a long time. Offensively, the Lions were riddled with injuries all year, but Stafford still managed to lead the Lions to their first playoff appearance in the 2000's. Stafford was 3rd in the NFL in TDs & yards, and 5th in completion percentage and quarterback rating - all career highs. Look for the insane duo of Stafford/Johnson to only get better in the future as Detroit builds around their two pillars of success.
Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers
While the top three quarterbacks are pretty set in stone, there's always a lot of discrepancy involving the fourth, fifth best quarterbacks in the league. Personally, I think Rivers belongs in the group. For years, this guy has led a average Chargers teams to deep playoff runs, playing arguably his best ball in the month of December, crucial for any quarterback. This year, riddled by injury and inconsistency in his WR corps, Rivers noticeably struggled at times. However, by year's end, he had regained his true form; 4,624 yards, 27 TDs, 20 INT, 88.7 QB Rating. With Vincent Jackson showing up for one game here and there, and Floyd struggling to catch the ball at times, Rivers has really put up great stats for his situation. With the stalwart Mike Tolbert and rookie sensation Ryan Mathews, the Chargers are poised for a playoff run in 2012.
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