The Best QB's According to Me
January 16th 2011 07:00
Ladies and gentlemen, in light of the NFL playoff season, I have decided to share with you the rankings of 32 NFL quarterbacks according to a true expert, Me. How I did this was by taking the 32 main starting quarterbacks from last year. In the case of teams like Dallas and Detroit, where their starters were hurt for most of the season, I decided to just rank the guys who will be their starters next year and for the foreseeable future. I just didn't think it made too much sense to rank guys like Sean Hill or Jon Kitna, as they are unlikely to see serious playing time unless more injuries pop up. Now I came up with my own ranking system, taking into consideration the quarterbacks overall ability, (arm strength, basically the ability to make all of the more difficult throws), their smarts(decision making, audibles), how they perform in the clutch and late game situations, and finally how they translate into their teams success. These four categories were judged on a 1-10 scale, so the most any one quarterback could receive was 40. SOOOOO, sit back, keep reading, and get ready to most likely disagree with where I put the quarterbacks. Lets start from the Bottom.....
The Hopeless......
32. Derek Anderson - Arizona Cardinals
An obvious choice for last due to lack of success and lack of a future. He's just not a winner, plain and simple. Ask yourself one question, do you think the Cardinals could have won the worst statistical division of all time (The NFC West champion Seahawks went 7-9......) if Kurt Warner was still their quarterback? I vote yes, which is why Anderson lands here, for lack of excelling in just about anything and laughing about it. Looks like he fooled Ken Wisenhunt.
31. Tavaris Jackson - Minnesota Vikings
The fact that Brad Childress, who likes Brett Favre about as much as......he likes him about as much as....a....big pile of....dirt. I think you get the point, Childress doesn't like Brett Favre AT ALL, about the only thing he hated more than Brett Favre personally was the possibility of Jackson being his starting quarterback. So he had Favre's friends go down and get him, and next thing you know Childress doesn't have a job. But, since Favre is likely done for good this time, the defacto starting quarterback for what seems like the 4th season in a row is Jackson. That is until the Vikings find someone else, because I doubt they will go into next season with Jackson as their starting QB.
30. Jason Campbell - Oakland Raiders
Why the Raiders thought this was a good trade last year is beyond me. As a matter of fact, why most people kept making excuses for this guy for his whole career is a mystery. Tom Cable thought it was a bad trade after week two, benching him in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Guess what happened, the Raiders started to win. Yes, he has had a new offensive coordinator every year, but the fact is he just doesn't get the job done. Regardless of who his coach is, he has never been able to make the throws, and his team never seems to win. Something tells me the two are tied together.
Work needs to be done.......
29. Jimmy Clausen - Carolina Panthers
The best news Clausen has heard in the last year is that Andrew Luck is staying put at Stanford for another year. If you are the Panthers you almost couldn't pass on probably the best Quarterbacking prospect since John Elway. Now that they can't take Luck, QB Blaine Gabbert seems to be a bit of a reach at number 1, meaning Clausen may get another crack at starting next season. To be fair to him, the Panthers were truly all around the worst team in the league, especially the guys protecting Clausen. He may have had a worse year than the guys below him, he's young and can go nowhere but up, so he gets a pass.
28. Alex Smith - San Francisco 49ers
The former number 1 overall pick, 23 draft positions in front of All-Pro QB Aaron Rogers, has not gotten his team in the playoffs since being drafted in 2005. Does he have some ability? Sure, but it doesn't seem to ever translate into his team winning. In a year where the 49ers clearly had the best roster in the worst division in football history, the NFC West, Smith could not lead his team to more than 6 wins, some of which were won by backup Troy Smith. It is unlikely Alex gets too many more opportunities to prove himself, especially with new coach, former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh at the helm.
27. Chad Henne - Miami Dolphins
A big quarterback with a big arm, but unfortunately a low QB IQ. The Dolphins were supposed to be a real threat to both the Patriots and Jets this year, but never got consistent play from their quarterbacks. Henne did not get along with coach Tony Sporano, or his offensive coordinator, but still made too many mistakes and cost the Dolphins games. He is young enough and talented enough to turn into something good, but only if he gets his head more into the game.
26. Donovan McNabb - Washington Redskins
McNabb has had a wonderful career, but this list is for now and going forward, and if last year is an indicator of what may come at the twilight of his career, there is just not much left in the tank. He was benched in favor of Rex Grossman on a team that was 6-10, and obviously didn't see eye to eye with coach Mike Shanahan. McNabb will likely be elsewhere next season where he will try to resurrect his career.
Not too bad......
25. Ryan Fitzpatrick - Buffalo Bills
If not for Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Buffalo Bills would not have won 2 games this season. They ended up winning four (should have been 5, Pittsburgh) but realistically this journeyman QB is not a long term answer. He was efficient and kept the Bills is virtually every game, but they will look for a long term answer sooner than later. Having Fitzpatrick at 25, which seems low, is a real statement as to how good the quarterbacks of the modern era really are.
24. Kyle Orton - Denver Broncos
Although Orton had his best statistical year as a pro, and was a reliable fantasy starter for much of the season, all he really led the Broncos to was the second overall pick in next years draft. Orton would lose his starting job to rookie Tim Tebow late in the year. Orton will find a job somewhere, but if that teams strategy is to just let Orton throw the ball all over the place and never run, I doubt that team will win much either.
23. Colt McCoy - Cleavland Browns
McCoy made real strides this year, and maybe had his best game against the 14-2 Patriots, giving them their last defeat. He seems as though he can manage a game and won't make too many mistakes. He does not try to force throws that he knows he can't make. McCoy might be the answer the Browns have been looking for since they came back in the league.
22. Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford can make any throw, and has shown real signs of what could be a good quarterback. The only problem is that he is always hurt, ultimately hurting his position in these rankings. The jury is still out on Stafford, but you have to wonder whether he will really ever be healthy.
A notch below the best....
21. Carson Palmer - Cincinnati Bengals
There is no question that Palmer has some talent, but ever since that knee injury he suffered against the Steelers in 2006, he has never been the same. He has had the talent surrounding him, but the fact remains that he has never won a playoff game, and after another disappointing season for the Bengals one must wonder how many more chances he's going to get for that organization.
20. Mark Sanchez - New York Jets
There is no question that Mark Sanchez plays the most important position for a team that has made deep playoff runs the last two years, but in my opinion that is not directly because of him. In a lot of ways he hinders the Jets, and seemingly makes more mistakes than great throws. What he does do well is perform in the clutch, but I ask the question, are the Jets in the position where they need him to make the big throws if they have one of the quarterbacks above him on this list?
19. Matt Hasselbeck - Seattle Seahawks
Hasselbeck's performance in last weekends win against the Saints ABSOLUTELY moved him up a few spots on this list. It proved that when reasonably healthy, Hasselbeck can still make the throws when it matters, even when the talent around him frankly isn't there. I don't know how many years he has left, but as of now, his team is still playing, and its not because of their defense.
18. Vince Young - Tennessee Titans
While Young is no longer a Titan, it is safe to say he will be fighting for a job somewhere next year, and most likely will win it. It may not look pretty, but it is seemingly all that Vince Young does and no one can deny it. Not matter how much Jeff Fisher disliked him, after starting 0-6 in the 2009 season, the owner called for Young to start, and when he did the Titans finished the year 8-2. Will a team quarterbacked by Vince Young ever win a Superbowl? I don't know; but a team that struggled last year has absolutely nothing to lose by giving him a chance.
17. David Garrard - Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville will NEVER win a Superbowl with Garrard as their Quarterback. That being said, Garrard has not been that bad for the Jaguars. He seems to be just good enough to keep the Jags in the playoff race every year, but doesn't seem like a guy that will take them over the top.
The Top Half
16. Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears
Some games he looks like he belongs in the top 5, others he looks like he belongs at the bottom, so naturally he lands in the middle. Cutler is a guy who has the talent of Elway, but has a brain full of rocks when it comes to decision making, especially when it matters most. Still, his teams seem to win for the most part; although having the Bears defense can't hurt. He may have the best arm in the league, but you have to have the better head to go along with it.
15. Joe Flacco - Baltimore Ravens
Maybe the most overrated quarterback I have ever seen. Football experts like Jon Clayton "struggled" to keep Flacco out of his elite section that included Manning, Brady, and Brees. Sorry Jon, while he is serviceable, he has the luxury of being surrounded by some of the best players in the league. He has won some playoff games, but I can't really go back to a time where I said "Wow, Flacco really took that game over and won it for Baltimore." He is certainly capable, with a great arm, and above average decision making, but he is nowhere near as good as the elite quarterbacks,
14. Matt Schaub - Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have still never made the playoffs. This year was supposed to be the year, but again, it wasn't. Schaub is a good, accurate quarterback who can make all of the throws you would want him to, but when is he going to win a big game late in the season? Or for that matter when is he going to get his team in a position to win one?
13. Matt Cassel - Kansas City Chiefs
Cassel made great strides this year, proving he belongs as a starting NFL quarterback. As one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league this year, Cassel helped take a Chiefs team that virtually everyone buried before the season started back to the playoffs. His playoff performance was sub par, but it was his first, and it seems as though he is helping the Chiefs to a promising future.
The REALLY Good
12. Josh Freeman - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Freeman seems as though he should have been the first overall selection two years ago, far outshining the two quarterbacks taken in front of him, Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez. Although Sanchez is 3-1 in the playoffs, Freeman has been far more efficient with less talent surrounding him, and the Bucs game plans seemingly run through the young QB. The future is bright for Freeman and the Bucs.
11. Sam Bradford - St. Louis Rams
In his rookie season, the first overall pick almost took what was the worst team in the league last year, to the NFC West crown and a playoff birth. Although he came up a little short, Bradford was nothing short of spectacular with receivers most have never heard of. A rookie quarterback hasn't been this impressive since Big Ben, and everyone knows where he is now....as a player.
10. Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
Romo got hurt early in what was going to be a disappointing season for the Cowboys regardless. What Romo has already shown is that he can make all the throws and has the uncanny ability to keep the play alive. He will be back, and he will be good, unless its the playoffs.
9. Eli Manning - New York Giants
The only reason Eli Manning is in the top 10 is because he has won a Superbowl. He is very erratic and makes too many mistakes to really be an all-time kind of quarterback. Too many interceptions, and too many disappointing seasons since the Superbowl victory. What we do know is this, if he gets there, he can win it and is not afraid of the big moment, just ask the Patriots.
8. Michael Vick - Philadelphia Eagles
I admit, there has never been a quarterback like Vick, EVER. He has a strong arm and feet like Barry Sanders, but something tells me he won't be as effective next season. His body was fresh from not playing much the season before, and not playing at all for 2 years while he was in jail. Due to the way he plays, there is no way he gets through a 16 game season without being injured, never mind an 18 game season. All the talent is there, but in big playoff games he seems to make big mistakes, leaving him out of my top five.
7. Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons
Ryan is a great young talent who will win a lot of regular season games for the Falcons. The problem comes in the playoffs, when he is forced to make throws that aren't really his game. He is a great game manager, and great in close, late games. If Saturday nights game against the Packers should tell us anything, its that Matt Ryan is not Aaron Rogers.
The ELITE
6. Phillip Rivers - San Diego Chargers
Rivers may be the best deep ball quarterback in the game. Unfortunately for him, Norv Turner is still the coach of the Chargers, and his team doesn't seem to want to play the first half of seasons. Rivers has not taken his team over the top, holding him back a little, but Rivers could be the most talented QB in the league, and if surrounded by the proper coaching/player personnel, watch out league.
5. Aaron Rogers - Green Bay Packers
The guys above him on this list have all won Superbowls, so Rogers is really the best who is yet to win one, which could change before long. Every time he drops back you are left with the feeling that a big play is coming, It's almost a relief when you see him hand it off. He is finally starting to win some big games, which should silence many of his critics. Rogers can make every throw and make it with uncanny accuracy, in the pocket or on the move. He is really special, and if he can stay healthy and just slide more often, the Packers are going to be an elite team for years to come.
4. Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
You really can't lose with any of the quarterbacks this high on the list, but I believe Brees is just a little behind the top 3. Brees is a winner, and doesn't let his smaller size hinder his game. Last years Superbowl winning quarterback had a good year again this year, but lost a shocker to Seatle in the first round of the playoffs (mainly due to poor defense) and had too many interceptions this year. Still, look for Brees and the Saints to bounce back strong in 2011.
3. Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts
I know, I know, the quarterback that every ESPN analyst thinks is probably the greatest to ever play is third on my list of current QB's? Simply put, yes. I really don't care how many records this guy has at the end of his career, the only thing that matters to me is Superbowls. Yes, he did win one, but the guys above him have won more than one and are currently looking to add one. Where is Manning? On his couch pouting probably, after losing at home to the Jets. Honestly though, he has no major flaws, he is a brilliant game manager, maybe the best ever, and can make every throw with superb accuracy. Honestly though, he has always had more than enough talent, including this year, to be successful, but the guys ahead of him seem to always come through when it matters most. He is now 9-10 all time in the playoffs, and to me that just doesn't cut it.
2. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers
All the guys does is win, and win in the post season. His numbers won't likely reach those of Brady's and Manning's, but who cares when he keeps winning Superbowls. That is ultimately what I thought playing any sport was about, winning. Ben keeps almost every play alive and throws great a great ball. More importantly, Ben wins games late, most notably the most entertaining Superbowl I can ever remember. Before long he may surpass them all, but for now, he is number two.
1. Tom Brady - New England Patriots
I will start this by saying that I am a Patriots fan, but when it comes to things like this I would consider myself to be unbiased. Many knock how Brady gets it done, most recently hearing that he doesn't throw the deep pass as well as the other quarterbacks. Why would he? His team does nothing but win and opposing teams seem to have a very hard time stopping it. Brady is great at playing to his teams strengths, and for now, the Patirots roster is full of possession receivers. But, for those so soon to forget, when he had the deep threats, he broke the record for touchdown passes in a season with 50. Now that the team is full of possession players, he broke the record for most passes thrown without throwing an interception. He is extremely smart, and can put the ball anywhere 15 yards and in. He is the hands down favorite for MVP and still has 4 or 5 good years to go. Right now, Brady is simply the best.
The Hopeless......
32. Derek Anderson - Arizona Cardinals
An obvious choice for last due to lack of success and lack of a future. He's just not a winner, plain and simple. Ask yourself one question, do you think the Cardinals could have won the worst statistical division of all time (The NFC West champion Seahawks went 7-9......) if Kurt Warner was still their quarterback? I vote yes, which is why Anderson lands here, for lack of excelling in just about anything and laughing about it. Looks like he fooled Ken Wisenhunt.
31. Tavaris Jackson - Minnesota Vikings
The fact that Brad Childress, who likes Brett Favre about as much as......he likes him about as much as....a....big pile of....dirt. I think you get the point, Childress doesn't like Brett Favre AT ALL, about the only thing he hated more than Brett Favre personally was the possibility of Jackson being his starting quarterback. So he had Favre's friends go down and get him, and next thing you know Childress doesn't have a job. But, since Favre is likely done for good this time, the defacto starting quarterback for what seems like the 4th season in a row is Jackson. That is until the Vikings find someone else, because I doubt they will go into next season with Jackson as their starting QB.
30. Jason Campbell - Oakland Raiders
Why the Raiders thought this was a good trade last year is beyond me. As a matter of fact, why most people kept making excuses for this guy for his whole career is a mystery. Tom Cable thought it was a bad trade after week two, benching him in favor of Bruce Gradkowski. Guess what happened, the Raiders started to win. Yes, he has had a new offensive coordinator every year, but the fact is he just doesn't get the job done. Regardless of who his coach is, he has never been able to make the throws, and his team never seems to win. Something tells me the two are tied together.
Work needs to be done.......
29. Jimmy Clausen - Carolina Panthers
The best news Clausen has heard in the last year is that Andrew Luck is staying put at Stanford for another year. If you are the Panthers you almost couldn't pass on probably the best Quarterbacking prospect since John Elway. Now that they can't take Luck, QB Blaine Gabbert seems to be a bit of a reach at number 1, meaning Clausen may get another crack at starting next season. To be fair to him, the Panthers were truly all around the worst team in the league, especially the guys protecting Clausen. He may have had a worse year than the guys below him, he's young and can go nowhere but up, so he gets a pass.
28. Alex Smith - San Francisco 49ers
The former number 1 overall pick, 23 draft positions in front of All-Pro QB Aaron Rogers, has not gotten his team in the playoffs since being drafted in 2005. Does he have some ability? Sure, but it doesn't seem to ever translate into his team winning. In a year where the 49ers clearly had the best roster in the worst division in football history, the NFC West, Smith could not lead his team to more than 6 wins, some of which were won by backup Troy Smith. It is unlikely Alex gets too many more opportunities to prove himself, especially with new coach, former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh at the helm.
27. Chad Henne - Miami Dolphins
A big quarterback with a big arm, but unfortunately a low QB IQ. The Dolphins were supposed to be a real threat to both the Patriots and Jets this year, but never got consistent play from their quarterbacks. Henne did not get along with coach Tony Sporano, or his offensive coordinator, but still made too many mistakes and cost the Dolphins games. He is young enough and talented enough to turn into something good, but only if he gets his head more into the game.
26. Donovan McNabb - Washington Redskins
McNabb has had a wonderful career, but this list is for now and going forward, and if last year is an indicator of what may come at the twilight of his career, there is just not much left in the tank. He was benched in favor of Rex Grossman on a team that was 6-10, and obviously didn't see eye to eye with coach Mike Shanahan. McNabb will likely be elsewhere next season where he will try to resurrect his career.
Not too bad......
25. Ryan Fitzpatrick - Buffalo Bills
If not for Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Buffalo Bills would not have won 2 games this season. They ended up winning four (should have been 5, Pittsburgh) but realistically this journeyman QB is not a long term answer. He was efficient and kept the Bills is virtually every game, but they will look for a long term answer sooner than later. Having Fitzpatrick at 25, which seems low, is a real statement as to how good the quarterbacks of the modern era really are.
24. Kyle Orton - Denver Broncos
Although Orton had his best statistical year as a pro, and was a reliable fantasy starter for much of the season, all he really led the Broncos to was the second overall pick in next years draft. Orton would lose his starting job to rookie Tim Tebow late in the year. Orton will find a job somewhere, but if that teams strategy is to just let Orton throw the ball all over the place and never run, I doubt that team will win much either.
23. Colt McCoy - Cleavland Browns
McCoy made real strides this year, and maybe had his best game against the 14-2 Patriots, giving them their last defeat. He seems as though he can manage a game and won't make too many mistakes. He does not try to force throws that he knows he can't make. McCoy might be the answer the Browns have been looking for since they came back in the league.
22. Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford can make any throw, and has shown real signs of what could be a good quarterback. The only problem is that he is always hurt, ultimately hurting his position in these rankings. The jury is still out on Stafford, but you have to wonder whether he will really ever be healthy.
A notch below the best....
21. Carson Palmer - Cincinnati Bengals
There is no question that Palmer has some talent, but ever since that knee injury he suffered against the Steelers in 2006, he has never been the same. He has had the talent surrounding him, but the fact remains that he has never won a playoff game, and after another disappointing season for the Bengals one must wonder how many more chances he's going to get for that organization.
20. Mark Sanchez - New York Jets
There is no question that Mark Sanchez plays the most important position for a team that has made deep playoff runs the last two years, but in my opinion that is not directly because of him. In a lot of ways he hinders the Jets, and seemingly makes more mistakes than great throws. What he does do well is perform in the clutch, but I ask the question, are the Jets in the position where they need him to make the big throws if they have one of the quarterbacks above him on this list?
19. Matt Hasselbeck - Seattle Seahawks
Hasselbeck's performance in last weekends win against the Saints ABSOLUTELY moved him up a few spots on this list. It proved that when reasonably healthy, Hasselbeck can still make the throws when it matters, even when the talent around him frankly isn't there. I don't know how many years he has left, but as of now, his team is still playing, and its not because of their defense.
18. Vince Young - Tennessee Titans
While Young is no longer a Titan, it is safe to say he will be fighting for a job somewhere next year, and most likely will win it. It may not look pretty, but it is seemingly all that Vince Young does and no one can deny it. Not matter how much Jeff Fisher disliked him, after starting 0-6 in the 2009 season, the owner called for Young to start, and when he did the Titans finished the year 8-2. Will a team quarterbacked by Vince Young ever win a Superbowl? I don't know; but a team that struggled last year has absolutely nothing to lose by giving him a chance.
17. David Garrard - Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville will NEVER win a Superbowl with Garrard as their Quarterback. That being said, Garrard has not been that bad for the Jaguars. He seems to be just good enough to keep the Jags in the playoff race every year, but doesn't seem like a guy that will take them over the top.
The Top Half
16. Jay Cutler - Chicago Bears
Some games he looks like he belongs in the top 5, others he looks like he belongs at the bottom, so naturally he lands in the middle. Cutler is a guy who has the talent of Elway, but has a brain full of rocks when it comes to decision making, especially when it matters most. Still, his teams seem to win for the most part; although having the Bears defense can't hurt. He may have the best arm in the league, but you have to have the better head to go along with it.
15. Joe Flacco - Baltimore Ravens
Maybe the most overrated quarterback I have ever seen. Football experts like Jon Clayton "struggled" to keep Flacco out of his elite section that included Manning, Brady, and Brees. Sorry Jon, while he is serviceable, he has the luxury of being surrounded by some of the best players in the league. He has won some playoff games, but I can't really go back to a time where I said "Wow, Flacco really took that game over and won it for Baltimore." He is certainly capable, with a great arm, and above average decision making, but he is nowhere near as good as the elite quarterbacks,
14. Matt Schaub - Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have still never made the playoffs. This year was supposed to be the year, but again, it wasn't. Schaub is a good, accurate quarterback who can make all of the throws you would want him to, but when is he going to win a big game late in the season? Or for that matter when is he going to get his team in a position to win one?
13. Matt Cassel - Kansas City Chiefs
Cassel made great strides this year, proving he belongs as a starting NFL quarterback. As one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league this year, Cassel helped take a Chiefs team that virtually everyone buried before the season started back to the playoffs. His playoff performance was sub par, but it was his first, and it seems as though he is helping the Chiefs to a promising future.
The REALLY Good
12. Josh Freeman - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Freeman seems as though he should have been the first overall selection two years ago, far outshining the two quarterbacks taken in front of him, Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez. Although Sanchez is 3-1 in the playoffs, Freeman has been far more efficient with less talent surrounding him, and the Bucs game plans seemingly run through the young QB. The future is bright for Freeman and the Bucs.
11. Sam Bradford - St. Louis Rams
In his rookie season, the first overall pick almost took what was the worst team in the league last year, to the NFC West crown and a playoff birth. Although he came up a little short, Bradford was nothing short of spectacular with receivers most have never heard of. A rookie quarterback hasn't been this impressive since Big Ben, and everyone knows where he is now....as a player.
10. Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
Romo got hurt early in what was going to be a disappointing season for the Cowboys regardless. What Romo has already shown is that he can make all the throws and has the uncanny ability to keep the play alive. He will be back, and he will be good, unless its the playoffs.
9. Eli Manning - New York Giants
The only reason Eli Manning is in the top 10 is because he has won a Superbowl. He is very erratic and makes too many mistakes to really be an all-time kind of quarterback. Too many interceptions, and too many disappointing seasons since the Superbowl victory. What we do know is this, if he gets there, he can win it and is not afraid of the big moment, just ask the Patriots.
8. Michael Vick - Philadelphia Eagles
I admit, there has never been a quarterback like Vick, EVER. He has a strong arm and feet like Barry Sanders, but something tells me he won't be as effective next season. His body was fresh from not playing much the season before, and not playing at all for 2 years while he was in jail. Due to the way he plays, there is no way he gets through a 16 game season without being injured, never mind an 18 game season. All the talent is there, but in big playoff games he seems to make big mistakes, leaving him out of my top five.
7. Matt Ryan - Atlanta Falcons
Ryan is a great young talent who will win a lot of regular season games for the Falcons. The problem comes in the playoffs, when he is forced to make throws that aren't really his game. He is a great game manager, and great in close, late games. If Saturday nights game against the Packers should tell us anything, its that Matt Ryan is not Aaron Rogers.
The ELITE
6. Phillip Rivers - San Diego Chargers
Rivers may be the best deep ball quarterback in the game. Unfortunately for him, Norv Turner is still the coach of the Chargers, and his team doesn't seem to want to play the first half of seasons. Rivers has not taken his team over the top, holding him back a little, but Rivers could be the most talented QB in the league, and if surrounded by the proper coaching/player personnel, watch out league.
5. Aaron Rogers - Green Bay Packers
The guys above him on this list have all won Superbowls, so Rogers is really the best who is yet to win one, which could change before long. Every time he drops back you are left with the feeling that a big play is coming, It's almost a relief when you see him hand it off. He is finally starting to win some big games, which should silence many of his critics. Rogers can make every throw and make it with uncanny accuracy, in the pocket or on the move. He is really special, and if he can stay healthy and just slide more often, the Packers are going to be an elite team for years to come.
4. Drew Brees - New Orleans Saints
You really can't lose with any of the quarterbacks this high on the list, but I believe Brees is just a little behind the top 3. Brees is a winner, and doesn't let his smaller size hinder his game. Last years Superbowl winning quarterback had a good year again this year, but lost a shocker to Seatle in the first round of the playoffs (mainly due to poor defense) and had too many interceptions this year. Still, look for Brees and the Saints to bounce back strong in 2011.
3. Peyton Manning - Indianapolis Colts
I know, I know, the quarterback that every ESPN analyst thinks is probably the greatest to ever play is third on my list of current QB's? Simply put, yes. I really don't care how many records this guy has at the end of his career, the only thing that matters to me is Superbowls. Yes, he did win one, but the guys above him have won more than one and are currently looking to add one. Where is Manning? On his couch pouting probably, after losing at home to the Jets. Honestly though, he has no major flaws, he is a brilliant game manager, maybe the best ever, and can make every throw with superb accuracy. Honestly though, he has always had more than enough talent, including this year, to be successful, but the guys ahead of him seem to always come through when it matters most. He is now 9-10 all time in the playoffs, and to me that just doesn't cut it.
2. Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers
All the guys does is win, and win in the post season. His numbers won't likely reach those of Brady's and Manning's, but who cares when he keeps winning Superbowls. That is ultimately what I thought playing any sport was about, winning. Ben keeps almost every play alive and throws great a great ball. More importantly, Ben wins games late, most notably the most entertaining Superbowl I can ever remember. Before long he may surpass them all, but for now, he is number two.
1. Tom Brady - New England Patriots
I will start this by saying that I am a Patriots fan, but when it comes to things like this I would consider myself to be unbiased. Many knock how Brady gets it done, most recently hearing that he doesn't throw the deep pass as well as the other quarterbacks. Why would he? His team does nothing but win and opposing teams seem to have a very hard time stopping it. Brady is great at playing to his teams strengths, and for now, the Patirots roster is full of possession receivers. But, for those so soon to forget, when he had the deep threats, he broke the record for touchdown passes in a season with 50. Now that the team is full of possession players, he broke the record for most passes thrown without throwing an interception. He is extremely smart, and can put the ball anywhere 15 yards and in. He is the hands down favorite for MVP and still has 4 or 5 good years to go. Right now, Brady is simply the best.
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