Top Ten NFL Quarterbacks

While listening to the analysis of Superbowl XLV I started to realize something . A Superbowl win for a quarterback might be more important than his body of work in the mind of the general public. There are many great quarterbacks who never won a Superbowl. A few that come to mind are Jim Kelly, Warren Moon, Fran Tarkenton, and Dan Marino. Great quarterbacks all in their own right but were never able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Why are their accomplishments diminished because their teams could not finish the season as champions? It is beyond me.
Anyways, here are my top ten NFL quarterbacks today
1. Tom Brady-Brady is the best as an all around quarterback. He has great pocket awareness, exceptional footwork, great mechanics, a wonderful throwing motion, a quick release, and an accurate powerful cannon. He has won three Superbowl trophies but has yet to win a fourth while getting better each year. Does this diminish him? I think not.
2. Peyton Manning-There has never been another quarterback in the history of the NFL like Peyton Manning. He is the most entertaining quarterback on and off the field. His ability to read a defense is second to none. His motions and footwork are unorthodox but his results speak for themselves. Without Peyton Manning the Colts are a 6-10 team at best. Under Manning the Colts won 12 games or more in an NFL record seven straight seasons. The previous record was four. He has won four MVP awards and is 1-1 in Superbowl games. His lone Superbowl came in a down year for Manning. Showing once again great players need great teams to win championships.
3. Drew Brees-Brees may be less than six feet tall but can hurl it with the best of them. In Sean Payton's system Brees has thrown for more completions, yards, and touchdowns than any other quarterback in the last five years. His anticipation is tremendous. He sees the field as well as any quarterback in NFL history. While Sean Payton's on side kick may have stole another Superbowl for Manning and the Colts. The picture of Drew Brees and his son celebrating after the game will stay in our minds forever.
4. Phillip Rivers-I hate Phillip Rivers more than any other quarterback in the NFL. Partly because he plays with a team that dominates the Colts. Rivers has an odd release but is strong in the pocket, avoids sacks while lolling you to sleep, and fires the ball down field with accuracy with the best of them. He is the most debatable quarterback on my list in term of position. His teams have struggled but Rivers is not to blame for any of that.
5. Aaron Rodgers-Many people may think I placed Rodgers at five and Roethlisberger at six because of last weeks game. I love to listen to Ron Jaworski. His evaluation of NFL game film is my manna from heaven. Jaws stated that he believes that Rodgers has the quickest release coupled with the most accurate quarterback. I agree 100% with this evaluation. Marino may have been quicker but not as accurate. Rodger has the "IT" quality you crave at the starting quarterback position in the NFL. His mobility is great and there is not another quarterback who can hit a seem route better than Rodger in the game today(ask Troy Polamalu).
6. Ben Roethlisberger-Big Ben is a scum bag of a human being. I don't think many would disagree with that. However, Ben is a great quarterback who I would love to have on my team for a big game. Ben has dropped to six on my list because of one thing...accuracy. Ben misses a lot of open receivers and does not lead them to open space. Mike Wallace is one of the fastest players in the NFL. In 2010 He had 60 receptions for 1257 yards receiving and avg 21.0 yards per catch. After all of that he only had 364 yards after catch. Ben needs to lead him to better spots for bigger plays. Many will argue that Roethlisberger has two rings and three Superbowl appearances in the last six years. Ben plays with an elite defense. Not a good defense but an all-time elite defense. In all three Superbowls he has been outplayed by his opponents quarterback. He did lead his team to a game winning Superbowl drive against Arizona. That is why number six suits Big Ben the best.
7. Matt Ryan-Matty Ice is a cool quarterback who is still getting better. Many will argue that Vick is better and I tend to agree. However, let Mike Vick show he can play 16 games. If the league goes to an 18 games schedule Vick will need a miracle to survive. Ryan is accurate and very bright. He has great pocket awareness and excellent footwork. His arm is strong and will not throw the ball where it does not belong.
8. Michael Vick-Michael Vick is the most electric football player ever!!! Many people say Reggie Bush at USC was the most dominant any one has seen a football player be. Vick does this in the NFL. He rushed for 1,000 yards as a quarterback in a single season. While his stats lack his play making ability is off the charts. Warren Sapp called his play, "The best football he had ever seen in his life." That is high praise from a proud man. If Vick could play a full season.....well he can't. Next time you watch Vick play think about how exhausting it is. It is hard to watch. I get tired watching him. Imagine being him! An NFL season is 16 games. Michael Vick's season is 12 games at best. I love to watch him but his style of play is limited. He could rise with the new style of play but Michael Vick is Michael Vick.
9. Matt Schaub-Matt Schaub has had great stats in Houston. He has a great receiver in Andre Johnson but he throws touchdowns and limits interceptions. He is accurate and mobile. His team needs to learn to win but his play is not the reason for their blunders. It also doesn't help that they play in the same division as the Indianapolis Colts.
10. Tony Romo-Number ten on a list is always hard. Tony Romo has many improvement to make in his game. However, Romo is play maker who makes plays. He does throw too many interceptions but he makes plays when needed. He also fumbles more than I would like but his mobility allows him to once again make plays. Romo is a leader who is waiting to burst at the seems. I wanted to put Flacco at ten. He is 4-3 in his first three seasons in the playoffs. They are all road games. Once again his defense is elite. Take Flacco if you want, take Cutler or even Eli Manning. He won a Superbowl. I'll take Romo.
Best of the Rest
Joe Flacco
Jay Cutler
Matt Cassel
Eli Manning
Mark Sanchez
Sam Bradford
Josh Freeman
If any thinks about Carson Palmer go get your head checked. Palmer was a rising star but has burnt out in a big way!!!!