Athlon Sports QB Power Rankings

[Quesadilla Joe]

2012 NFL Quarterbacks: Ranking the Best and Worst Starters

Ranking NFL quarterbacks is difficult and the criterion endless.

Montana versus Johnny-U versus Elway versus Favre? Is winning championships all that matters? What about statistical production and re-writing the record books? What about pure, raw, God-given athletic ability (looking at you Elway)? Or are intangibles and leadership ability more important?

To truly and objectively rank quarterbacks all of the above must be used to evaluate a player. I have attempted to rank all 32 starting quarterbacks in the NFL season for the 2012 year. This means, I don’t get a 22-year-old Peyton Manning or a 32-year-old Cam Newton.

So I put my general manager's hat on and asked this question:

If my goal is to win the Lombardi Trophy in 2012, who do I want running my offense?

Note: Age is at time of start of 2012 season

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay (Age: 28, Record: 41-21)
2011 Stats: 4,643 yards, 45 TD, 6 INT, 257 rush yards, 3 TD

There is little debate on who is the best quarterback on the planet right now. Rodgers came close to multiple single-season NFL records in 2011 until sitting out the final game of the year. Nevertheless, his 122.5 QB rating broke an NFL record and his career 104.1 QB rating is the highest in the history of the sport. He has the arm strength, the athleticism, the leadership, the championship ring and is only 28 years old.

2. Tom Brady, New England (Age: 35, Record: 124-35)
2011 Stats: 5,235 yards, 39 TD, 12 INT, 109 rush yards, 3 TD

The starting record is staggering as Mr. GQ enters his 13th NFL season. He has led the Patriots to five Super Bowls, an undefeated regular season and has turned plenty of also-ran wide receivers into Super Bowl MVPs. He would have shattered Dan Marino’s single-season passing yards record last fall had it not been for Drew Brees, and is the only QB to ever throw 50 touchdowns in a season (2007). Needless to say, Brady still has what it takes to be the best despite turning 35 in August.

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans (Age: 33, Record: 92-61)
2011 Stats: 5,476 yards, 46 TD, 14 INT, 86 rush yards, TD

His yardage total from last year speaks for itself. The Austin (Texas) Westlake product has led the NFL in completion percentage three years running and the has led the league in yards and touchdowns three times each. He has the championship ring and leadership skills to overcome his overall lack of raw physical skills (he is listed generously at 6-foot).

4. Eli Manning, New York Giants (Age: 31, Record: 69-50)
2011 Stats: 4,933 yards, 29 TD, 16 INT, 15 rush yards, TD

He has not been doing it as long or at high a level as his older brother, but Eli is the defending Super Bowl champion – for a second time. He set a career high in yards last fall by nearly 1,000 yards and has proven to be as clutch as any player in the playoffs. When he finally learns to cut down on his interceptions, he could easily find himself atop this list. Additionally, he hasn’t missed a start since taking over as the Giants starter in Week 10 of 2004 — that is 119 straight regular-season starts if you are counting at home.

5. Peyton Manning, Denver (Age: 36, Record: 141-67)
2011 Stats: None

If not for four (that we know of) neck surgeries and a new area code, the elder Manning would be no lower than No. 2 on this list. But there are still question marks surrounding No. 18’s ability to return to his Hall of Fame effectiveness. If he returns to full health, even at 36 years old, he is securely in the Top 3.

6. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (Age: 30, Record: 80-33)
2011 Stats: 4,077 yards, 21 TD, 14 INT, 70 rush yards

Big Ben is an interesting case study as there feels like a clear drop-off after the Top 5. Statistically, he has never been one of the league’s elite passers, topping 20 touchdowns only three times with only one season of at least 30 scoring strikes. He has also missed five games over the last three years and has only started all 16 games in a year one time (2008). That said, he also is as tough a customer as there is in the game today and has two World Championships to prove it. Oh yeah, he also has won more than 70 percent of his games to this point.

7. Matthew Stafford, Detroit (Age: 24, Record: 13-16)
2011 Stats: 5,038 yards, 41 TD, 16 INT, 78 rush yards

The word projection comes to mind when trying to place Stafford. There are few quarterbacks with as much physical talent as the former Georgia Bulldog and he likely has the biggest arm in the game today. He also has played one full season as a starter — one that saw the Lions make the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and was littered with passing and receiving team records. Health is really the only issue surrounding the Lions passer, as he played only 13 of his first 32 possible games before last year's breakout performance.

8. Tony Romo, Dallas (Age: 32, Record: 47-30)
2011 Stats: 4,184 yards, 31 TD, 10 INT, 46 rush yards, TD

Few players are more scrutinized in football than Romo. But after missing most of the 2010 season, he did his best to lead a team that lacked depth and had changed coaches to within one win of the NFC East crown. He posted his best statistical year last fall and feels like a young 32 — having begun his starting career at age 26 back in 2006. He is a classic overachiever, but is as tough as they come and is a quality leader. He needs to add to his one career playoff win to move up this list, however.

9. Philip Rivers, San Diego (Age: 30, Record: 63-33)
2011 Stats: 4,624 yards, 27 TD, 20 INT, 36 rush yards, TD

The word knucklehead quickly crops up when talking about Mr. Rivers. He constantly runs his mouth and sometimes his temper can get the best of him. But he also produces big numbers — four straight seasons above 4,000 yards — and wins a lot of games — he made the playoffs in each of his first four seasons as the starter. Yet, he has never been able to get his very talented teams into the big game and turned the ball over 25 times last fall. A return to the postseason this fall cements Rivers as one of the league’s top 10 signal callers.

10. Matt Ryan, Atlanta (Age: 27, Record: 43-19)
2011 Stats: 4,177 yards, 29 TD, 12 INT, 84 rush yards, 2 TD

When it comes to the NFL’s best it feels like Ryan is consistently overlooked. But his numbers play on any roster and his win-loss record is pristine. He has never had a losing season and has only missed the postseason once (at 10-6 nonetheless). He has improved his touchdown total four straight seasons (16, 22, 28, 29) and has increased his yards three straight years. He is a consummate professional who quietly accounted for 31 total touchdowns a year ago. Ryan has missed two games in his career and is about to enter his prime.


15. Carson Palmer, Oakland (Age: 32, Record: 50-56)
2011 Stats: 2,753 yards, 13 TD, 16 INT, 20 rush yards, TD (9 games)

Not just anyone could walk into Cincinnati and turn the Bengals into a perennial playoff contender but that is essentially what the No. 1 overall pick did in 2003. Cincy lost at least 10 games in five straight seasons before drafting Palmer. By 2005, the Bengals had their first winning season since 1988. In fact, Cincy has three postseason appearances since 1990 and two have come on the strong right arm of Palmer. After a brief six-game hiatus, all he did last year in Oakland (for a lame duck coach) was post his highest yards-per-game total of his career (275.3 ypg). At 32 years old, he still has plenty left in the 6-foot-5, 235-pound tank.



31. Matt Cassel, Kansas City (Age: 30, Record: 28-26)
2011 Stats: 1,713 yards, 10 TD, 9 INT, 99 rush yards (9 games)

The story is well-known: Cassel didn’t start a game at USC, sat behind Brady, went 10-5 when called upon in New England and parlayed one year into a big contract. Yet, he is a career 59.0 percent passer, is 18-21 as the Chiefs' starter with 32 interceptions and 22 fumbles over that span and has had major injury issues. Cassel has one more year to prove he is the franchise quarterback in KC

http://www.athlonsports.com/nfl/rank...rterbacks-2012

The rest is at the link, too many characters to post the entire thing.

[tredadda]

Originally Posted by Dylan

If you step out of the box, you have to actually learn something about what it takes to win in the postseason and what it takes to win a Super Bowl.

Now, for all of Peyton's incredible regular season games in recent years, he has failed to live up to expectations in the postseason. EVERY single year that he's been there except when he won the Super Bowl, Peyton has choked.

1999 Colts lose 23-17 in OT to the Dolphins
Result: The Colts generated 11 points off Fiedler's interceptions but put a total of just 17 on the board.

2000 Colts lose 19-16 to Tennessee.
Result: Manning chokes. Colts lose, 19-16.

2003 Colts lose 41-0 to the NY Jets
Result: (14 for 31, 137 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs and failed to put a single point on the board. Manning chokes. Colts lose, 41-0.

2004 Colts lose 24-14 to the New England Patriots
Result: AFC title game against New England. Manning threw four interceptions. Manning chokes. Colts lose, 24-14

2005 Colts lose 20-3 to the New England Patriots
Result: Peyton 27 of 42 passes for 238 yards with 0 TDs and 1 INT. Manning chokes. Colts lose, 20-3 .

2006 Super Bowl Colts win 29-17 to the Chicago Bears
Result: When the Colts switched to a two back set in 2006, the backs both had amazing postseasons.

2007 Colts 24-28 lose to the San Diego Chargers
Result: Peyton 33 of 48 passes for 402 yards with 3 TDs and 2 INT. Manning chokes. Colts lose 28-24

2008 Colts 17-23 lose (Wildcard) to the San Diego Chargers
Result: Peyton 25 of 42 passes for 310 yards 1 TD and 0 INT. Manning chokes. Colts lose 23-17

2009 Super Bowl Colts 17-31 lose to the New Orleans Saints
Result: Peyton 31 of 45 passes for 333 yards 1 TD and 1 INT. Manning chokes.
Colts lose 31-17

2010 Colts lose 17-16 (Wildcard) to the New York Jets
Result: Peyton 18 of 26 passes for 225 yards 1 TD 0 INT. Manning chokes.
J.C. if you lose to Mark Sanchez, you damn better know you choked BIG time.

That is all.

Source: http://www.pro-football-reference.co...r_by=game_date

Careful showing scores like that! You might just discredit those who want to always blame the Colts defense for Peyton's playoff woes.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by tredadda

Careful showing scores like that! You might just discredit those who want to always blame the Colts defense for Peyton's playoff woes.

tredadda:

I got the defense issue covered.

To start - and this is only the start:

In the Manning era, the Colts have fielded two truly Super Bowl caliber defenses: 2005 and 2007. The 2005 team lost in the playoffs when the offensive line utterly collapsed - The choking of the Peyton Manning era in detail will be continued, only because I'm tired right now.

[Dylan]

...and to all a good night.

[WhiteWhale]

Originally Posted by Gadzooks

I would take Rivers over Eli especially considering they got draft picks to boot.
You do realize that Eli and his Daddy didn't allow for any other option.
As I understand, the Chargers had Rivers rated higher than Eli and knew the gnats GM would give up a lot to get him.
Rivers is a better QB. He just needs a defense.

Rivers could help his own chances by not turning the ball over in every playoff game he's ever played in.

His regular season stats contrast greatly with his playoff numbers, and not in the same way that Eli's regular season/post season numbers contrast.

[Quesadilla Joe]

Can everyone here at least admit that Eli is not as good as Brady, Brees, Peyton, and Rodgers?

More clutch than some of them, maybe. But he doesn't pick you apart game after game, week after week like those guys do.

There is a significant gap in my eyes between the top 4 and everyone else IMO.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Dylan

Oh, thanks SNR! I get them mixed up. Raider-ettes / Donkeys.

I swear, they are worse than Eagles and Cowboys' fans! At least their fans make sense most of the time.

To Knowmo:

Who's the big brother now?

And, it's not broken neck!

Unless he wins another Super Bowl and ties his brother!

Knowmo, You take your fantasy stats, We'll take our Super Bowl wins any day.

Nice. I like this....Dylan/Gruden

[kcxiv]

2010 Colts lose 17-16 (Wildcard) to the New York Jets
Result: Peyton 18 of 26 passes for 225 yards 1 TD 0 INT. Manning chokes.
J.C. if you lose to Mark Sanchez, you damn better know you choked BIG time.

If Cassel throws for 225 yards 1 td and 0 interceptions on 18-26, thats a ****ing great game from him. lol Peyton? its a Choke. haha Whats even more ****ed up, is that, its more then likely a win for the Chiefs if that happens. lol

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Can everyone here at least admit that Eli is not as good as Brady, Brees, Peyton, and Rodgers?

More clutch than some of them, maybe. But he doesn't pick you apart game after game, week after week like those guys do.

There is a significant gap in my eyes between the top 4 and everyone else IMO.

The guy with a broken neck isn't a top 5 QB anymore either....He didn't find the foutain of youth and return to a healthy lad in his mid late 20's

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by PGM

The guy with a broken neck isn't a top 5 QB anymore either....He's not in his late 20's any more.

You don't know that to be a fact. Until he plays you have to assume he is the Peyton Manning of old. He hasn't shown otherwise.

[kcxiv]

The good thing is training camp is 3 weeks away and FOOOTBALL IS back on!

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by Fruit Ninja

2010 Colts lose 17-16 (Wildcard) to the New York Jets
Result: Peyton 18 of 26 passes for 225 yards 1 TD 0 INT. Manning chokes.
J.C. if you lose to Mark Sanchez, you damn better know you choked BIG time.

If Cassel throws for 225 yards 1 td and 0 interceptions on 18-26, thats a ****ing great game from him. lol Peyton? its a Choke. haha Whats even more ****ed up, is that, its more then likely a win for the Chiefs if that happens. lol

The Colts won 10 games in 2010 with Manning and 2 games without him. Seems to me he did all he could but didn't get help from anyone else on his team.

[kcxiv]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

The Colts won 10 games in 2010 with Manning and 2 games without him. Seems to me he did all he could but didn't get help from anyone else on his team.

ooh, i agree, he had to do alot of what John Elway did early in his career, because he never really had a running game. The guys he had werent all that great imo. Im not hard on Peyton like some others are.

That team was built on pure wrs's and Defensive ends and hoped Peyton can just throw for 4 touch downs a game lol

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

You don't know that to be a fact. Until he plays you have to assume he is the Peyton Manning of old. He hasn't shown otherwise.

I will assume jack and shit. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't make it out of preseason.

[007]

Originally Posted by BoneKrusher

with the Chiefs rushing attack for the 2012 season, quarterbacking the chiefs should be so easy a caveman could do it.

Then get a caveman here because Cassel isn't as good.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

I don't think Big Ben is on the block...