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.

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by PGM

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

Why wouldn't he make it out of the preseason? He is at no greater risk to injury than anyone else.

The nerves in his arm is what kept him out last year. He couldn't throw the ball 20 yards last September, he can throw it 50 yards now.

[Dylan]

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.

Right there - End of story - Knowmo takes Phil "Choke" Rivers over Eli Manning. Rivers is "Peyton Lite" - Phillip had his chances - And he choked!

There is no helping this guy - full stop.

Here you go:
This is Ernie Acorsi’s 2003 scouting report to the Mara family on why the NY Giants should reach out for Eli Manning. Incredibly accurate insights. - Bless his little heart

Subject: Arcorsi’s note to Mara from Ole Miss from 2003:

http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2012/02...Big+Picture%29

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Why wouldn't he make it out of the preseason? He is at no greater risk to injury than anyone else.

The nerves in his arm is what kept him out last year. He couldn't throw the ball 20 yards last September, he can throw it 50 yards now.

One hit and he may decide it isn't worth it. He's had a long career, made enough money, and lil bro has already clinched winning more titles. It's close to pasture time.

[Dylan]

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.

Games during the season qualify you for the playoffs – It is what you do after that that defines your career.

That's it in a nutshell!



Good Lord, It's too early in the morning - I gotta go back to bed and get ready for Daytona! You know Knowmo - those fearless men behind the wheel of a race car going over 212 mph bumper to bumper, hearts pounding, knuckles white - it takes is one mistake - and mistakes will be made - It's called the "Big One" - cars go airborne - sparks flying - a couple catch fire - a blur - a sea of carnage - half the field gone - it takes your breath away - your heart is pounding - you become nauseous - and finally, as you come to your senses - you ask yourself - did your driver make it out alive?

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by PGM

One hit and he may decide it isn't worth it. He's had a long career, made enough money, and lil bro has already clinched winning more titles. It's close to pasture time.

You underestimate how much Peyton Manning loves football. The guy eats, sleeps, and breathes football 24/7 365. There has never been a player in the NFL who loved playing football more than Peyton. If Peyton had it his way he would probably play until he is 50.

This guy flew to Europe so he could get stem cell treatment so he could play in the NFL again.

[milkman]

If I had my choice of any QB to lead my team, Aaron Rodgers is my first choice, Eli Manning is my second.

I don't give a rat's ass what you do in the regular season.

When it's time to get on the biggest stage and face the brightest lights, Eli Manning delivers.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

You underestimate how much Peyton Manning loves football. The guy eats, sleeps, and breathes football 24/7 365. There has never been a player in the NFL who loved playing football more than Peyton. If Peyton had it his way he would probably play until he is 50.

This guy flew to Europe so he could get stem cell treatment so he could play in the NFL again.

He can love it all he wants. Father time and becoming a shell of your former self awaits us all.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

You underestimate how much Peyton Manning loves football. The guy eats, sleeps, and breathes football 24/7 365. There has never been a player in the NFL who loved playing football more than Peyton. If Peyton had it his way he would probably play until he is 50.

This guy flew to Europe so he could get stem cell treatment so he could play in the NFL again.

You were telling us in November that nobody loves football more than Tim Tebow. Before that it was Von Miller. Before that it was Champ Bailey. Before that it was whatever shit TE it was that you drafted

[tredadda]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

You underestimate how much Peyton Manning loves football. The guy eats, sleeps, and breathes football 24/7 365. There has never been a player in the NFL who loved playing football more than Peyton. If Peyton had it his way he would probably play until he is 50.

This guy flew to Europe so he could get stem cell treatment so he could play in the NFL again.

Are you like Peyton's agent or his PR guy?

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by tredadda

Are you like Peyton's agent or his PR guy?

Fluffer...

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by SNR

You were telling us in November that nobody loves football more than Tim Tebow. Before that it was Von Miller. Before that it was Champ Bailey. Before that it was whatever shit TE it was that you drafted

I said Tebow has the best work ethic in the NFL. Ever since he got traded more and more reports have came out saying that while Tebow did have a fantastic work ethic, he spent too much of his time focusing on weight lifting rather than watching film or working on mechanics.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Why wouldn't he make it out of the preseason? He is at no greater risk to injury than anyone else.

The nerves in his arm is what kept him out last year. He couldn't throw the ball 20 yards last September, he can throw it 50 yards now.

50 yards?! Oooo!

18 years ago I could throw it 50 yards.

Matt Cassel can chuck it 60.

LOL

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

I said Tebow has the best work ethic in the NFL. Ever since he got traded more and more reports have came out saying that while Tebow did have a fantastic work ethic, he spent too much of his time focusing on weight lifting rather than watching film or working on mechanics.

Homer Central.

[BigMeatballDave]

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.

He's missed an entire season.

He has completely new teammates.

Its foolish to assume he's the Peyton of old.

[Quesadilla Joe]

Originally Posted by Dave

50 yards?! Oooo!

18 years ago I could throw it 50 yards.

Matt Cassel can chuck it 60.

LOL

I was just saying that he has made a lot of progress over the past year. His arm strength is back, he is just as smart as ever, and his ball placement is still the best in the business.