Football Athlon Sports QB Power Rankings - Page 14

Quesadilla Joe · 07-05-2012, 08:47 PM

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.

**notorious** · 07-07-2012, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

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.

Although I am leaning toward Peyton being back to 100%, I will wait until HE IS ACTUALLY BACK so make statements like that.

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-07-2012, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

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.

Really?

Show us the game footage to prove this.

Quesadilla Joe · 07-07-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by notorious

Although I am leaning toward Peyton being back to 100%, I will wait until HE IS ACTUALLY BACK so make statements like that.

That's fair.

Everything that I have read from Denver media is saying that he looks (and sounds) like the Manning of old.

Quesadilla Joe · 07-07-2012, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

Really?

Show us the game footage to prove this.

What are you expecting to see from Manning this year? Are you expecting him to look like Kyle Orton?

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-07-2012, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

That's fair.

Everything that I have read from Denver media is saying that he looks (and sounds) like the Manning of old.

Even Matt Cassel looks good in practice.

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-07-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

What are you expecting to see from Manning this year? Are you expecting him to look like Kyle Orton?

I expect him to be terribly inconsistent early on due to missing a season and because of new teammates.

milkman · 07-07-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

What are you expecting to see from Manning this year? Are you expecting him to look like Kyle Orton?

Don't know about Dave, but I am expeccting to see Manning performing at. or near, his usual level, with a few hiccups due to a lack of familiarity with his receiver's and his receivers still learning his system.

I also expect to see the same old Peyton Manning shit his pants moments in the playoffs.

Quesadilla Joe · 07-07-2012, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

I expect him to be terribly inconsistent early on due to missing a season and because of new teammates.

I think you are confusing the word "expecting" with "hoping"

"Terribly inconsistent" is a pretty strong statement when talking about Peyton Manning. There will be a few plays here and there where he won't be on the same page with his WR's but not nearly as many as you are hoping for.

Quesadilla Joe · 07-07-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

Don't know about Dave, but I am expeccting to see Manning performing at. or near, his usual level, with a few hiccups due to a lack of familiarity with his receiver's and his receivers still learning his system.

I also expect to see the same old Peyton Manning shit his pants moments in the playoffs.

Manning has always played on flawed teams. Early in his career he had a great running game and a terrible defense. Later in his career he had a terrible running game and a good enough defense.

Teams with major weaknesses get beat in the playoffs, especially when you have to go through Belicheat to get to the Super Bowl.

Denver is the most complete team he has ever played for. They have the #1 rush offense, the #1 third down defense, great special teams, and now a franchise QB.

milkman · 07-07-2012, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Manning has always played on flawed teams. Early in his career he had a great running game and a terrible defense. Later in his career he had a terrible running game and a good enough defense.

Teams with major weaknesses get beat in the playoffs, especially when you have to go through Belicheat to get to the Super Bowl.

Denver is the most complete team he has ever played for. They have the #1 rush offense, the #1 third down defense, great special teams, and now a franchise QB.

You, my friend, are a ****ing moron.

The Broncos were the number 1 rushing team last year because of TeBow.

Without TeBow, the run game will return to it's former mediocre level.

Now the passing game will take a huge step forward with Deliverance at the helm, but the defense will be put on the field more, and it's flaws will be exposed, primarily pass defense.

The Colts throughout Manning's career there had as much talent, if not more, as the Patriots.

When Manning was losing to the "Bellicheat" Patriots, they had better RBs and better receivers, yet Manning always shit his pants.

The guy is a choker.

His history in the playoffs stands as proof of that very fact.

He has come up big in the biggest moments once in his career.

**BigMeatballDave** · 07-07-2012, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

I think you are confusing the word "expecting" with "hoping"

"Terribly inconsistent" is a pretty strong statement when talking about Peyton Manning. There will be a few plays here and there where he won't be on the same page with his WR's but not nearly as many as you are hoping for.

I may be wrong. We'll see.

Regardless, Denver isn't the juggernaut you think it is.

Also, its hilarious and predictable how you've flipped on Tebow.

aturnis · 07-07-2012, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

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.

Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees say hello.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-07-2012, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel>Manning

Manning has always played on flawed teams. Early in his career he had a great running game and a terrible defense. Later in his career he had a terrible running game and a good enough defense.

Teams with major weaknesses get beat in the playoffs, especially when you have to go through Belicheat to get to the Super Bowl.

Denver is the most complete team he has ever played for. They have the #1 rush offense, the #1 third down defense, great special teams, and now a franchise QB.

He'll feel at home with the personnel in Denver. Shit running game without the extra fullback and well below average defense. Hell, he doesn't even have as many weapons as he had in Indy.

Pasta Little Brioni · 07-07-2012, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

You, my friend, are a ****ing moron.

The Broncos were the number 1 rushing team last year because of TeBow.

Without TeBow, the run game will return to it's former mediocre level.

Now the passing game will take a huge step forward with Deliverance at the helm, but the defense will be put on the field more, and it's flaws will be exposed, primarily pass defense.

The Colts throughout Manning's career there had as much talent, if not more, as the Patriots.

When Manning was losing to the "Bellicheat" Patriots, they had better RBs and better receivers, yet Manning always shit his pants.

The guy is a choker.

His history in the playoffs stands as proof of that very fact.

He has come up big in the biggest moments once in his career.

**RealSNR** · 07-07-2012, 03:05 PM

Quote:

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.

Anyone with an ounce of football sense knew that to be the case, moron. Only people like you are just now discovering the truth.

07-05-2012, 08:47 PM
Quesadilla Joe Abolish The Salary Cap! Join Date: Mar 2008 Casino cash: $3408675	Athlon Sports QB Power Rankings 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.
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