The offseason is sometimes a long, boring experience for many football fans. There’s really no way to speed up the return of football, but there are ways to occupy our time. One fun and subjective way to do this is by making lists. The NFL Network does a top 100 players in the NFL list, but to me, it’s difficult to compare running backs to corner backs. That’s why I like to break down such lists by position. There’s no more important position in the NFL than at quarterback, so here’s my take on the top 5 quarterbacks in the NFL today.
5. Matthew Stafford
In his first complete season on the field, Stafford lit up the opposition, throwing for over 5,000 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 16 interceptions. I realize that it’s difficult to put a guy with such limited experience in the top 5, but Stafford has shown that he’s one of the most resilient players in the league. Don’t believe me? Go to the 3:30 mark of the video below, and start watching. That’s enough proof for me.
4. Aaron Rodgers
Since taking over the starting role in Green Bay back in 2008, Rodgers has thrown for over 4,000 yards in 3 of his 4 seasons at the helm. He’s also finished the year with a QB Rating of over 100 3 times in that time period. Oh yeah, he also won a Super Bowl. This guy is good, and everyone knows it.
3. Drew Brees
Drew Brees is currently entrenched in what is quickly becoming a bitter contract negotiation with the Saints. The Saints applied the franchise tag to Brees, but he won’t sign the tender, instead pursuing a long-term contract. That may keep him out of practice, but it won’t keep him off this list. Last season, Brees threw for an NFL record 5,476 passing yards in 2011. That alone is enough to put him on our list. Add on the fact that he’s been one of the most consistent quarterbacks over the past 6 years, and you have a guy that’s in the discussion for the top spot.
2. Tom Brady
You knew when you saw the title of this article that you’d be reading about Tom Brady. He’s made the trip to 5 Super Bowls throughout his career, winning the first 3. Even though he has lost his last 2 Super Bowls, he’s still at the top of his game. With the exception of 2008, he’s been very durable, missing no other games for the Patriots outside of that season since 2001. He’s a sure bet Hall of Famer, but the Hall has to wait for him to retire first. He’s got at least a few great years left to play.
1. Peyton Manning
We end our list with the quarterback that I believe to be the best at his position of all time. Yes, I hold Manning higher than Montana, Unitas, Marino, and any other quarterback to ever take a snap. Manning has only been to the Super Bowl twice, winning it once, but he’s also never been a part of a complete team. That is, until now. With Denver’s offensive structure and one of the best defenses in the league, Manning could very possibly take the Broncos all the way back to the promise land. How great would it be to see another Hall of Fame quarterback end his career following a pair of Super Bowls with the Broncos?
