10 Dopest NFL QuarterbacksAugust 1, 2012
by: CJ Oates
Dan Marino once said “… you can’t say who is the absolute best. To be considered is special in itself”, when referring to who is the best quarterback. He was partially wrong because we can say who is the absolute best. Although he was right about one thing, it is special to be considered one of the best quarterbacks in the league. There are so many quarterbacks that come and go so for these guys to be listed is a testimony to their talent and hardwork. Here now, are your top 10 dopest quarterbacks in the NFL.
*Peyton Manning will not be placed in the top 10 for now due to his inactivity.*
10. Cam Newton
The young gunner, better known as Superman, had a phenomenal rookie season to say the least. Some may feel it is a reach to include someone like him on this list with having just played one season but his hunger is amazing. His only obstacle will be trusting his receiving core which lacks a star wide out. Cam will somehow put up another crazy statistical season and get a step closer to bring that trophy to downtown Charlotte.
9. Matt Ryan
Matty Ice has received some flack for not winning a playoff game in his “long” 4 year career but his numbers do not lie. Statistically speaking, he has improved every season he has been under center for the Atlanta Falcons. He even carries a 43-19 regular season record. I know people have jumped off the bandwagon but look for Ryan to continue to improve with Roddy White and Julio Jones.
8. Matthew Stafford
It was nice to see Matthew Stafford come back from the dead last season and blow everyone away. Last season for Stafford was one that was for the record books. Literally. He broke pretty much the Lions’ franchise passing records and now is one of 4 quarterbacks who have thrown for 5,000 in a season. The only question with him is if he can duplicate his success, stay healthy, and keep the city of Detroit happy with wins. If so, look for Stafford to rise up the list.
7. Michael Vick
This was my toughest one. If you are referring to Vick’s potential success, the sky is the limit. The only problem is if the guy can stay healthy enough to reach the sky. Let’s focus on a healthy Vick for now. Vick should be able to get back to where he was two seasons ago. He still is electric when he has the ball in his hands and he has the potential for the big play. Vick also touts one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the NFL with DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. That should mean a return to prominence and playoff berth for the Eagles.
6. Tony Romo
Either you love this guy or you hate him. No matter which side of the fence you are on, Tony Romo rarely disappoints so you have to at least respect him. I feel Romo is very close to being a top tier quarterbacks just by looking at his stats. Believe it or not, Romo averaged about 276 yards and two touchdowns a game last season. If you add a healthy Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, Romo without a doubt will continue to be successful. Lebron James got the “monkey” off of his back the question is will Romo be able to do the same.
5. Philip Rivers
I know you are wondering why is this guy who had a career high 20 interceptions last season ranked so high. Even with the loss of Vincent Jackson, Rivers won’t repeat his same mistakes from last season. San Diego added Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal to provide Rivers with a few extra options on offense. Rivers has thrown for a combined 9,334 yards and 57 touchdowns over the last two years, but he’s crossed the 4,000-yard mark in each of his last four seasons. So I think it is safe to say that Rivers will bounce back to his old form. Just don’t expect a Super Bowl for this new era “Dan Marino”.
4. Drew Brees
Even amidst the “bounty scandal” cloud that will hang over the team all season, Drew Brees should have a good season. I wouldn’t look for him to have the record breaking season that he had last year. Brees has topped 4,000 passing yards in all six of his seasons in New Orleans. Brees will throw for plenty of yards but I don’t know about how many wins.
3. Eli Manning
Isn’t it time for us to give this Manning some credit and include him in the “elite” conversation? If you want the answer to that just check out Eli’s second ring. Eli Manning may not have the stats like a Drew Brees or Matthew Stafford but you cannot take away the fact that he wins when it matters. With Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz on the field, look for a great under the radar statistical year from Eli.
2. Tom Brady
What is there to say about Tom Brady? He still has great offensive weapons around him, which include his unguardable tight ends. He dates one of the most gorgeous women on the face of this planet in Gisele. He is coming off a career-high 5,235 passing yards in 2011 with 39 touchdown passes and three touchdown runs. He still has three Super Bowl wins and five conference championships. Again I ask, what is there to say about Tom Brady?
1. Aaron Rodgers
The top spot belongs to the quarterback of the cheese heads, Aaron Rodgers. Last season, he threw for 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions. This happened while leading his team to a 15-1 record. The defense has improved somewhat so Rodgers is coming back into the same situation he was in last year. Expect some natural regression on the passing touchdowns but expect the same amount of interceptions. He is the best player at his position in the league and he has proven it consistently. Rodgers will be on top once again in 2012.
