Top 5 QB Performances of Week 9
The Miami Dolphins blowout win over the San Diego Chargers was one of the most incredible victories of Week 9, though it doesn’t quite match the surprisingly not-close encounter between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos. That said, both Ryan Tannehill and Tom Brady are on this weekly list of the top 5 QB performances, so the AFC East is well-represented.
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady
Andrew Luck and Alex Smith gave Brady and Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer some stiff competition for this list, but it would have been foolish to leave Brady off of this list after his efficient display. Peyton Manning outgunned him in the yardage department, but he took too long to warm up in the frigid Foxboro conditions. Brady didn’t need an unreal comeback this year to best the Broncos, as the Patriots jumped out to a commanding 27-7 first-half lead and never looked back in a 43-21 win.
It makes it five weeks of sheer dominance and brutal efficiency from Brady, who has to be one of the front-runners in the MVP race (I’m still torn between him and Dallas Cowboys elite RB DeMarco Murray). Brady hooked up to great effect with favorite targets Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, though new No. 1 receiver (perhaps) Brandon LaFell led the way with 13 targets. With 333 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a pick that wasn’t his fault, Brady did what was necessary to ensure victory for his team.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger
For the second straight week, Big Ben earned out site’s “Player of the Week” award, and it’s incredible to think that he tossed six touchdowns without any picks in two straight weeks. Right now, Roethlisberger’s deep ball is operating at an even higher level than Aaron Rodgers‘s is, though he also has to give plenty of thanks to Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Markus Wheaton, who are all elite vertical threats (only Brown is an elite WR, of course). Roethlisberger led his team to a dominant blowout of the rival Baltimore Ravens, and that’s always special in itself.
Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer
Maybe he looked better than he really played since the quarterback on the other sideline was Brandon Weeden, but Palmer still deserves to be commended for playing efficient ball in the team’s 28-17 victory. The Arizona Cardinals have been surprising everyone at 7-1, and Palmer’s efficient play has been a big part of that. I still think Andre Ellington is the most valuable player on that offense, but Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald have been balling out. Palmer tossed three TDs, averaged 7.3 yards per attempt, and had a 78.4 ESPN TQBR in the victory.
Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill
I still can’t believe the Miami Dolphins contemplating benching Ryan Tannehill, because he was highlighted as a breakout candidate before the season and is a former first-round pick who has done nothing but show consistent growth throughout his career. Both Tannehill and the Dolphins are heating up, and this has culminating in an absolute thrashing of the previously impressive San Diego Chargers, who have clearly gone cold. Tannehill took advantage of the Chargers sagging secondary, completing 24 of 34 passes for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions for an average of 8.5 yards per attempt. He continues to show off his supreme athletic ability, churning out 47 yards on four carries, including one 22-yard rush. There’s no doubt that Tannehill is playing at a high level, and I hope this continues; I always love a good breakout story.
New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees
The Carolina Panthers stood no chance to the rising New Orleans Saints, who finally got back on track in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers. They followed that up by easily defeating their top competition in the NFC South, effectively changing their season in a span of just a few days. The Saints are back, and Drew Brees is finally playing at an elite level. Like Tannehill, he also went 24-34, finishing with an average of 8.7 yards per attempt on the strength of 297 passing yards. Brees made some difficult throws and key plays, and he and Jimmy Graham put in some work against the Panthers defense.