NFL 2012: Ranking The AFC Starting Quarterbacks

[EDITOR’S NOTE: As we approach the start of the 2012 NFL regular season, let’s take a look at how the starting quarterbacks entering camp stack up against each other.]

1. Tom Brady, NE

With Peyton Manning having suffered complications from neck surgery last year, Tom Brady stands atop the AFC rankings. The man’s resume speaks for itself, but beyond that, the quality that separates him from the rest is the speed with which he commands an offense. Whereas Manning takes his time at the line of scrimmage and reacts to what the defense is doing, Brady forces the defense to be constantly on their toes reacting to the tempo of the game that he establishes, which is ridiculously fast paced to say the least.

2. Peyton Manning, DEN

Wow. That was really awkward writing DEN next to his name. That will take some getting used to. After suffering his injury, Manning’s future was in question. However, there is little doubt at this point that he is poised to pick up were he left off. It remains to be seen whether or not his passes have the same velocity as before, however, with a new batch of receivers that have no expectations as to how Manning throws the football, they should all quickly come in sync.

3. Philip Rivers, SD

People like to claim that Philip Rivers isn’t the quarterback some people make him out to be, often citing a lack of a Super Bowl appearance. His stats, however, are tough to argue with. He has thrown for over 4,000 yards in four straight seasons, and during that same stretch, posted a QB Rating of less than 100 only once (2011). He has also completed 60% of his passes every season since becoming a starter. That’s impressive. The one legitimate knock on him is that he does fumble the ball quite often.

4. Matt Schaub, HOU

Matt Schaub was a gamble when Houston picked him up after a few solid games as Vick’s backup. While other similar situations have not necessarily worked out (See Kolb), Schaub has been nothing but a benefit to the Texans organization. He has been consistent at throwing at least two touchdowns to every one interception through the last few years, and during his best season (2009), completed 67.9% of his passes for 4,770 yards. He was also asked to toss the ball 583 times that season, as well as 574 the next.  Tough guy.

5. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT

Roethlisberger has had a bit more ups and downs than the other quarterbacks listed above, but he is a proven winner. Since his third year in the league, he has never dipped below 3,000 yards passing. He has the rings to prove himself, and his average QB Rating over his 8-year career is a noteworthy 92.1. Big Ben does fumble possibly more than any other quarterback in the league, but that’s a result of his loose and improvisational style of play, which is at the same time part of his success.

6. Joe Flacco, BAL

It’s typical for a quarterback to proclaim himself to be the best in the league, citing the need to believe in one’s self in order to reach a high level of success. However, it was never really as laughable as when Joe said it. Joe Flacco is by no means an average quarterback, but he is by no means elite either. His stats are consistent and point to a potential HOF quarterback, as does his win percentage. However, if win percentage truly determined a successful quarterback, Vince Young wouldn’t be looking for a job. Flacco reminds me a bit of an Alex Smith type player; He won’t make mistakes, but he won’t take over a game. All of the quarterbacks listed previously have that ability to dominate that Flacco lacks.

7. Carson Palmer, OAK

Carson Palmer is a good quarterback that has been with a bad franchise for the majority of his career. When he and the team were in their prime for the 2005 – 2007 era, Palmer was a tour-de-force as good as any other, posting consecutive 4,000 yard seasons during 2006 & 2007. Those years are somewhat behind him now, however, he certainly showed promise throwing for 2,753 yards in 10 games with the Raiders last season. Unfortunately, he also threw 16 picks against 13 touchdowns. Next year should give everyone a clear understanding of where he’s at.

8. Andy Dalton, CIN

Dalton surprised everyone with his performance last year. While the front office was wise enough to draft Green last year, Dalton didn’t really have much more to work with, making his accomplishments all the more impressive. One overlooked aspect of his game is his willingness to run with the ball when needed. Dalton scrambled 37 times for 152 yards; Not that this makes him Vick or anything, but it is a testament to his athleticism. By comparison, Roethlisberger has only eclipsed that rushing number twice in his career. Expect to see him much higher on this list in the coming years.

9. Matt Hasselbeck, TEN

Hasselbeck isn’t the elite quarterback he once was, but he still has some gas left in the tank. His previous season with Tennessee wasn’t mind blowing, but when you consider the type of numbers that Vince Young had been putting up the previous years, and couple that with the fact that Kenny Britt was injured three games into the season, it speaks to a rather remarkable accomplishment. Expect Hasselbeck to start the season for the Titans, however, Jake Locker is the future of the franchise, and should be featured highly in this list for years to come.

10. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF

Fitzmagic, as he’s known by his teammates, is the world’s most unlikely $60 million dollar man, which still puts him in the bottom half of earning’s relative to his fellow college graduates. His start to the 2011 season was nothing short of fascinating, while he completely unraveled by the end. He has been steadily improving over the years, but it’s incredibly hard to tell who exactly he is at this point.

11. Mark Sanchez, NYJ

“Sanchize” is possibly the least deserved moniker in the annals of professional football. Entering his fourth season, he still has yet to have as successful a season as Mr. Dalton did in his rookie year; a shame when you consider he was drafted #5 overall in 2009. Additionally, Sanchez is in no way, shape, or form the leader of an aggressive and feisty Jets team. It’s kind of like asking a five year old to be prison warden.

12. Matt Cassel, KC

The antithesis of Schaub. Cassel entered a similar situation that saw him take over for an injured Tom Brady and keep the Patriots train chugging along. Kansas City rewarded him for his efforts, and he delivered in 2010, posting a QB rating of 93. Last year, however, the rims fell off and he broke down, in turn representing the entire season for the Chiefs. Cassel may be serviceable for a while, but he is not the guy to take your team to the playoffs and beyond.

13. Colt McCoy, CLE

Similar to Hasselbeck, McCoy may not be eligible for inclusion in this list by the time the season is over. Unfortunately, while he seems like a guy that possesses strong character and work ethic, he was never going to be invested in and developed like he could on account of his lack of arm strength. Colt showed good poise and leadership, but failed to impress with his numbers. One would not be remiss for acknowledging a lack of support from coaches, executives, and wide receivers.

14.  Andrew Luck, IND

Andrew Luck is going to be a star, and could very well be poised to top this list in some years time. However, there is one irrefutable fact: He has not played a single game in the NFL. Putting him above any but the worst of quarterbacks is a blatant offense to those that play the position. To misquote Denny Green, “if you wanna crown him, then go ahead and crown him.”

15. Ryan Tannehill, MIA

See above; remove first sentence.

16. Blaine Gabbert, JAX

Gabbert was laughably bad in his rookie campaign. Rookie seasons tend to get blown out of proportion, and this may be a case of that happening, but there were so few moments last season that resembled anything other than a train wreck. It’s hard to envision Gabbert turning into even a capable starter, let alone an elite one like his status as a top ten selection would indicate.

Click here to go to the NFC Edition of Ranking the Starting Quarterbacks

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