All 32 NFL franchises statistically ranked by greatness at the quarterback position in the Super Bowl Era
By Daniel
Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
25. Cleveland Browns: 110 Points
Top Three QBs: Brian Sipe, Bernie Kosar, Bill Nelson
Cleveland isn’t exactly known for throwing the ball. It’s more known for their ancient, but respectable success with running back Jim Brown in the 1950s and 60s. Of course, its best quarterback of all-time played before the Super Bowl Era — Otto Graham. That said, Sipe did put together a great career, was once named MVP, and was once All-Pro. Each of these quarterbacks were invited to a single Pro Bowl and Sipe was the only to pass to 4,000 yards. Kosar wasn’t beloved in Cleveland but he did lead them to 53 wins in his time there. Will Johnny “Football” Manziel take Nelson’s spot on this list in the coming years? What about Brian Hoyer?
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
24. Kansas City Chiefs: 113 Points
Top Three QBs: Len Dawson, Trent Green, Bill Kenney
One of the first great AFL teams of the Super Bowl Era was Kansas City. As the era unfolded their success wavered some, but they’re still a quality organization. Their top three quarterbacks have combined for an impressive eight Pro Bowl invitations (5 belonging to Dawson). Dawson is one of the more underrated quarterbacks in professional football history. He’s the only one of these three to be named All-Pro. Although, Green put up the best statistics of the bunch with three 4,000-yard seasons and two more 3,000-yard seasons. Now the Chiefs feature Alex Smith as their signal caller.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
23. St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals: 120.5
Top Three QBs: Jim Hart, Neil Lomax, Kurt Warner
The Cardinals have been around for a very long time in the NFL and they’re not very well known for their quarterback play. They’ve yet to win a Super Bowl, but have made it to one. Their one appearance in the big game was thanks to Kurt Warner, who spent only five years in Arizona, but certainly made a mark. Hart and Lomax are two lesser known players than Warner, which is a shame. Both are underrated quarterbacks and both were invited to multiple Pro Bowls. Hart secured the most wins of the three for the Cardinals with 87 and was the best runner of the bunch. Carson Palmer is currently injured, but is the Cardinals’ quarterback. Drew Stanton is playing in his place, performing better than many would have expected.
Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
22. Atlanta Falcons: 131.5 Points
Top Three QBs: Matt Ryan, Steve Bartkowski, Michael Vick
The Falcons have been in existence for the entirety of the Super Bowl Era, but haven’t had amazing success as an organization. The same can be said about the quarterback position. Ryan is an above average quarterback, but he is far from an elite player. Vick took the league by storm in 2002, but never led the Falcons to any real success. Although, he is one of the greatest runing quarterbacks in NFL history. These three players combined for six Pro Bowls (Vick had three) and three 4,000-yard seasons (all by Ryan). The Falcons will pass the Jets and Vikings on this list very soon with “Matty Ice” leading the way.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
21. Minnesota Vikings: 138 Points
Top Three QBs: Fran Tarkenton, Tommy Kramer, Daunte Culpepper
The third highest ranked team in the NFC North is the Vikings. Minnesota is known for having some of the greatest receivers in NFL history (Moss, Carter) as well as some great defenses. But this franchise has had some success at the quarterback position as well — despite never taking home a Super Bowl. The Vikings would be higher on this list but five of Tarkenton’s years with the Vikings occurred before the Super Bowl Era. Even so he had many great years and was named All-Pro and AP MVP while in Minnesota. Kramer was a prolific passer five times surpassing 3,000 yards and Culpepper threw for 30 touchdowns twice and was a dominant runner. Teddy Bridgewater is where the Vikings’ hope resides at the quarterback position. I’m inclined to think they should be very optimistic about him.