All 32 NFL franchises statistically ranked by greatness at the quarterback position in the Super Bowl Era
By Daniel
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
5. Miami Dolphins: 273.5 Points
Top Three QBs: Dan Marino, Bob Griese, Jay Fiedler
Miami has struggled a lot in recent years, especially at the quarterback position. But that doesn’t discredit the amazing history they’ve had at quarterback in the Super Bowl Era. Marino is one of the most prolific passers in the history of the game. As this ranking demonstrates, his accomplishments have stood the test of time as he single-handedly carried Miami into the top five of this list. Under his belt sit an AP MVP, nine Pro Bowls, three All-Pro selections, 147 wins, two 40 touchdown seasons, five 4,000-yard seasons, and the first ever 5,000-yard passing year. Yeah, yeah he never won the big one. But Griese did — twice. He was also invited to eight Pro Bowls. Fiedler put together one 3,000-yard season and won 36 games as a Dolphin. Moving forward Ryan Tannehill is Miami’s quarterback. I suspect he’ll bounce Fiedler from this list in a couple years.
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4. Boston/New England Patriots: 306.5 Points
Top Three QBs: Tom Brady, Drew Bledsoe, Steve Grogan
The Patriots climbed to the No. 4 spot on this list on the right arm of one of the game’s all-time greats, Tom Brady. He has won three Super Bowls (been named MVP of two of them), has been named All-Pro twice, and won two AP MVP awards. His nine Pro Bowls, five total 4,000-yard passing seasons, and his 50 touchdown season solidify him as an all-timer. He’s won 151 games for the Pats, but he’s not the only big time quarterback that’s played in New England. Bledsoe was named to three Pro Bowl squads in New England and Grogan won 75 games for the Patriots. Grogan was also a the best running quarterback of the bunch. For the next couple seasons Brady will continue to lead New England, but he won’t be able to play forever. The Pats are due for a rebuilding period soon, at least they’ll be able to bask in the greatness that was the Brady era at Boston pubs until the end of time.
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3. Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: 314 Points
Top Three QBs: Peyton Manning, Johnny Unitas, Bert Jones
The Colts are one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history and so are its two top quarterbacks. Johnny Unitas was one of the first great true passing quarterbacks in NFL history. He starred in the NFL for ten years before the Super Bowl Era began — keep that in mind. Even so he won a Super Bowl, an AP MVP, and was a two-time Pro Bowler in the Super Bowl Era. Manning racked up the most individual points for any quarterback for a single franchise on this list. His Super Bowl championship, four AP MVPs, five All-Pro selections, 11 Pro Bowls, five 30 touchdown seasons, 11 total 4,000-yard passing seasons, and 141 wins helped him compile those points. Interestingly, Jones also won an AP MVP award. The Colts are one of two franchises to have all three of their top quarterbacks win the MVP award (Green Bay the other). Of course Indianapolis is in absolutely great hands at the quarterback position moving forward with Andrew Luck. The rich get richer. By the time Luck is through in Indy look out for them to be making a run at the No.1 spot on this list.
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2. San Francisco 49ers: 335 Points
Top Three QBs: Joe Montana, Steve Young, Jeff Garcia
When people think of the 49ers they think of two things, Super Bowls and elite quarterbacks (ok, maybe Jerry Rice, too). “Joe Cool” Montana brought the Niners a number of memorable moments. He also brought them four Super Bowl championships, three Super Bowl MVPs, and two AP MVPs. He also passed for 3,000 yards seven times. Of course Steve Young had incredible success, too. He won a Super Bowl, a Super Bowl MVP, and an AP MVP. Montana and Young both were three time All-Pro selections and both seven-time Pro Bowlers. Montana won 100 games and Young won 91. These two dominated the 1980s and 1990s. Two decades of Hall of Fame caliber play at the most important position on the field. Yep, that will get you as highly ranked as No. 2 on this list.
San Francisco couldn’t quite take over the No. 1 spot because of their third quarterback. John Brodie would have been on the list but nine of his seasons came before the Super Bowl Era. Thus, Garcia narrowly beat him out. Of course he was no scrub, he was invited to four Pro Bowls and passed for 30 touchdowns twice. Young was the best runner of all of them, but Garcia could move, too. In the 1950s the 49ers boasted a great player in Y.A. Tittle under center.The future at quarterback belongs to Colin Kaepernick, the extremely athletic fourth-year quarterback that’s already led them to the big game (but came up just short). He has a chance to lead this team for awhile and crack the ‘top three’ of Niners’ quarterbacks. If San Fran wins a few Super Bowls in the next decade perhaps they could steal the No. 1 spot on this ranking.
Which franchise is No. 1?