Week 11 NFL QB Power Rankings
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) takes a knee at the end of their game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
17. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears (± 0)
Cutler rebounded nicely after a horrific game at Green Bay. He can’t seem to play a clean game, however — he’s thrown a pick in each of Chicago’s last four games.
18. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (± 0)
It appears that Newton is still somewhat hurt. Last year he looked much faster, more agile, and more confident when scrambling, and he seems to have developed Jay Cutler-like mechanics, often throwing off his back foot. There is no doubt that Newton is the Panthers’ franchise quarterback, but he needs to pick up his play down the stretch.
19. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals (+4)
After a historically horrific outing on Thursday Night Football a week earlier, Dalton had a nice bounce-back game. He went from a 2.0 passer rating to a 143.9 in a week.
20. Eli Manning, New York Giants (-3)
I’ve tried my best to advocate for Eli Manning as the Giants’ quarterback. But after a five-interception performance, that’s hard to do. For Manning and the Giants, the season is all but over; Manning must play for his job and possibly Tom Coughlin’s job as well.
21. Shaun Hill, St. Louis Rams (± –)
I still think it was not a good decision to bench Austin Davis, but Hill certainly looked better than Davis did over his starting stint. In a rout of the Broncos, Hill was a bit errant with some passes, but did enough to win (as the Rams’ defense did something no other defense has done).
22. Ryan Mallett, Houston Texans (± –)
In his first start as a pro, Mallet had a solid outing. He did look a bit “rusty” at first, but he turned things around after that touchdown pass to J.J. Watt.
23. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (± 0)
Carr and Oakland’s offense put up a mere six points against San Diego. The Raiders’ rookie didn’t have much help, but six points won’t cut it against any team.
24. Kyle Orton, Buffalo Bills (-1)
Orton has impressed me for the most part over the course of his starting tenure with Buffalo – I was initially against benching E.J. Manuel, but Orton proved me wrong. Thursday was a different story. Buffalo’s offense failed to generate any kind of momentum, and Orton was a big reason why. The Bills’ offense hasn’t scored a touchdown in 21 drives. I’m not suggesting the Bills bench Orton, but I’m not so sure that giving up on E.J. Manuel so early was the right decision.