Every NFL fan has got their own ideas about what attributes are most important for a good quarterback to have. Do you value football IQ over athleticism? Pocket passing or mobility? Game manager or gunslinger? A great quarterback probably needs to pretty good in all of those areas. I thought it would be fun to share my list of the NFL's top forty-two quarterbacks.
Sports media nowadays is purely out for profit and clicks. It's ridiculous. NFL analysts are so skewed by what gets them the most clicks and the most money that their opinions end up sounding completely absurd.
I'm not about to claim that my rankings are more accurate than other people's. Ranking quarterbacks is not exactly rocket science and there are only so players to pick from anyway. But I will try my best to not be influenced by mainstream media.
I have my complete list already done and I will be spreading out my list throughout a series of posts. I used my own criteria and my own opinions to create my list.
#6 - Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben is really one of the best quarterbacks of his era. He knows how to play the position at a very efficient level. He's proven himself year in and year out. His accolades speak for themselves. He's been to six Pro Bowls. The guy is a two-time Super Bowl Champion.
I know how people want to whine about how "it's not all about championships" but I mean it's definitely the biggest factor in judging quarterbacks and players in my opinion. Players can be great without rings, but in my eyes getting to that championship level truly separates players from being good or great.
A player does not have to be flashy or extra athletic to succeed at the quarterback position. That's not to say Big Ben isn't athletic, especially in his prime. But a lot of people hate on Big Ben or even Tom Brady for being un-athletic or boring. I think those people that point those things out truly don't know football. Being a quarterback first and foremost is having the ability to throw the ball well. Secondly, you'll have to be smart and have great awareness. To be a good quarterback you need more coordination rather than mind-blowing athleticism.
Big Ben throws very well, he has very good coordination, a very good football IQ, good awareness, and he's a solid leader. Combine all of those skills and his great accolades, and I ended up putting him at #6.
Also if you were wondering if I think he's too old to be this high, all I I have to say is the guy threw for over 5,000 yards just two seasons ago. Big Ben is a tough dude and only 38, I think he will have a nice season once again in 2020.
#5 - Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is an elite talent. Sometimes his attitude and demeanor irks me though. I feel like he doesn't always give full effort. Maybe I'm dead wrong, but it's just how I feel. Maybe he's one of those arrogant guys that you can't tell when he's trying or not. I don't know.
Despite my opinion though, his numbers and results on the field do speak for themselves. This man can make all the throws and he's pretty athletic to boot. He can throw on the run amazingly. He reminds me of Pat Mahomes, Brett Favre and Steve Young. All he does is win and not throw picks. Rodgers has been a starter since 2008, and he still hasn't totaled 100 interceptions thrown. He's only thrown 84. Wow.
Rodgers has every type of accolade you can get pretty much.
- Super Bowl Champion
- Super Bowl MVP
- 2x NFL MVP
- Has made three All-Pro Teams (Two 1st, One 2nd)
- 8x Pro Bowls
- And several other accolades
Aaron Rodgers is a consistently great quarterback. Despite my opinion, I believe it's also the Packers organization's fault that Rodgers doesn't have a few more rings. I can barely name more than a couple of his big name receivers throughout his career let alone an actually elite running back.
No matter what though, the Packers will always have a chance when A-Rod is under center.
What do you think of my rankings and reasons behind them?
Hive on!
