I found myself in the middle of a heated discussion this afternoon. The gloves were off. Haymakers for opinions were flying left and right, each participant looking to deliver the final knockout blow. The great debate was underway -- the unofficial ranking of NFL quarterbacks.
It is understood that the quarterback is the single most important position in the NFL. Without an elite QB, teams suffer arduous, often frustrating, subpar seasons. The entire offense runs through hands of a single man. He must understand both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and sell a persona that the whole team can buy into. His charisma must be contagious, his work ethic, unwavering and his will to win, greater than the other 21 men on the field.
So without further adieu, I present you with the top 10 NFL QBs.
1. Peyton Manning
The consensus is in and No. 18 is number one. At 34, Manning shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to read defenses and audible at the line of scrimmage is unparalleled by any other leader in the league. He has a Super Bowl ring to back and is a future Hall of Fame inductee. Give Manning and inch and he'll take a yard -- or several for that matter.
2. Drew Brees
There isn't a QB in the league who throws a more perfect ball than Drew Brees. The reigning Super Bowl MVP never locks into a single receiver, making any Saints' receiver a potential downfield threat. This guy not only rejuvenated a team, but an entire city.
3. Tom Brady
There's not much to say except for -- Brady is a winner. Welker and Moss make his job a little easier, however.
4. Aaron Rodgers
Two more years and Rodgers will be number one on this list. With a bevy of weapons in Green Bay and Rodgers at the helm, the Packers are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
5. Tony Romo
With the playoff monkey off his back, the sky is the limit for Romo and the Cowboys. Although off to a slow start, Dallas has too many weapons for the crafty Romo to fail. Love him or hate him, he is always the topic of conversation, therefore, warranting a position on this list.
6. Ben Roethlisberger
With two Super Bowl rings, Big Ben has already proved himself as an elite quarterback. However, QBs are supposed to manage distractions, not cause them. This lack of leadership keeps Roethlisberger from the top.
7. Philip Rivers
Imagine how much better the Giants would be if they would've kept this guy in New York.
8. Brett Favre
It's unbelievable that Favre may have had his best statistical season at the age of 40. So far this season, it looks like the sun is setting on Favre's career. The gun-slinger looks to have no more bullets left in the chamber.
9. Joe Flacco
Big arm, good defense and finally a core of receivers, look out for Mr. Flacco this season.
10. Matt Schaub
If Andre Johnson could throw the ball to himself, he'd be on this list. But since he can't, enter Matt Schaub.
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