Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks from the First Half of 2014 (five through one)
5. Tom Brady
First Half Stats: 214/334 (64.1% completion percentage), 2,392 yards, 22 touchdowns, three interceptions, 103.5 rating, 75.76 QBR
There’s a reason Tom Brady isn’t any higher than fifth on this list, and it starts in September. In his first four games, Brady only threw four touchdowns (one in every game). He was terrible in terms of accuracy, many of his throws were way off, and it seemed as if he didn’t have any trust whatsoever in his offensive line. This led to many writers (including myself) questioning if Tom Brady had finally declined.
Well I’m glad I looked like a jackass and was proven wrong, because Brady rose to the challenge and returned to his elite form quickly. In his last five outings, Brady has completed 67.4% of his passes for 1,601 yards, 18 touchdowns, one pick (a tipped pass from a receiver), and a 120.5 rating. His throws are on target and he’s finally connecting with his receivers once again (the biggest being Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman).
With the chemistry between Brady and his offensive line restored, it’s easy to see why he’s making big plays in his last five games. And while Brady has never been known to scramble, he’s playing better under pressure (see the game against the Broncos), and has reemerged as a serious MVP candidate.
Brady famously said he’d retire when he sucks. If his last five games are of any indication, that thought will have to wait.
4. Andrew Luck
First Half Stats: 250/393 (leads NFL in attempts and completions) (63.6% completion percentage), 3,085 yards (leads NFL), 26 touchdowns (leads NFL), nine interceptions, 100.3 rating, 72.89 QBR
I’ll speak for many when I say Andrew Luck has been on fire in 2014 (it helps to have T.Y. Hilton too).
When Luck is off, he’s really off, and he’s shown that many times this season. But when he’s on, he’s perhaps the best quarterback in the NFL. Luck’s ability to generate big time throws and plays under pressure is amazing for a third year quarterback. Luck’s legs represent the new-school style of signal callers such as Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III, and Cam Newton, while his arm strength closely parallels quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, and Drew Brees.
Several tipped interceptions aside and being the most hit quarterback of the year (hit 97 times before the Monday Night game), what impresses me most about Luck is his leadership. When he makes a mistake, he seems to own up to it and come with a play that makes everyone forget about it completely. His decision making, statistics, mobility, and arm strength look improved this season, and while he’s not exactly a top five quarterback overall, his incredible 2014 season (fourth quarterback to throw 3,000 yards in his first nine games, currently riding seven consecutive 300+ passing games) suggests that he will be in this position soon enough.
3. Philip Rivers
First Half Stats: 197/294 (67.0% completion percentage), 2,351 yards, 20 touchdowns, eight interceptions, 102.6 rating, 83.06 QBR
A loser of three straight he might be, but Philip Rivers is still playing in his prime. One could argue he’s been the second best quarterback since 2013.
Rivers’ style of play is different from his peers because of how quickly he gets rid of the ball. It’s the quickest release I’ve seen in today’s game, and while the mechanics don’t look pretty (did he just FLICK it?), the accuracy cannot be denied. Is it any wonder he’s been featured on Dilfer’s Dimes as a regular?
With the help of head coach Mike McCoy, Rivers has thrown quick and deadly accurate passes that involve trusting his receivers to make the big plays, which, for the most part, has worked. Antonio Gates, Eddie Royal, and Keenan Allen have hauled in his playmaking passes, and many of those throws from Rivers have been “BEST THROW OF THE SEASON” worthy.
Rivers is also the only quarterback to post four consecutive games with a passer rating of at least 120.0, and he’s doing it with a terrible offensive line and (for the most part) a lack of an efficient running game. Hopefully San Diego can get back on the winning path after the bye week and get Rivers the respect he deserves.
2. Aaron Rodgers
First Half Stats: 169/250 (67.6% completion percentage), 2,092 yards, 19 touchdowns, three interceptions, 113.6 rating (leads NFL), 81.59 QBR
After an underwhelming (but still impressive) 2013 season somewhat cut short due to a broken collarbone, Rodgers has returned to his dominant form, orchestrating the strings of the Packers offense with relative ease.
His two stinkers against the Seahawks and Lions prevent him from taking the top spot, but make no mistake, Rodgers can relax the crowd and stun them at the same time. His deep ball is the best I’ve seen in the NFL, and it continues to impress and hold up. All three of his interceptions were tipped passes by his receivers, so you can make the argument that he shouldn’t have any.
Rodgers’ ability to read defenses while moving outside the pocket is unparalleled, and he’s one of the smartest passers in NFL history (no joke), able to move his feet and still deliver the deep ball goodies, barely having to do anything against the Vikings because of his efficiency on passes.
Put him in the Hall of Fame right now.
1. Peyton Manning
First Half Stats: 208/309 (67.3% completion percentage), 2,572 yards, 24 touchdowns, five interceptions, 112.0 rating, 86.93 QBR (Leads NFL)
It may be boring for some to say Peyton Manning is still the best quarterback in the NFL, but personally, I never get tired of it. This guy is the undisputed greatest field general to ever play the game in my mind, and has continued to age like wine.
While Peyton’s receivers have gotten better, hardcore NFL fans know that it’s the accuracy that matters, and Peyton has delivered on the big-time throws, transforming his receivers into superstars.
Peyton has also had more quality games this season than any other quarterback. Even in his loss to the Seahawks, Manning still led an impressive fourth quarter comeback inside the two minute drill, completing a two-point conversion in a way only he could. Who could forget his four touchdown performance against the 49ers that featured him breaking Brett Favre’s touchdown record?
Consider that Peyton has faced superb teams such as the Cardinals, Chargers, Patriots, and Seahawks while firing these passes. Chalk up the few mistakes he’s made to tipped passes or superb design by the defenses.
Peyton’s been doing this while under heavy pressure as well. At age 38, we’re continuing to witness the greatest quarterback in the league, and we might as well appreciate him while he’s still here.
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