RODGERS, BRADY LEAD QB RANKINGS
All 32 starters receive grades in six categories
The expression “it’s a quarterback’s league” has become common in an NFL era of exotic passing attacks and Hall of Famecaliber signal callers.
The varied talent at the position also sparks spirited debate among analysts, fans and even players as to who is the best quarterback and even who belongs in the elite category.
In an attempt to quantify the league’s 32 projected starters heading into training camp, USA TODAY Sports has exhaustively assessed each of them.
Based on All-22 game film study, each quarterback was graded in six categories (accuracy, arm strength, athleticism, pre-snap reads, field vision and pocket presence) on a scale of one to 10. Those scores were averaged to derive a total grade that determined the rankings.
Below is an analytical sampling of six quarterbacks, each listed with one distinguishing attribute (numbers in parentheses indicate overall ranking on the 10-point scale):
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (9.3):
The 2014 NFL MVP boasts all the physical traits you’d want with the mental acumen that separates the elite quarterbacks from the rest. Accuracy: Considering how unorthodox a passer Rodgers is, it’s somewhat surprising he is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the league. His precision on traditional throws is noteworthy, but it’s his accurate strikes from awkward platforms that really set him apart. Move Rodgers outside of the pocket, and his downfield accuracy remains deadly.
2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots (9.1):
Brady has a mind that works quickly before and after the snap, so his waning physical talents will not stop him from being a top-level quarterback anytime soon. The three-time Super Bowl MVP’s tremendous field vision and short-area precision drive the Patriots offense. Field vision: Brady forces teams to cover the entire field. If his first or second option is taken away, he has no problem going to his third and fourth reads. And he does so with great eye discipline, rarely tipping his hand to ballhawking defenders.
4. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos (8.9):
It’s hard to ignore the five-time MVP’s nosedive at the end of the 2014 season, and his ranking here took a hit as a result. But his pre-snap exploits, football IQ and precision make his receivers, offensive line and running backs better. Pocket presence: Manning possesses the best mechanics in the game. His footwork is expertly synchronized with his eye movement, as he scans from one receiver to the next. Manning’s height helps him a great deal, but his ability to climb the pocket helps him see the field clearly and avoid sacks.
8. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers (8.5):
Even with his arm strength in decline, he remains a top quarterback by sharpening the rest of his game. He gets the ball out quickly and is crafty enough to fit throws into tight windows despite a lack of velocity. Pre- snap reads: A tip for defensive coordinators around the league: do not blitz Rivers. He will see it coming, adjust the play call and shred your defense. Rivers compiled a 120.1 passer rating against the blitz in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus.
10. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (8.3):
He might not be the best quarterback in the league, but he just might be the most dangerous. He is not completely comfortable in the pocket and will miss open receivers, but the pressure he puts on defenses with his mobility and accuracy makes up for his deficiencies. Athleticism: Wilson is the most elusive quarterback in the NFL — and maybe in league history — but his athleticism is not confined to running the ball. It also allows him to make solid throws on the run. His footwork on throws outside of the pocket is impressive. Playing infield during his minor league baseball career likely helped in that regard.
14. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens (8):
He is physically impressive — tall and durable with a strong arm he uses well on the move. But the rest of his game is underwhelming. He misses a lot before the snap and has trouble reading defenses and working through his progressions. Arm strength: Flacco’s arm talent covers up for a lot of his other weaknesses. Whether throwing from a solid base or off his back foot, Flacco never has trouble getting the ball to an intended target. For in-depth analyses of all 32 starting quarterbacks, dissections of their individual attributes, methodology, sortable rankings and breakdowns of the six attributes from a leaguewide perspective, go to nfl.usatoday.com.