The NFL today is a passing league. While running backs are still important, there is one man that can make or break an offense – the quarterback. He needs to be on point every single play because whether it is a pass or a run the ball is being snapped to him.
Once they get distracted things could unwind such as leading to turnovers – fumbles or interceptions – and usually lead to a loss. There is a reason the nuclear launch codes for the United States is referred to as the football, and the president referred to as the quarterback – because he is the leader, and he controls all the cards. A team cannot function without their quarterback.
It is not only their duty to throw passes, but also to control the line of scrimmage. They can be picking the play, calling an audible at the line and can motion a receiver to either side of the field. The entire team is relying on them the whole game for direction.
With that said here are the top ten quarterbacks heading into the 2014 NFL season.
[new page = 10. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts]
2013 QBR: 87.0
2013 TDs: 23
2013 Yards: 3,822
Andrew Luck is about to enter his third season in the NFL. Taking over the Colts just after Peyton Manning had left wasn’t going to be the easiest task, but he has been living up to his potential thus far. The emergence of wide receiver T.Y. Hilton has helped him a lot along with the veteran leadership of Reggie Wayne. He has a strong arm and good pocket presence. If the colts defense can step up this season he should have the season of his career to date.
[new page = 9. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons]
2013 QBR: 89.6
2013 TDs: 26
2013 Yards: 4,515
Matt Ryan had one of the better seasons of his career in 2013. Unfortunately it came when his two best receivers – Julio Jones and Roddy White – suffered injuries that if not ended their seasons, drastically slowed their effectiveness. Still he managed to post more than 4,500 yard in the air. He began to struggle as the season went on because of their ineffective running game. With everyone healthy in 2014 the Falcons should have a big year.
[new page = 8. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburg Steelers]
2013 QBR: 92.0
2013 TDs: 28
2013 Yards: 4,261
The Steelers started the 2013 season on a major losing streak. The majority of which was at the fault of the defense. They however managed to stay in playoff talks because Big Ben was having a pretty good year. He strongly developed his relationship with Antonio Brown who appeared to be the best receiver on the team. Big Ben is a big guy who most players find hard to tackle in the pocket. He is also surprisingly mobile. He should keep doing his thing next season and could improve if his defense can get the ball in his hands more.
[new page = 7. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers]
2013 QBR: 105.5
2013 TDs: 32
2013 Yards: 4,478
Rivers is coming off arguably the best season of his career. Much like the Steelers, his defense has let him down over the past few seasons. Much like Tony Romo, Rivers is famous for having decent success but never really making a push for a Super Bowl. His young receiving core is only getting better however and he has grown into a big deep ball threat.
[new page = 6. Tom Brady, New England Patriots]
2013 QBR: 87.3
2013 TDs: 25
2013 Yards: 4,343
Brady had a rough year. With that said, he also had no star caliber talent among his wide receivers. Obviously Gronk is a big target, but he was still playing through an injury most of the season. The Patriots also improved their defense greatly this offseason which should help Brady settle more on offense and not worry about giving the ball up. With that said the Patriots still have a poor run game and once again, no Wes Welker. But good news for the Patriots, Tom Brady can usually find a way to win no matter what. That is unless he is playing the Giants in the Super Bowl.
[new page = 5. Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles]
2013 QBR: 119.2
2013 TDs: 27
2013 Yards: 2,819
2013 was Foles breakout season. Mike Vick went down with an injury and Nick Foles came in and showed the world that he deserved the starting job. He threw for 19 touchdowns before throwing a single interception last season and only tallied two interceptions throughout the whole season. Not to mention a sever touchdown game he had against the Oakland Raiders. Also the fact that he only started 13 of the 16 games is impressive. It will be interesting to see how he does without DeSean Jackson in the lineup but I think he will do just fine.
[new page = 4. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers]
2013 QBR: 104.9
2013 TDs: 17
2013 Yards: 2,536
Rodgers didn’t have the greatest statistics last season but he only played in eight of the 16 games. He played in a ninth but only attempted two passes. With that said he was on track for over 5,000 yards passing and 34 touchdowns. He will be the same old Rodgers next season.
[new page = 3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks]
2013 QBR: 101.2
2013 TDs: 26
2013 Yards: 3,357
The reigning Super Bowl champion quarterback is heading into his third season with the Seahawks and is coming off two straight seasons with a 100 QBR or better. He is a special quarterback because he uses his mobility to extend a play and throw the ball downfield much like Big Ben. Many players today such as RG3 and Colin Kaepernick simply run around the backfield to eventually take off and gain yards. Wilson is evading tacklers and always keeping his eyes downfield for a potential passing play.
[new page = 2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints]
2013 QBR: 104.7
2013 TDs: 39
2013 Yards: 5,126
The New Orleans Saints are a very pass heavy offense. Since 2010 Brees has attempted at least 650 passes each season. There is a reason for this, and it is because Brees is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. With the addition of Brandon Cooks in the NFL Draft, the Saints have added more speed to their offense. He will fit in perfectly in the slot game because Brees loves to throw the short ball and allow his receivers to do work in the open field. He should once again be very effective in the passing game.
[new page = 1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos]
2013 QBR: 115.1
2013 TDs: 55
2013 Yards: 5,477
Peyton Manning will probably go down as the best quarterback to ever play the game. Now at age 38 he is coming off the best season of his career. It was the first time he ever through for over 5,000 yards and posted over 50 touchdowns. While his age and health are in question going into the 2014 season, the only argument one might need is that his age and health were in question heading into 2013. It is just time to realize that Peyton Manning will never disappoint at surprising the masses. He basically turned Julius Thomas into a top class tight end in only one season. He should pick up right where he left off next season even after the embarrassing loss in the Super Bowl.