Ranking the Playoff Quarterbacks

Since NFL teams succeed and fail based on the play of their quarterbacks, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at each playoff team from this year and rank the quarterbacks.

There is more to ranking the quarterbacks than just looking at the passer ratings. The pass rating is the dumbest thing the league has ever seen and fails to tell the whole story.

There are certain intangibles that go into account when making these rankings. Some teams rely more on their quarterback than others, simply because of the difference in each team's running game, defense, or overall game plan.

Not everyone is going to agree with these rankings, and I encourage you to voice your opinions. But please don't just tell me I am dumb for putting someone ahead of someone else, give me some facts to back up your statements. Your comments are greatly appreciated.

No. 12: Mark Sanchez

You probably saw this one coming. Sanchez got off to a good start in the first couple of weeks of the season, but after teams had a chance to get a look at him on film and design better schemes to stop him, he has had his rookie struggles.

He deserves credit for being as good as he has been for the Jets this year, but without their strong running game and perhaps the best defense in the league, it's hard to say how many games the Jets would have won had they been forced to rely on Sanchez to win games.

No. 11: Carson Palmer

Like it or not, Carson Palmer has been struggling as of late. His 1-for-7 with zero yards passing game against the Jets last week has been blown out of proportion, but the last couple of games haven't been pretty.

This year has been the worst statistical season of Carson Palmer's career, something that you cannot ignore.

Ironically, Sanchez and Palmer will be facing each other this Saturday. They went to the same high school and both played at USC, but one of them will leave the weekend to play in a divisional playoff game, while the other will be most likely be taking most of the blame for the loss, whether deserving or not.

No. 10: Tony Romo

We all know how long it has been since the last playoff win for the Cowboys, and quite frankly, it has gotten old. Until Romo can put one in the win column, he will continue to be crushed by the critics.

Romo has some pretty good weapons around him, and should be able to produce like a top 10 quarterback. The expectations are high in Dallas, and the Cowboys have been on a role as of late. The last thing Romo needs is an early exit from the playoffs again this year, especially at the hands of the division rival Eagles...and in Jerry's Palace.

No. 9: Joe Flacco

Flacco is coming off of a great rookie season, and has actually improved all of his numbers in his sophomore campaign. Despite his improvement, he has also been the victim of many dropped balls this year by his receivers, especially in key moments.

The support of the running game has allowed Flacco to take more shots through the air. Baltimore could definitely use better weapons at the receiver position, but for the time being, Flacco is doing well with what he has.

The Patriots have struggled in the secondary this season, so it is possible for Flacco to have a big performance on Sunday.

No. 8: Kurt Warner

Kurt Warner is a fine quarterback, and he has proven it his entire career. However, the past few games have been a little challenging for Kurt and the offense.

They were obviously laying down last week against Green Bay, but with Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, the numbers were expected to be a little higher this season. Perhaps the emergence of a running game and constant injuries in the receiving corps has slowed them down a little.

But with 26 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, Kurt has shown he is still the man.

No. 7: Donovan McNabb

McNabb will always be the most under-appreciated quarterback in this generation. Leading the team to the NFC Championship game almost every year, he has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. But he has never really had big weapons until now.

With DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, there is always a chance for a big play from McNabb. As of late, he has been overthrowing his receivers, which is hard to do considering the speed of Jackson and Maclin.

McNabb's completion percentage is a little low, but he will always be a great quarterback, and hopefully the Philadelphia fans will realize it before he is gone.

No. 6: Tom Brady

I never thought I would see Tom Brady out of the top five, but he hasn't been the Tom Brady we are all used to seeing.

Obviously the loss of Welker is going to hurt the Patriots, but Brady has always shown the ability to make something out of nothing. Before he had Randy Moss, he was making all-stars out of mediocre receivers.

With his injury from last season, Brady hasn't quite gotten back to the top, but statistically he has been very good this season. Perhaps we are just spoiled and used to seeing him throw 50 touchdowns and complete nearly all of his passes. Though he hasn't been on fire lately, Brady is still capable of getting the Patriots to the Super Bowl.

No. 5: Brett Favre

Favre has once again put on a show, and this time it has resulted in a playoff appearance. This time in the playoffs, Farve will try to improve on his mediocre 12-10 postseason record as a starter.

But if his stats are any indication—Favre had the second best quarterback rating in the NFL this season—the Vikings will do just fine. With Adrian Peterson going through a small slump this season, Favre has carried the Vikings to most of their victories. Having a great defense and speedy receivers has helped as well.

Favre has really cut down his bad throws, thus throwing fewer interceptions. He has thrown for 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions this year. The Vikings were a good team before he got there, and he has turned them into a Super Bowl favorite.

No. 4: Phillip Rivers

Phillip Rivers has put the Chargers on his back this year and carried them during their impressive win streak. Rivers has turned his receivers into all-stars and has been making plays when they needed them the most.

Though he is not liked by many people out there (including myself), you can not argue that he is an elite quarterback. He has the third best quarterback rating in the NFL, and has passed for 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

The Chargers are the hottest team heading into the playoffs, and are picked by many to make it to the Super Bowl. Without Rivers leading them, they would have no chance.

No. 3: Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers has quietly become one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Selected to the Pro Bowl this year, he has put the Packers on his shoulders and carried them into the postseason.

Rodgers has the fourth best quarterback rating in the NFL and has thrown 30 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. His completion percentage is near the top of the league as well.

The running game has really helped open things up for Rodgers and he has taken advantage of it. The receiving corp has really stepped their game up as well, helping Rodgers' confidence as the team progresses.

Not only is he in the top five in nearly every passing category, but he is also the second leading rusher for the Packers; something that can really help the Packers steam roll their way to the Super Bowl.

No. 2: Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is the Colts. Without Peyton in Indianapolis, well let's just say the Lions and Rams would have some competition. We have seen what the Colts' offense is like without him behind center, and it really is scary for Colts fans. Not only is Manning the quarterback of this explosive offense, but he is the offensive coordinator on the field as well.

Manning has thrown for 33 touchdowns, but has also had 16 passes intercepted. The Colts are a pass happy team, which is no secret, and that actually makes his numbers even more impressive because the defense is expecting pass almost every play.

Manning was ranked sixth in passer rating this season, but he still threw for 4,500 yards and completed 69 percent of his passes. Leading a franchise to a 14-0 start as the quarterback isn't easy, but if anyone can make it look easy, it's Mr. Manning (Sorry Eli).

No. 1: Drew Brees

Drew Brees has been out of his mind this season, picking up where he left off last year. Brees is the leader in nearly every passing category this year. He ranks first in touchdowns, yards per game, completion percentage, and passer rating.

Obviously the Saints are one of the most pass happy teams in the league along with the Colts, but doing it against a defense that expects the pass is even more impressive. Brees doesn't have an elite receiver like some other teams, but the collection is quite an impressive group. Without Brees taking the snaps, I fear the Saints would even be worse than the Colts.

In my opinion, you could give the MVP to Peyton Manning every year, much like LeBron in the NBA, but I think Drew Brees has earned it this year.