Magic Number Eights: The Top NFL Quarterbacks

The Quarterback position is the most important in the NFL.

He's the leader, and the guy that everyone looks to when needed for a big play.

When it comes to the top in the NFL, here are a couple of names that stand out to me.

I will spend the next few weeks ranking the top eight players at each position, and this article is all about the quarterbacks.

8) Phillip Rivers, San Diego

2009 stats: 28 TD; 9 INT; 4,254 YD; QB rating 104.4.

Skill-wise, Rivers beats out Tony Romo. But, when it comes to playing hard when it really matters, Rivers' and the rest of the San Diego team fails to come up big.

He is still young, and has some growing up to do. When comparing who is more Super-Bowl ready, Romo wins that battle.

7) Tony Romo, Dallas

2009 stats: 26 TD; 9 INT; 4,438 YD; QB rating 97.6.

I still fail to understand why people hate so much on Romo.

Yes, he has made quite a few mistakes, especially during big moments. But honestly, what quarterback hasn't?

Two future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, Peyton Manning and Brett Favre, through gamed-ending interceptions during the '09 postseason, yet they get away with it.

Romo is part of the Dallas Cowboys', and with that, he will be hated by many people after just one mistake.

6) Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh

2009 stats: 26 TD; 12 INT; 4,328 YD; QB rating 100.5.

Alright, for one minute, lets to forget his legal troubles he has gotten into.

When it comes down to it, Roethlisberger could be the best-clutch quarterback in the game. At only age 28, he already has two-Super Bowl rings. I think that speaks for itself.

Although, he does have a lot of growing up to do. Hopefully this suspension will be an eye-opener for him.

5) Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay

2009 stats: 30 TD; 7 INT; 4.328 YD; QB rating 103.2.

When Rodgers became the starter after longtime-Packers Brett Favre '"retired," a lot of people doubted him. I think Rodgers has done enough to shut them up.

After putting together another great season, Rodgers looks to be one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL.

4) Tom Brady, New England

2009 stats: 28 RD: 13 INT; 4,398 YD; QB rating 96.2.

I got close, and i mean close, to putting Rodgers higher than Brady. But because of Brady's past, I couldn't do it.

Although Brady was once considered the top quarterback in the league, to me, he has lost something. He's not a passionate about the gam as he once was.

Ever since his knee injury, he hasn't been the same. Whatever it is, Patriots' fan's hope he returns to form as the Patriots enter a critical season.

3) Brett Favre, Minnesota

2009 stats: 33 TD; 7 INT; 4,202 YD; QB rating 107.2.

As the never-ending story of Brett Favre continues, his play seems to be everlasting too.

Right when some started to call Favre "washed up," he proved us all wrong by having one of the best seasons' of his 18-year career.

He ended the season on a disappointing note by throwing a game-ending interception against the Saints during the NFL Championship, so expect him to be back for one more go at it.

2) Drew Brees, New Orleans

2009 stats: 34 TD; 11 INT; 4,388 YD; QB rating 109.6.

This was a hard-choice between Manning and Brees.

Even though Drew Brees' Saints defeated Manning's Colts during the Super Bowl, he hasn't odone enough yet to surpass the future Hall of Famer.

Although, I wouldn't be surprised if Brees starts to edge Manning in the next couple of years as Manning is not getting any younger.

1) Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

2009 stats: 33 TD; 16 INT; 4,500 YD; QB rating 99.9.

The '09 MVP, Peyton Manning, continues to top the list at quarterbacks.

Despite failing to collect his second Super Bowl ring last year, he did enough to lead his team there, and i expect him to continue doing it.

Next Stop: Running Backs

Come check out my next ranking on "Magic Number Eights," running backs!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/395675-lucky-number-eights-running-backs