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Power Ranking Every QB-Head Coach Tandem in the NFL

Ryan RiddleJun 8, 2018

In the NFL, the two most important people on the field each Sunday are generally the head coach and the quarterback. Throughout this slideshow, those two critical pieces to success are brought together, as every QB-head coach tandem in the NFL has been ranked based on a series of factors. 

Each element of consideration is weighted by importance using a numeric value, and they have been combined to generate an overall score. 

So let's find out which QB-coach duo ranks near the bottom and which duo takes the top slot. Keep in mind that a great QB alone is not enough to solidify a position at the top of this ranking. 

Where will your favorite team land on this unique power ranking?

32. Blaine Gabbert and Gus Bradley, Jacksonville Jaguars

1 of 32

2013 Projection: 2/10

There is little to be hopeful for with Blaine Gabbert beyond blind faith. There's a good chance that Chad Henne starts for the Jaguars by Week 1.

History: 0/3

This is the first time these two will work together.

Rapport: 0/5

Gus Bradley is more interested in seeing which QB will emerge as the starter before investing too much in relationship building at this early stage.

Mutual Respect: 1/5

Bradley has made several inferences towards an open competition for the starting QB job. Comments praising Gabbert are rare.

Projected Longevity: 1/5

The chances are slim that this marriage lasts much longer than Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian. Gabbert is in the third year of a four-year agreement. At best, he plays out the remainder of his fully-guaranteed contract worth $12 million.

Production Apart: 1/5

If you can call what Gabbert has done thus far production, I suppose it's worthy of one point.

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 5/40

31. Matt Flynn and Dennis Allen, Oakland Raiders

2 of 32

2013 Projection: 3/10

Matt Flynn is not guarantee to be the starter, but whoever assumes the role will have limited weapons at the receiver position. 

History: 0/3

These two will join forces for the first time.

Rapport: 0/5

Not much time to build a rapport thus far. 

Mutual Respect: 2/5

As reported on Silver and Black Pride, Dennis Allen spoke to the media on April 1 about Matt Flynn in a conference call with the media:

"

My impressions of him have been very good. He won a National Championship there at LSU, he was on a World Championship football team with the Green Bay Packer, so this is a guy that understands the thing it takes to win a championship. When you talk to people that have actually been in the building with Matt Flynn, they talk a lot about the type of guy he is and the type of football character that this guy has.

"

That's all fine, but he still has to earn the respect that matters by beating out Terrelle Pryor and rookie Tyler Wilson in camp this summer.

Projected Longevity: 2/5

There are too many questions regarding the future of this duo. Can Allen retain his position as head coach? Is Flynn just an interim QB until the true face of the franchise arrives?

Production Apart: 1/5

Coach Allen won four games last year, and Matt Flynn has done well in limited action throughout his career.  

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 8/40

30. Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

3 of 32

2013 Projection: 1/10

At some point, we can predict Rex Ryan alters his tattoo of Mark Sanchez's jersey on his arm. 

History: 2/3

Two AFC Conference Championship games have bolstered their history, though the relationship is clearly in a tailspin. 

Rapport: 2/5

Rex and Mark started in New York together, and they may go out together as well. 

Mutual Respect: 1/5

They've tried to be supportive of each other, but the lack of recent success has made it difficult for both sides. 

Projected Longevity: 1/5 

Giving them one point for this category may be generous. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Mark has only known one head coach, and Rex has only had one starting QB. 

Production Together: 3/7

Together they have come within one win of a Super Bowl appearance on two occasions. 

Total: 10/40

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29. Mike Vick and Chip Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles

4 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

Mike Vick might be a good fit in Chip Kelly's system if he can beat out Nick Foles and Matt Barkley for the job. There's no doubt that they have the team speed and talent to make huge strides in 2013. 

History: 0/3

There is no history between these two. 

Rapport: 1/5

Kelly is already teaching Vick some fundamentals of the game, like how to protect the football. 

Mutual Respect: 1/5

Vick seems to enjoy Chip's style of coaching so far, but we're not sure the respect goes very far just yet, or even if it is mutual. 

Projected Longevity: 1/5

Mr. Vick is on the wrong side of 30 and will not be around much longer, even if he does have a productive season. 

Production Apart: 3/5

There have been some nice career moments for No. 7, starting with over 20,000 passing yards and 5,000 yards on the ground. 

Production Together: 0/7

We will soon find out. 

Total: 12/40

28. Brandon Weeden and Rob Chudzinski, Cleveland Browns

5 of 32

2013 Projection: 5/10

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner and head coach Rob Chudzinski should help bring out the best in Brandon Weeden. 

History: 0/3 

No history to speak of yet. 

Rapport: 1/5

Rapport comes with time—these two will need more of it to develop a true understanding of each other. 


Mutual Respect: 2/5

Chudzinski has Weeden working with the first-team offense and likes his progress so far. However, he's not ready to name him his starter just yet. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

If Weeden shows promise, he and Chudzinski could be around for several more years. 

Production Apart: 1/5

Well, Weeden did play last year, that's worth something, right?

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 12/40

27. EJ Manuel and Doug Marrone, Buffalo Bills

6 of 32

2013 Projection: 5/10

If EJ Manuel can win the starting job from Kevin Kolb, he should be able to put together a pretty exciting season. 

History: 0/3

None to speak of. 

Rapport: 2/5

Apparently Manuel and Doug Marrone hit it off well enough for EJ to predict his draft destination. These two are off to a good start. 

Mutual Respect: 2/5

When you're the first quarterback taken in the draft, it comes with an intrinsic amount of respect. 

Projected Longevity: 4/5

Unless either of these two falls flat on their face, they should be around for quite some time. Manuel is loaded with potential, and the Bills are doing a good job of surrounding him with the necessary talent. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Both are fresh fish. 

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 13/40

26. Philip Rivers and Mike McCoy, San Diego Chargers

7 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

We all know Philip Rivers has the talent to put up big numbers. He should be fully motivated to turn the tide on a declining career. 

History: 0/3

Their history has been better established as division rivals rather than allies. 

Rapport: 1/5

They're in the beginning stages of getting to know each other. 

Mutual Respect: 1/5

McCoy has been pleased with Rivers' so far, which is not uncommon news at this time of year.

Projected Longevity: 3/5

Rivers is 31 and may not be around much longer if he continues to decline. 

Production Apart: 3/5

Philip Rivers has been one of the best QBs in the NFL for a long time.

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 15/40

25. Christian Ponder and Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Vikings

8 of 32

2013 Projection: 5/10

Christian Ponder has all the makings of a game manager. 

History: 1/3

One overachieving season was nice, can they make it two?

Rapport: 2/5

Their specific relationship seems to be a neutral one, which falls drastically short of what we saw publicly from Jim Harbaugh and Alex Smith. 

Mutual Respect: 2/5

Leslie Frazier has given Ponder his vote of confidence, at least for the 2013 season. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

Frazier got his head-coaching opportunity in Minnesota as an interim coach. His long-term status, however, remains unknown. As for Ponder, he has yet to win over the fans or the organization. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Frazier has not done much as a head coach before Ponder, and Ponder has had no other coach since entering the league.  

Production Together: 2/7

The Vikings surprised everyone with a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance last season.

Total: 15/40

24. Josh Freeman and Greg Schiano, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

9 of 32

2013 Projection: 5/10

Freeman hasn't shown Schiano much up to this point, which is worrisome heading into 2013. 

History: 1/3

They have one sub-par season under their belts together. 

Rapport: 1/5

There isn't much to speak of at this point. 

Mutual Respect: 2/5

This respect comes at a very basic level. Both parties seem to be treating their relationship with each other as all businessthis includes saying all the right things to the media. Drafting Mike Glennon this year to compete at quarterback should make things interesting come August. 


Projected Longevity: 3/5

This relationship can go either way in the next couple of years. 

Production Apart: 2/5

Freeman has shown promise at times, but inconsistency is hurting him. His best year (2010) as a pro so far happened to come without Greg Schiano as his coach. 

Production Together: 2/7

In their first year together, they finished 7-9 while Freeman completed less than 55 percent of his passes. 

Total: 16/40

23. Jake Locker and Mike Munchak, Tennessee Titans

10 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

If Locker can't put up big numbers with this talented group of receivers, he probably doesn't deserve to be a starting quarterback. 

History: 1/3

Munchak and Locker have two years under their belt, but Matt Hasselbeck has made it hard for Locker to fully establish himself as the leader of this team. 

Rapport: 2/5

Munchak may spend more time focusing on the offensive line than he does the QB, as evidence of these two talking during games is hard to find. This is odd for a head coach and starting QB. 

Mutual Respect: 2/5

Munchak has alluded to this being a make-or-break year for Locker. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

If Locker shows improvements and flashes the potential to guide the Titans to the Promised Land, these two can enjoy a long and fruitful relationship, but few "ifs" come bigger than the one just mentioned. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Production Together: 2/7

Last year the Titans finished 6-10 while Locker threw more interceptions than touchdowns (10-11).

Total: 16/40

22. Jay Cutler and Marc Trestman, Chicago Bears

11 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

Cutler is an intriguing arm talent. He has the weapons and a good offensive mind at head coach. The question will be how Cutler fairs in a West Coast-type system.

History: 0/3

Obviously these two have zero history. 

Rapport: 1/5

Can Cutler buy in to Trestman's system? If not, things could get dicey pretty quickly. Jay has not built a reputation as a guy that is well-versed in being amicable. 

Mutual Respect: 2/5

Marc Trestman has to feel pretty good about his QB situation in Chicago. First-year head coaches typically do a lot worse. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

This relationship should last at least three years. After that, it can go in any direction. 

Production Apart: 3/5

Cutler is an established veteran who has put together a solid career to date. Yet he has never thrown 30 touchdowns in a season and has a lone playoff win to his resume. 

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 16/40

21. Alex Smith and Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

12 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

The Chiefs are a talented roster and Andy Reid has a proven history with offensive production.

History: 0/3

So it begins. 

Rapport: 1/5

This is just the beginning but Reid is very involved with his quarterbacks. 

Mutual Respect: 3/5

The Chiefs gave up a second-round draft pick in 2013 along with a conditional pick in 2014 in order to acquire Alex Smith. Considering that the guy got virtually no interest last offseason, this trade was a big showing of respect by Reid and the Chiefs organization. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

Reid likely isn't going anywhere for the next four or five years, but Smith's future is less certain in K.C. 

Production Apart: 3/5

Smith has grown significantly at QB under the tutelage of Jim Harbaugh, with the most noteworthy  of his accomplishments is leading his team to an NFC Championship game. 

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 16/40

20. Carson Palmer and Bruce Arians, Arizona Cardinals

13 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

A Carson Palmer and Bruce Arians combination sounds like an exciting pair. The offensive line is a big question mark, as is playing in the toughest division in football. 

History: 0/3

History begins now. 

Rapport: 2/5

Their relationship seems to be moving faster than most new QB-coach combos usually do. Both guys are working closely with one another and building a rapport early. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Carson is already singing Arians' praises. Bruce is also doing his fair share of crooning for Carson. There appears to be a lot of love emanating from the desert this offseason.  

Projected Longevity: 2/5

Carson Palmer doesn't have much time left on his career clock, he has retired once already. 

Production Apart: 3/5

Palmer has seen some success during his long career but has never established himself as an elite QB.

Production Together: 0/7

Total: 17/40

19. Cam Newton and Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers

14 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

Cam Newton is one of the most exciting young players in the NFL, but don't expect too much growth through the air with Carolina's extreme lack of talent in the receiving corps. 

History: 1/3

Ron Rivera and Newton have played two seasons together but their relationship has not been great.

Rapport: 2/5

Rivera and Newton may not have much of a relationship, with Rivera being more of a defensive-minded head coach. 

Mutual Respect: 3/5

Coach Rivera has defended Newton several times in their brief careers, and he certainly has respect for his abilities on the field. Newton, on the other hand, is more of an enigma when it comes to gauging his feelings about his head coach. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

Ron Rivera is one disappointing season away from losing his job. He may not make it to the mid-point of the season if things go south early. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Production Together: 3/7

Newton has been impressive in his first two seasons in the league, but wins have been scarce so far with only 13 combined victories in two years. 

Total: 18/40

18. Tony Romo and Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys

15 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

Owner Jerry Jones wants Tony Romo to be someone he is not: Peyton Manning. He will fall short of that expectation but could see his game improve in the process. 

History: 1/3

Their history together has been tumultuous at best. 

Rapport: 2/5

Jason Garrett seems like an easy-going personality. He and Romo should have a basic understanding of one another by now, but they could also have differences in philosophy.

Mutual Respect: 2/5

With so many recent struggles in Big D, it's got to be hard for these two to establish a greater respect for each other. 

Projected Longevity: 2/5

Jason Garrett is on the hot seat right now and may not be around in 2014. 

Production Apart: 2/5

Romo did play some decent football under former coach Wade Phillips

Production Together: 3/7

This relationship has produced more disappointments than accomplishments so far, but they've always remained competitive. 

Total: 19/40

17. Ryan Tannehill and Joe Philbin, Miami Dolphins

16 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

Mike Wallace should help make the offense more explosive, and Tannehill is no longer the raw rookie with an extreme lack of experience. 

History: 1/3

Their first year together was a relative success, showing promise and steady improvement as the season wore on. 

Rapport: 2/5

Joe Philbin and Ryan Tannehill are on the right track in this department, as they continue to build upon last year. 

Mutual Respect: 3/5

Philbin is happy with his QB but is looking for him to make big strides in 2013, especially in the areas of accuracy and decision making. 

Projected Longevity: 4/5

These two appear set for a long journey together as they work to dethrone the New England Patriots in the AFC East. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Production Together: 3/7

Ryan Tannehill and Joe Philbin went 7-9 last year, while Tannehill threw 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his rookie campaign. 

Total: 19/40

16. Andrew Luck and Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts

17 of 32

2013 Projection: 8/10

Expect big things from one of the most promising QBs in the NFL. 

History: 1/3

One year of inspired football set a positive tone between Chuck Pagano and Andrew Luck. 

Rapport: 1/5

These two have not had much time to really build upon their relationship given Pagano's health struggles last season. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

There is no shortage of respect from either side here. Luck even shaved his head in honor of his coaches' battle with leukemia. On the other end, there is no doubt that coach Pagano feels like he hit the lottery having Andrew Luck as his franchise quarterback. 

Projected Longevity: 5/5

These two should see a lot of success together in Indianapolis, which also means they aren't going anywhere any time soon. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Production Together: 3/7

The Colts achieved a great deal last year winning by 11 games, especially for a team that was completely rebuilding from the ground up. 

Total: 22/40

15. Sam Bradford and Jeff Fisher, St. Louis Rams

18 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

New weapons and new protection could equal a big year for Sam Bradford and Jeff Fisher.

History: 1/3

Last year, they worked to make the Rams highly competitive in a tough division.

Rapport: 2/5

Few know the details of Bradford and Fisher's relationship, but we can assume that it's far better than Fisher's past relationship with Vince Young. 

Mutual Respect: 3/5

We can assume Fisher chose to coach the Rams over the Dolphins because he liked what he saw in Sam Bradford. 

Projected Longevity: 4/5

It doesn't appear that either one of these guys is going anywhere in the near future, but Bradford must take that next step in becoming a true franchise quarterback. 

Production Apart: 3/5

Bradford did win Rookie of the Year honors long before Fisher arrived. Fisher was also a highly successful coach for a long time in Tennessee. 

Production Together: 2/7

2012 was their first season together and it was a promising one. They only lost one game against divisional foes and Bradford had his best season as a pro. 

Total: 23/40

14. Matt Stafford and Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions

19 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

Matthew Stafford cannot keep throwing every pass to Calvin Johnson. The team needs more options in the passing game. 

History: 2/3

These two have worked well together while bringing Detroit out of the NFL's basement. 

Rapport: 3/5

Schwartz seems to give Stafford a lot of freedom within the offense and understands the type of QB he is.  

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Both Stafford and Schwartz have shown nothing but respect for one another, even in the face of adversity. It's safe to say that their respect is in a good place at the moment. 

Projected Longevity: 4/5

The big question here is regarding Stafford's contract negotiations. Until they can agree upon a contract extension, there's always a chance that Stafford can hit the open market in two years. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Production Together: 4/7

If passing for a ton of yards counts for anything, then this QB-coach duo has set the bar high. Stafford has combined for over 10,000 yards through the air in his last two seasons alone. 

Total: 22/40

13. Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals

20 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

Andy Dalton struggled last season down the stretch, but he could be poised for big things in 2013 with the addition of an explosive running back in rookie Gio Bernard and fellow rookie tight end Tyler Eifert. 

History: 2/3

Dalton and Marvin Lewis have made consecutive playoff appearances in their first two seasons together. 

Rapport: 2/5

Marvin Lewis is the epitome of a player's coach. I'm sure they have established a pretty decent understanding of each other despite Lewis being a defensive-minded coach. 

Mutual Respect: 2/5

Lewis has a lot of faith in Dalton, which is probably why he named him a team captain last season and bypassed numerous opportunities to draft a QB in last April's draft.  

Projected Longevity: 4/5

Andy Dalton will likely be the Bengals QB for the next four or five years. Lewis also seems to be safe at the moment. 

Production Apart: 2/5

Coach Lewis was able to establish some success with Carson Palmer at QB. The pair even managed to make a couple of playoff appearances. 

Production Together: 4/7

The Bengals have become true contenders in the AFC North, thanks in part to a healthy relationship between Lewis and Dalton that is built on respect and trust. 

Total: 23/40

12. Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks

21 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

Adding WR Percy Harvin to an already talented roster should help Russell Wilson's ongoing development in the NFL. 

History: 1/3

Pete Carroll took a brave gamble by allowing Wilson a fair opportunity to compete for a starting job. 

Rapport: 3/5

Seattle's entire coaching staff has done a remarkable job at developing Wilson by increasing his load gradually as the year wore on. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Wilson has a lot to be thankful for in Pete Carroll, who showed remarkable faith in the undersized QB on numerous occasions while the rest of the world thought Wilson was too short to ever be a success at the NFL level. 

Projected Longevity: 5/5

This marriage seems fixed at least for the foreseeable future. 

Production Apart: 1/5

Pete Carroll did manage to be the only NFL team in history to make the playoffs with a losing record in 2010. He even found a way to upset the defending Super Bowl champions in the divisional round that same year. 

Production Together: 3/7

We're merely scraping the surface of this dynamic duo's potential. Eleven wins and a playoff run are not bad for their first year together. 

Total: 24/40

11. Colin Kaepernick and Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

22 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

Colin Kaepernick and Jim Harbaugh are primed for a big year if the younger receivers can step up in the absence of Michael Crabtree

History: 1/3

Their first two seasons together have been good, but this will be the first year that Kaepernick enters as the unquestioned starter.

Rapport: 3/5

We all know how well Jim Harbaugh can inspire his QBs to play with the utmost confidence. He's one of the best coaches at understanding what makes his players tick. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Kaepernick has to respect the way Harbaugh managed a tough QB-controversy in the middle of a successful season last year. That was a remarkable display of respect on both ends. 

Projected Longevity: 5/5

Neither Harbaugh nor Kaep are going anywhere for a while. 

Production Apart: 2/5

Harbaugh was able to get to the NFC Championship game with Alex Smith just two years ago. 

Production Together: 3/7

Kaep only played the second half of the season last year but looked fantastic leading them to the Super Bowl against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Total: 25/40

10. Matt Schaub and Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans

23 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

Andre Johnson is a year older and rookie DeAndre Hopkins' NFL readiness is a mystery. 

History: 2/3

With Matt Schaub and Gary Kubiak leading the way in Houston, the Texans have established themselves as a mainstay atop the NFL. 

Rapport: 4/5

These two seem to be on the same page in regards to how the offense should be executed. Kubiak and Schaub have established a nice rapport over the years, which has translated well on the field. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Both parties have only had good things to say about the other. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

Schaub is getting up there in age at 31 years old. Kubiak has to start thinking about his eventual replacement within the next year or two. 

Production Apart: 1/5

Neither guy has done much before joining forces. 

Production Together: 5/7

Together Schaub and Kubiak have kept the Texans offense within the top-10 in yardage in four of the last five seasons. 

Total: 26/40

9. Joe Flacco and John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

24 of 32

2013 Projection: 6/10

The Ravens lost Anquan Boldin and failed to replace the lost production there. Flacco's job at QB was not made easier with the new contract.  

History: 2/3

John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco have done nothing but win games consistently, especially in the postseason. 

Rapport: 4/5

These guys have a good thing going in Baltimore and have fought side-by-side through some bitter battles thus far. 

Mutual Respect: 5/5

Holding up the Lombardi trophy is one of the best way to establish a healthy respect for one another. 

Projected Longevity: 5/5

With Flacco locked up for the long-term, these two guys will be around for a long time. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Production Together: 5/7

After numerous attempts in the playoffs, these two finally emerged as Super Bowl champions last season. 

Total: 27/40

8. Matt Ryan and Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons

25 of 32

2013 Projection: 8/10

Tony Gonzalez is back and the Falcons are ready for another playoff run. Matt Ryan is loaded with weapons and this could be the year the Falcons go all the way. 

History: 2/3

Mike Smith and Matt Ryan got their first playoff win last season. 

Rapport: 4/5

Few coaches work better with their franchise QB than Mike Smith and Matt Ryan. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Matt Ryan is the unquestioned leader and the face of the Falcons organization. He has earned his respect.

Projected Longevity: 5/5

There is no end to this tandem in site. 

Production Apart: 0/5

Production Together: 5/7

Under Mike Smith, Matt Ryan has improved every year to emerge as one of the best players in the NFL. 

Total: 28/40

7. Ben Roethlisberger and Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers

26 of 32

2013 Projection: 7/10

The weapons are not what they were a year ago, but Ben Roethlisberger is healthy again. Can he stay that way?

History: 2/3

These two have been to two Super Bowls, winning one of them. 

Rapport: 4/5

If only Big Ben had the same relationship with offensive coordinator Todd Haley as he does with Mike Tomlin

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Roethlisberger is one of the most respected guys in the Steelers' organization. Tomlin has been a fantastic leader of men since becoming head coach in 2007. 

Projected Longevity: 3/5

If Mike Tomlin can't reverse the Steelers' declining momentum, he could be on his way out. Who was the last Steelers head coach to be fired?

Production Apart: 2/5

Ben has won a Super Bowl without Mike Tomlin. 

Production Together: 6/7

Last year was the first time that these two have missed the playoffs. 

Total: 28/40

6. Peyton Manning and John Fox, Denver Broncos

27 of 32

2013 Projection: 10/10

John Fox and Peyton Manning have everything in place for a monster year. 

History: 1/3

Last year was the first season that Manning and Fox have worked together. 

Rapport: 3/5

Just step aside and let Manning do his thing. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Fox cannot have more respect for Manning than he already does, but little is known about how Manning feels about Fox relative to the coaches of his past. 

Projected Longevity: 1/5

The wonderful career of Peyton Manning is winding down and will soon come to an end. This season could be his final curtain call. 

Production Apart: 5/5

Manning has been one of the best for a long time. 

Production Together: 5/7

Last year, Manning had one of his best seasons in terms of personal stats. 

Total: 29/40

5. Robert Griffin III and Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins

28 of 32

2013 Projection: 8/10

Robert Griffin and Co. could be scary good in 2013. 

History: 1/3

Mike Shanahan and RG3 are off to a good start after only one season. 

Rapport: 5/5

You have to give a lot of credit to the way Mike Shanahan was able to take advantage of Griffin's strengths. These two clearly had a special relationship on and off the field and it showed. 

Mutual Respect: 5/5

A legendary coach and a budding superstar have found a near-perfect balance in their working relationship. 

Projected Longevity: 5/5

This partnership will set numerous NFL records before it's all said and done. 

Production Apart: 3/5

Mike Shanahan has a couple of Super Bowl rings on his resume as a head coach. 

Production Together: 3/7

The Redskins surprised everyone by winning the NFC East. Griffin's proficiency was uncanny for a rookie QB. 

Total: 30/40

4. Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin, New York Giants

29 of 32

2013 Projection: 8/10

Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin are always productive, but will they have enough firepower to reclaim the NFC East?

History: 3/3

Two Super Bowl victories are all that needs to be said here really. 

Rapport: 4/5

Having a rapport with Coughlin seems like a difficult proposition. Their relationship is both interesting and mysterious. Professionalism is the constant between the two of them. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

One has to wonder how much Eli relates to the sentiments of Tiki Barber in regards to Coughlin's personality. Is Tom truly a "militant" and "demeaning" coach?

Projected Longevity: 4/5

How much longer can these two remain together in New York? Manning is 32 years old while Coughlin is 66. Neither one seems ready to move just yet. 

Production Apart: 2/5

Tom Coughlin had some success as the Jaguars head coach, leading the expansion team to four playoff seasons. 

Production Together: 6/7

Manning and Coughlin may not be very consistent in the regular season, but they sure know how to turn it on in December and January. 

Total: 31/40

3. Drew Brees and Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints

30 of 32

2013 Projection: 9/10

With Drew Brees and Sean Payton reuniting, 2013 should be an exciting year for Saints fans. 

History: 3/3

Payton and Brees have a wonderful and well-known history together. 

Rapport: 5/5

No QB-coach tandem in the league has a better rapport than these two. They can basically read each other's minds. 

Mutual Respect: 5/5

These two have nothing but positive things to say about one another. 

Projected Longevity: 2/5

At this point, Brees only has a few more years left in him. 

Production Apart: 2/5

Brees was able to put up some solid numbers during his time in San Diego. 

Production Together: 6/7

Once Brees and Payton united, they were able to establish one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history over that span of time. 

Total: 32/40

2. Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers

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2013 Projection: 10/10

Aaron Rodgers is beginning to enter the prime of his career, yet he has already established himself as the best QB in the NFL. 

History: 3/3

He and Mike McCarthy have accomplished a lot over the years, including a Super Bowl victory. 

Rapport: 4/5

Rodgers and McCarthy are rarely out of sync, but sometimes, it does happen. 

Mutual Respect: 4/5

Obviously, both Rodgers and McCarthy think very highly of the other, and they have a very healthy relationship. But it still doesn't compare to Brees/Payton or Brady/Belichick. 

Projected Longevity: 4/5

Aaron Rodgers and Mike McCarthy should have many productive years ahead of them, barring any unforeseen circumstances. 

Production Apart: 2/5

McCarthy's time with Brett Favre at the helm is worth a few points here. 

Production Together: 6/7

One more Super Bowl ring should be enough to put this amazing tandem in the top spot of the power rankings. 

Total: 33/40

1. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

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2013 Projection: 10/10

It's no stretch of the imagination to assume that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will have another highly productive year in 2013. 

History: 3/3

Their combined resume rivals any in QB-coach tandem in NFL history. 

Rapport: 5/5

Brady and Belichick work closely together throughout the week to game plan and study their opponents. 

Mutual Respect: 5/5

The New England Patriots have been one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. The constant throughout that period has been Bill and Tom. Brady had learned so much about football from Belichick, while Bill also understands that so much of his success as a coach can be attributed to the remarkable talents of his future Hall of Fame quarterback. 

Projected Longevity: 2/5

Brady only has a few more years left before he hangs up the cleats. Belichick could also be considering retirement, but I'm sure that he would like to get at least one more Super Bowl ring before calling it quits. 

Production Apart: 2/5

Bill has never done a whole lot as a head coach without Tom Brady. 

Production Together: 7/7

These two are by far the most productive duo on this list. 

Total: 34/40

EPIC NFL Thanksgiving Slate 🙌

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