In Elite Company: Ranking The Star-Studded Quarterbacks In The 2011 NFL Playoffs

When taking a glance at the upcoming NFL playoffs, I can't help but focus on the amount of talent and prowess at the quarterback position.

While the group is led regularly by Brady, Manning, Brees and Roethlisberger, this year's list of playoff shot-callers offers a twist with the emergence of Michael Vick, Jay Cutler and Matt Cassel.

Vick's comeback to professional football, let alone the playoffs, is miraculous, while both Cutler and Cassel look to open their postseason careers with high hopes.

Nobody can forget about Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers or Joe Flacco, either.

The NFL's followers may never again see a postseason packed with such anticipation at the quarterback position. After all, it is the "Year of the Quarterback."

So, without further ado, here's how I'd rank the 2011 NFL Playoff QBs.

12. Matt Hasselbeck/Charlie Whitehurst

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks jogs during warmups before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

I didn't have to give this one much thought.

Although Matt Hasselbeck has played in nine playoff games with a 4-5 record, he hasn't been to the postseason since 2007.

Hasselbeck has been cleared to play this weekend, but nobody is sure how effective he'll be.

Seattle made the playoffs with a losing record, and are double-digit underdogs at home this weekend. Both Hasselbeck and Whitehurst have battled inconsistency all season, I don't expect that to change.

11. Mark Sanchez

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 02: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets reacts on the side lines during their game against the Buffalo Bills at New Meadowlands Stadium on January 2, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

He's only a two-year pro, yet Sanchez is taking the Jets to the playoffs again.

It's impressive, but Sanchez hasn't progressed all that much this season.

He made some clutch comebacks in the regular season, but most of them were against teams that should have been handled easily (Houston, Cleveland, Denver, Detroit).

Sanchez still demonstrates inconsistency with decision-making, and lacks the ability to take over games when asked to attempt at least 30 passes.

Ultimately, the pressure and hype that is self-inflicted upon the Jets will be the demise of Sanchez this postseason. 

Without an elite defense to rely on, Sanchez will be asked to do more, and I don't think he's ready for it.

10. Jay Cutler

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CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 26: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks for a receiver against the New York Jets at Soldier Field on December 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Jets 38-34. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

This is Cutler's first game as a playoff quarterback. One playoff win will take Cutler's reputation a long way.

He's rebounded beautifully this season after throwing 26 INTs last year, as the Bears are enjoying a first-round bye.

Cutler showed shades of his inconsistent side from time to time this season. This includes times in which he forces the ball into heavy coverage, locks onto receivers, and ignores plays underneath in an attempt to hit the big play.

If Cutler can avoid costly turnovers in the red zone, and take what's given, he might get a playoff win. 

He's talented, yet risky...

9. Matt Cassel

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws a pass in a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Cassel is also a playoff rookie.

He ranks ahead of Cutler because of the weapons around him offensively.

With Dwayne Bowe finally breaking out, and Jamal Charles being arguably the best running back in the league this season, defenses are fretting about Kansas City's offense.

Cassel proved after a slow start that he can rack up yardage through the air, and relies perfectly on his check down option to complement Charles' versatility. 

Matt Cassel had great success with Charlie Weis as the offensive coordinator this season, as Weis encourages Cassel to use his feet as well.

The Chiefs defied all odds this season, with Cassel's stability being a main reason for their success.

8. Joe Flacco

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BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens passes against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 13-6. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

"Joe Cool" is climbing the ranks.

Let it be known that he's far better than the four quarterbacks below him on this list, but ranks eighth only because of the company ahead of him.

Flacco is 3-2 as a playoff quarterback, and he's favored this Sunday because of his AFC North roots.

After posting a 93.6 QB rating in the regular season, he's learned how to run a potent offense with newly acquired receiver Anquan Boldin, and Ray Rice running the rock.

Flacco has tremendous arm strength, and is able to rely on veteran Derrick Mason to move the chains in critical situations.

Rice provides a huge advantage for Flacco in the passing game, as he and LeSean McCoy are the best pass-catching running backs.

Joe Flacco has greatly matured since being a rookie, and he'll most likely make big plays on Sunday.

7. Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Lincoln Financial Field on December 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

It seems rather low for Vick to be ranked No. 7 in the group, but take a step back and think about it...

Sure, this was the most fantastic comeback story the NFL has ever seen. He racked up 30 total touchdowns and a 100.2 QB rating in 12 games, but...

Vick is banged up right now. After losing the final two games of the season and missing the opportunity to have a first-round bye, the Eagles will play their third game in 12 days.

Not to mention, Vick looked mortal against Minnesota, and he missed Week 17 due to injury.

He needs to continue to extend the pocket with his legs, and he must do a better job keeping his eyes downfield. 

The Eagles offense is perhaps the most explosive in the league with Vick, McCoy, Jackson and Maclin.

If Michael Vick continues to take advantage of the speed at every position, he can win his first playoff game since 2004.

6. Aaron Rodgers

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers rolls out of the pocket against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Rodgers is certainly an elite NFL quarterback, but this year's postseason presents him with possibly more than he can handle.

The Packers have a nonexistent running game with Brandon Jackson, Dimitri Nance and John Kuhn splitting carries. Rodgers has shown why the Packers passing attack has such a great reputation, but I'm afraid he'll be asked to do too much.

He's 0-1 as a playoff QB with his first start being last year against Arizona, and Sunday he'll face Philadelphia on the road, against a machine in Michael Vick and a great playoff coach in Andy Reid.

Jermichael Finley's absence hurts Rodgers more than we think, but he could definitely pull out a win this weekend. 

Green Bay's defense usually provides a nice cushion for Rodgers to keep the offense running smoothly, and keep a lead, too.

5. Matt Ryan

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons waits for a play call against the Carolina Panthers at Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

"Matty Ice" is on the brink of greatness in this league.

Although Rodgers is more experienced and has already established his identity, Ryan ranks at No. 5 because of his tremendous home record and complete offense behind him.

Matt Ryan carved defenses up this season with accomplice Roddy White, as nobody was as good as White this season.

Ryan is nearly perfect in his career at home, as the Falcons hold home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, and a first-round bye this week.

Ryan perfectly balances the passing game with the Falcons' great running game, as Michael Turner will make it easy on any quarterback when he's in the backfield.

If not for his youth and inexperience as a playoff quarterback, Ryan might be higher on the list. You can bet that he will be in the future.

4. Drew Brees

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks to throw a pass during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

He's a defending Super Bowl Champion.

Drew Brees is everything you want in a leader, and he'll take his Saints back to the playoffs against the lowly Seahawks this weekend.

Brees should get at least one win this postseason, but he MUST cut down on his turnovers if the Saints want a shot at the Super Bowl again. He threw 22 INTs this season.

Brees will have to win games with a backfield missing both Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory the rest of the way, leaving nobody to run between the tackles.

Also, as a side note, the Saints defense does not have nearly as many key takeaways as last season. 

Drew Brees has more pressure on his shoulders for these playoffs, but I have no doubt in my mind he can get it done. 

3. Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts throws a pass during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The year 2010 was rather a down year for Manning, as he experienced adversity with tons of injuries, and threw 17 INTs.

The rushing attack is near the the bottom of the ranks despite the surge over the last three weeks of the regular season, and I'm sure Manning would love to have Dallas Clark healthy right now.

Manning must be nearly perfect for the Colts to go far in the postseason this year, but how can't you trust him to make the right plays?

He's now established a rhythm with his no-name receivers, and with the running game improving, Manning can now use his play-action pass again.

The lackluster defense and special teams won't make anything easier on the depleted Colts, but Manning finished the season with four wins and looks to face an under-performing Jets defense on Saturday.

Despite all the problems for the Colts, I couldn't put Manning any lower than this, he's about as good as it gets.

2. Ben Roethlisberger

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 23: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the game against the Carolina Panthers on December 23, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

No, he's not as skilled as Manning, Brees or Rodgers, but Big Ben finds a way to win playoff games.

He managed to bring the Steelers to a first-round bye, and has the offense firing on all cylinders heading into the playoffs.

Ben has an 8-2 career playoff record, and with the defense playing as well as it is, I expect the Steelers to make a legitimate run at the Super Bowl.

Roethlisberger simply has too many guys around him not to rank him high on the list, and the defense is his biggest weapon.

We know that he and Hines Ward have unquestionable chemistry, but Mike Wallace has emerged as a stud in the league this year too.

Despite the offensive line injuries, Rashard Mendenhall has done a very nice job on the ground this season, as he helps to complete the Steelers offense.

Roethlisberger is money in the playoffs, and I expect more of the same from him this year. 

1. Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots passes the ball in the first half against the Miami Dolphins on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

He's done a miraculous job transforming the offense after Randy Moss' departure.

To the tune of 34 TDs and 4 INTs, Brady's most-likely MVP regular season ended with a first-round bye for New England and a juggernaut of an offense.

Both tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski have come up huge for Brady this season, as the Patriots have been able to carve up the middle of the field with two-tight end sets.

Brady and Belichick have been here before (14-4), as they have two weeks to rest, and plan for their expected trip to Dallas.

Brady's streak of not throwing an interception is unheard of, as there isn't anybody more deserving of the No. 1 spot than him.

He's come up big for the Pats this season, and he hopes to go far while playing at home in the snow the entire way.