NFL Quarterbacks: Who Are the Elite Quarterbacks Entering 2011?

If you're just an average fan of the NFL, then you're well aware of the quarterback position. It is considered the leader of the team, the "field general," and the face of the franchise. 

Out of all the 32 starting quarterbacks in the NFL, some are great, but only a few can be elite. 

As I remove the dark thoughts of a locked-out 2011 season from my head, I can speculate on who's really going to be an elite quarterback in the upcoming season. 

I have compiled a list of the top five "elite" quarterbacks in the NFL entering the 2011 season. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @TonySantorsa.

No. 5: 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)

Defending a Super Bowl title is one difficult challenge, just ask New Orleans Saints' quarterback Drew Brees. 

Brees' numbers in 2010 may not have been the best for the Purdue alumni, but at times, he put the Saints team on his back. 

Leading New Orleans to a Wild Card playoff berth, Brees threw 33 touchdown passes and posted a 90.9 passer rating. However, Brees did throw 22 interceptions, which was a career high.

The Saints will need to improve their running game to take some of the pressure off of Brees, but he is the wheels on the New Orleans' franchise and he is an elite quarterback. 

No. 4: Michael Vick

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LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 15: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to pass against the Washington Redskins on November 15, 2010 at FedExField in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

The 2010 season was a resurrection for the Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Michael Vick.

At times, and when healthy, Vick was nothing but lights-out—he was that good. 

Vick finished with the fourth-best passing rating in the league at 100.2, only behind Tom Brady, Philip Rivers, and Drew Brees. 

While only playing in 12 games for Philly, Vick was arguably the most explosive player in the NFL. He scored a total of 30 touchdowns, while passing for 3,018 yards and rushing for an impressive 676 yards. 

If the Eagles can improve their pass protection and keep Vick healthy, he'll not only become an elite quarterback, but the league's most difficult player to defend. 

No. 3: Peyton Manning

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

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is, without question, a first-ballot Hall of Famer. However, Manning did not perform to the standards that he usual does.

When first-ballot Hall of Famers have a bad year, they come back the following season playing better than ever.

Manning did put up solid numbers in 2010, throwing 33 touchdown passes, but he did only post a 91.9 quarterback rating—something that he'll have to improve. 

As long as Manning is in the NFL, he will always be an elite quarterback. 

No. 2: Aaron Rodgers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 31-25. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

Over the past decade, the common formula to win a Super Bowl is to have an elite quarterback. 

The Green Bay Packers have that in Aaron Rodgers. 

Rodgers is the face of Green Bay and knows how to carry a team.

Not only does Rodgers bring leadership to the table, his skill set is amazing. 

Besides Michael Vick, Rodgers is the most mobile and elusive quarterback when running the football, believe it or not. 

In 2010, Rodgers recorded an amazing 101.2 passer rating while throwing 28 touchdown passes, and surprisingly, running for 356 yards. 

Rodgers might have his struggles next season, but I doubt it. He will continue to ensure his standing as one of the league's elite and premiere passers. 

No. 1: Tom Brady

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ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 26: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Orchard Park, New York. New England won 34-3. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Before I even start, this is not a "homer" pick.  Tom Brady is the NFL's best quarterback and will go down as one of the league's greatest players of all-time.

Face it, haters. 

Brady's 2010 season was so impressive that many have been comparing it to his 2007 recording-breaking season when he led New England to a 16-0 record. 

Not only was Brady unstoppable in 2010, but he broke a record on his way to leading the Patriots to a league best 14-2 record. Brady became the first quarterback to throw 335 straight passes without an interception. Now, that is just unbelievable. 

When you take a look at New England's roster, it is the youngest in the league, and Brady put up his second-best season with a rebuilding franchise.

Brady threw 36 touchdowns and only had a mere four interceptions. Yes, that's right, four. Also, Brady recorded the league's top passer rating with 111.0.

Along with Manning, Brady will always be an elite passer as long as he's playing football. Brady has been the greatest player over the past 10 years, and he'll continue on to be the best player in 2011 and the next five seasons.