Ranking the Quarterbacks in the Mild, Mild NFC West

Most experts believe that solid quarterback play is the key for making the NFL playoffs, and most QBs are up to the challenge. 

The QB position in the NFC West has gone through a major overhaul, and in a division where 9-7 could win it, how these quarterbacks perform could make the difference between the penthouse or the outhouse. 

1.Sam Bradford—St. Louis Rams

Although Bradford only has one year in the NFL under his belt, he is by far the best quarterback in this division.

Last year he stepped in as a rookie, starting all 16 games and impressing everyone with his arm, his ability to read defenses and his leadership.

After missing out on the playoffs by losing the last game of the season, Bradford will be hungrier than ever to take the next step in his career.

2.Kevin Kolb—Arizona Cardinals

Kevin Kolb was the back-up to both Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick during his tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, but he has been chomping at the bit to start.

With his trade to the Arizona Cardinals, he will get that coveted opportunity.

The Cardinals haven't had a solid QB since Kurt Warner left, and Kolb has the savvy and skill to step in and become an immediate team leader. 

3.Alex Smith—SF 49ers

Just like the movie Groundhog Day, Alex Smith just keeps returning to the San Francisco 49ers.

While never being better than a mediocre NFL quarterback, San Francisco head coaches and offensive coordinators just keep believing that they will be the ones to "fix" Smith.

He is intelligent and his teammates like him, but that isn't enough to make him a solid NFL QB.

Jim Harbaugh beware.

4.Tarvaris Jackson—Seattle Seahawks

The Minnesota Vikings treated Jackson like Brett Favre’s lapdog, and he couldn't wait to leave the Vikings.

He landed in Seattle, who needed a quarterback to replace Matt Hasselbeck.

Unfortunately Jackson's scattershot arm and poor decision making follow him—Seahawks' coach Pete Carroll will have to work some magic in order to lead the team back to the playoffs.