The NFL's 3 Most Underrated Quarterbacks Going into the 2011 Season

Theses three signal-callers were chosen based on their statistics compared to other players at the position. They may not receive as much media attention as some of their counterparts but have performed well over the past few seasons. BTW will give credit where credit is due, so here is our list of the NFL's quarterbacks who have done well, but you may not know about...

3. Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos

The seven-year veteran has been a victim of Tim Tebow fame. Since the Broncos have drafted one of college football's greatest players, the franchise has been enticed to anoint Tebow the starter without realizing the caliber of player they already have in Orton.

The media said he was sure to be shipped to the Miami Dolphins earlier in the preseason, but now seems to be staying put, and for good reason. Orton came to Denver as part of the Jay Cutler swap and has outperformed Cutler has in the past two seasons.

Orton threw for a career high 3,802 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2009, while throwing for 3,653 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2010. His passing yardage was good for 10th the league. Orton has displayed a knack for big play ability, ranking third in the league with 11 passes of 40 yards or more last season. The Denver Broncos boasted the seventh best passing offense in the league last season behind the play of Cutler.

If the Broncos can improve their running game, there is no reason why Kyle Orton can't deliver another good season.

2. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs

 Many believed Matt Cassel was a product of the New England Patriots system when he threw for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns in the absence of Tom Brady in 2008. It was his first year thrust to the forefront of an NFL franchise, but since then, he has showed he belongs.

The Kansas City Chiefs saw something in Cassel and made a deal for him in February of 2009. Cassel then became the man when he signed a six-year $62.5 million contract. His initial year with the Chiefs did not go so well, as he endured an MCL injury in the preseason. He finished the season with a 4-11 record and threw for 2,924 yards and 16 touchdowns and interceptions.

 Last season, Cassel played closer to his 2008 form after throwing for 3,116 yards 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Now, you are probably saying those are just OK statistics. However, Cassel's Chiefs were the top rushing team in the league in 2010 with 2,627 yards; therefore, he had less chances to throw the ball.

Cassel's seven interceptions were good for fourth in the NFL behind the likes of Brady, Roethlisberger, Vick and Freeman. Not to mention his passer rating of 93.0 that was good for eighth in the NFL. His efforts landed him a spot as a reserve in last season's Pro Bowl. 

Cassel may not have eye popping statistics, but he is an efficient quarterback that will not make many mistakes. Cassel and the Chiefs hope to build on last year's playoff appearance and make it out the first round this year.

1. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco is on the list for one reason: He has yet to win a Super Bowl. But can you blame him? Since he has entered the league in 2008, the last three Super Bowl Champion quarterbacks were Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger, and there is a good chance that all three guys could own one of those tan jackets in the future.

Flacco has gone out and steadily improved every season he has been in the league. In his rookie year, he threw for 2,971 yards, 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. In year two, Flacco threw for 3,613 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Last season, he threw for a career best 3,622 yards, 25 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a rating of 93.6 (seventh in the NFL).

He has made the playoffs in each of his three seasons and has a record of 4-3 in those games. At only 26 years old and a good but aging cast still around him, his team still has the chance to accomplish grand things. It will be interesting to see if Flacco will continue to build on his impressive young career.

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