2011 Top 10 QBs: Tom Brady Legendary, but No One Is Peyton Manning

1. Peyton Manning, Colts

With four MVPs and a Super Bowl, Colts fans don't even want to think about where they'd be without Peyton Manning. It's not only that he has the power and accuracy to make any throw—throws others can't make—it's the fact he's a coach on the field and can outsmart defensive coordinators in his own right. His supporting cast is decent, but the Colts are fueled by Manning, especially on offense. Their offense is in shambles without him. His injury is unfortunate, but will show his worth.

2. Tom Brady, Patriots

Tom Brady is the most popular choice as the best QB and player in the NFL, and it's warranted. He has all the intelligence needed for his position, with great arm strength and likely the best accuracy of any NFL QB. He has proven strong under pressure, with a great playoff reputation. There's nothing wrong with his game, but consider his supporting cast. He's been surrounded with great receivers, a great system and a great defense. However, he's still the main reason for the success, after his coach.

3. Drew Brees, Saints

I don't think anyone means more to his fans than Drew Brees does to New Orleans. He is an intelligent leader who operates a complex offense with good pocket presence, arm strength and accuracy. His interception count was high this past year, but he puts up 4.000 to 5,000 yards a season with plenty of touchdown passes. He gets the best out of his receivers, instigating a dynamic offense.

4. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

Amidst all the Brett Favre drama, Aaron Rodgers stayed calm under the pressure. In the playoffs and the Super Bowl, he remained calm again. Rodgers showed incredible clutch ability to complement his pocket presence and passing skills. Still in the prime of his career, Rodgers may ascend to the pinnacle of all NFL athletes

5. Philip Rivers, Chargers

Rivers has had a qualifying QB rating high than 100 for the past three season, something no other quarterback has done in that time. Rivers' curse is lack of playoff success, as those above him have all been champions, playing well in the clutch. However, Rivers used great passing skills to lead a top passing offense, even with Vincent Jackson holding out and Antonio Gates injured at times.

6. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger went through plenty of conflict this year and triumphed to lead his great team to the Super Bowl again. He remains unlike any QB in the NFL, with the strength to fend off sacks and negate opposing pass rushers. Wideouts have plenty of time to get open, and the Steelers can focus their linemen on blocking for runs. His accuracy is decent, and his arm strength is great. 

7. Michael Vick, Eagles

A few years ago, Michael Vick was in prison. Then he was the third-string QB for the Eagles. Now, he is the QB of the dream team, and the proud winner of a $100 million contract. Vick seems to have matured as a passer, making better decisions and being more accurate. As far as athleticism is concerned, no one is at his level with his ability to run and avoid sacks. The question is if he can continue his comeback this year.

8. Matt Ryan, Falcons

Ironically, Matt Ryan comes in right after Vick, the last face of the Falcons franchise. However, the Falcons are glad they ended up with Ryan, a very promising QB who may end up the best QB in the league one day. He has a great, savvy supporting cast in place with Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, Michael Turner, etc., but he has done a lot to turn the franchise's prospects around.

9. Matt Schaub, Texans

The Texans passer often gets overlooked, but Matt Schaub leads a very dangerous passing attack in Houston. Although Andre Johnson would make any quarterbacks job much easier, he has still been consistent and not made any mistakes. In 2009 he was the Pro Bowl MVP, finally rising to his deserved fame. As a younger player, his arrow points up.

10. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers

Coming from the shadow of Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez in the 2009 draft, Josh Freeman has quietly been the most impressive. He leads an overachieving offense in Tampa Bay and has quietly put up production and wins in a very difficult division. Overshadowed by Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and now Cam Newton, Freeman will continue to work under the radar with solid athleticism, passing skills and leadership.

Also considered...

Tony Romo, Cowboys: top 10 deserving; others edged him when he wasn't healthy

Eli Manning, Giants: good QB, but must get interception count down

Donovan McNabb, Vikings: I don't know why Mike Shanahan was down on this guy

Sam Bradford, Rams: he will make this list eventually; great QB prospect

Matt Cassell, Chiefs: good statistics; helping resurrect the Chiefs team