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This is just one half of the top ten NFL Quarterback Rankings heading into the 2014 season. This is not just based on stats but, based on team cohesion, leadership and altogether performance. These are numbers 10-6 in the league. 5-1 coming soon to a couch near you!
Almost, but just missed
Matt Ryan: Ryan has the talent and the weapons. Ryan just dosent have the defense or offensive line protection needed to really make a big year. Not to mention Roddy White and Julio Jones may have some injury issues.
Cam Newton: Newton has improved in most of his passing statistics every year. Newton’s impressive 4th quarter comeback against the New Orleans Saints without the help of Steve Smith was impressive but, losing Steve Smith, Brandon Lafaell, and Ted Ginn Jr, really will hurt Newton’s ability to rely on receivers.
Matthew Stafford: Many will strongly believe that Stafford deserves a top 10 spot. I just can not put him that much higher. Yes he has Golden Tate to take pressure off Calvin Johnson, but lets be honest. Nate Burelson was also highly expected to take away that pressure. I do not see Tate being good enough to dominate the other side of the field like many expect. Look for Stafford to abuse Johnson’s ability to make leaping catches over defensive players. I do not believe it will be enough for Stafford to take the Detriot Lions to the playoffs.
10. Tony Romo It all started with Tony Romo’s interception against the Denver Broncos that cost the Dallas Cowboys the game in the fourth. We really should not blame Romo. Romo’s 506 yards and 5 touchdowns were not enough to get the Cowboys the lead but, when you tell your offense it has to score more than 50 points to beat a team, what do you expect? The Cowboy’s defense was ranked last while the offense averaged in top 5 in points per game. Look for Romo to post even better numbers this season and attempt to make the playoffs, with the always reliable Jason Witten and Dez Bryant. The numbers should increase this season. The main thing that holds him back is the defense losing Sean Lee to injury and Demarcus Ware in offseason.
9. Andrew Luck: Take a team with no running game or Defense and add a little Luck and you get a high octane passing attack. Luck has made pro bowls in his first two seasons. Luck also has 10 comeback wins in just two seasons. Indianapolis Colts’ QB led one of the biggest comebacks in league history without the help of Reggie Wayne. If Luck’s 20th ranked Defense gets better and his late game turnovers improve, we could very well see a Super Bowl run by the third-season pro.
8. Russell Wilson: People ignore the fact Russell Wilson has posted a 100+ passer rating in both of his first two seasons. If Defense is the reason for Wilson’s ability, why did we not see the same numbers from Ben Roethlisberger, Trent Dilfer, Matt Schaub and other Qbs that had great defenses? Wilson had 5 game winning drives last season, which was the most last year. Look for Wilson to produce more with a healthy Percy Harvin and potential star Jermaine Kearse. Wilson will continue to be a proven leader on the field. The Seattle Seahawks retained 17 of its 22 super bowl starters not to mention gaining a few players as well. The retirment of Sidney Rice could however, cost depth at the receiver position.
7. Ben Roethlisberger: If the Defense and Offense stays 85% healthy, we will see an 85% percent increase in the Pittsburgh Steelers production last year. Roethlisberger has managed a 92.6 career passer rating which ranks in the top 10 of all time. If everything goes according to plan, Roethlisberger can lead his team back to greatness. Roesthlisberger has had a knack for producing receivers. Emmanuel sanders and Jericho Cotchery both benefeited from his ability to throw. Cotchery’s 10 touchdowns will be missed but additions of Lance Moore, Darius Heyward bey and hopeful rookie Martavis Bryant will add more depth and ability to the Offense.
6. Phillip Rivers: Last season we saw Rivers go from fancy regular season Qb, to one of the top Qbs in the league. Rivers had the highest completion percentage with 69.5% last season. That is a scary number when you think of who his targets were. Superstar Keenan Allen, and past his prime Antonio Gates were main parts of the Offense in one of the toughest divisions in football today. If the San Diego Chargers establish a better Defense and running game, look for Rivers to completely take over and finish with a 10+ win season. The Chargers have the ability to be real contenders and Rivers, is the biggest reason. If the offense can play as well as they did near the end of the season, the Chargers will be easy contenders for the playoffs.
Josh Gantt is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook
