FanPost

2012 Quarterback Power Rankings

The quarterback position is such a crucial piece of the puzzle to have in place for success and a run at the Superbowl. We, of all fans know this all too well. At this time I'd like to create a list of QB power rankings going into 2012, based only on last year. Keep in mind, this is based off of last years peformances and not including their entire bodies of work.

1. Tom Brady- The guy is showing no signs of slowing down and with the weapons he has around him it looks to be another solid year for him. Once again putting up great numbers and taking his team to the Superbowl. While they lost the big game, he still is the main factor allowing the Patriots to be yearly contenders.

2. Drew Brees-The only reason Brees in not number one is because he and his team did not make it to the Superbowl. He had his best statistical year in almost every category, though. With a 71.2 completion percentage, a 46 TD/ 14 INT ratio and a record shattering 5,476 yards, it's hard to argue that he isn't the best QB in the league based on last year's performance.

3. Aaron Rodgers- 45 TD/ 6 INT ratio is outrageous. It is a sign of a QB who makes very few mistakes. Watching Aaron Rodgers play is a real treat. He had the highest QB rating in the league (122.5). Rodgers is the most complete quarterback in league in terms of pocket presense, scrambling ability, accuracy, arm strength and leadership.

4. Eli Manning- Finally getting some well-earned respect around the league with his second unlikely Superbowl win as the underdog again, defeating the "superior" Tom Brady and the Patriots...again. Eli was 67 yards away from joining the 5,000 yards club. While his 29/16 TD/INT ratio isn't as impressive as the QB's above and some that are below him on this list, we must disregard stats when talking about Eli because he elevates his game when it counts the most. Just take a look at his post-season TD/INT ratio (9 TD/ 1 INT), which is good for the best of all 2011 playoff QB's.

5. Matthew Stafford- The rising star for Detroit put up his best numbers yet, with a hair over 5,000 yards and 41 TD/ 16 INT. Even if he has hit his ceiling, if he can put up numbers like this consistently, the Lions will be a force for a long time. He struggled a bit in the playoffs, but Matt is still early in his career and he finally got some playoff experience. Expect many more appearances throughout his career.

6. Peyton Manning- So many question marks surround Peyton at this point in his career, but I couldn't put him any lower on this list just out of respect. Prior to his injury, he was showing no signs of slowing down. Even though he didn't play a down in 2011, we saw how valuable (as if we didn't already know) he truly is, therefore I had to include him in this list.

7. Tony Romo- Since 2007, Romo has consistently put up elite (or close to it) numbers. He has been put in a position to succeed numerous times with all the talent around him, yet he can't seem to win when it matters the most.

8. Matt Ryan- Ryan is one of the better QB's in the league to never win a playoff game. The 5-year starter has consistently put up great numbers and at the same time, consistently loses in the playoffs.

9. Matt Schaub- Had he not been injured, he probably would've ended up higher on this list. Schaub was on pace for a great season through the 10 games he played in.

10. Jay Cuter- Same thing goes for Cutler. He was on pace for a great year, but was sidelined after 10 games as well.

11. Alex Smith- Alex Smith played the role of game manager last year. We saw a QB that played much smarter and made very few mistakes.

12. Ben Roethlesberger- Big Ben once again put up Big Ben type numbers. 2007 aside, his numbers are never really off the charts, but he is consistent at above average QB play, as he was last year.

13. Phillip Rivers- Rivers had a down year as he struggled with accuracy. He threw 20 int's, but still managed 4,600 yards.

14. Joe Flacco- With 3,600 yards and a 20/12 TD/INT ratio, Flacco belongs in the upper half of quarterbacks. I look at Flacco the same way I see Romo. They're quarterbacks on teams loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, that can't manage to make a run at the Superbowl.

15. Cam Newton- In the middle of the pack are two very promising quarterbacks who had great rookie campaigns. First, is Newton who set rookie records and looked unstoppable at times. It's scary to think how good this kid can and probably will be.

16. Andy Dalton- he looked like a seasoned veteran at times, and at others showed some rookie growing pains. Last year Dalton showed great potential.

17.. Micheal Vick- Believe it or not, Vick tossed up a career best 3,300 yards just through the 13 games he played in last year. The problem I have with putting Vick higher is his value. He is extremely valuable, when he is healthy. He hasn't played an entire year since he was suspended from the league in 2006.

18. Matt Moore- Matt Moore showed promise last year. With 2,497 yards, 16 TD's and 9 INT's, he showed he is capable of being our starter. The odds were against Matt and he beat them. It was his first year with the team, during a lock-out, not starting from day one, took over for a winless team, etc. I'd like to see him get a shot at starting this year.

19. Mark Sanchez- inconsistent play, too many picks, and bad decisions have plagued Sanchez his whole career, including last year. Yet, 3,400 yards and 26/18 TD/INT ratio are deserving of this spot.

20. Matt Hasselback- Matt showed he still has something left in the tank compiling 3,500 yards and a 18/14 TD/INT ratio.

21. Ryan Fitzpatrick- Did anyone have a hotter start than Fitzpatrick? Through week 3 he threw 9 TD's and 3 INT's. Of course, he lost a lot of steam from that point on. He threw 20 more picks from week 4-16 for a grand total of 23 INT's. Ouch!

22. Colt McCoy- Did not do anything exceptionally well, but the kid has virtually no talent around him. Now they bring in some play makers through the draft and he may not even get a chance to showcase what he can do with some play makers.

Rounding out the bottom 10 are an eclectic bunch ranging from has-been's and might be's, to never will be's.

23. Travaris Jackson

24. Kevin Kolb

25. Josh Freeman

26. Matt Cassel

27. Rex Grossman

28. Sam Bradford

29. Christian Ponder

30. Blaine Gabbart

31. John Skelton

32. Tim Tebow- For those who need an explanation for this one. It's simple, Tebow is not a quarterback. He completed less than half of his passes. I give him credit for 12TD's vs 6 picks, but I watched some games last year that were painful to see where he could not complete anything and I'm not even a Denver fan.

So what do you guys think? Are these spot on or are you wondering if we witnessed the same season last year?

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Phinsider's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of The Phinsider writers or editors.