I have been visiting POD pretty much daily for the last two years and decided to make this my first fan post.
Sure NFL rule changes have inflated quarterback statistics over the past few years, but, nonetheless, it is my subjective opinion that the starting quarterbacks for the 2012 NFL season will be the most talented and most entertaining group to watch play football of all time. I'm interested if you guys agree or disagree? I am only 26 years old, so maybe there was a really great quarterback class I'm just too young to remember or appreciate. I know 1991 was a good year based on my Techmo Super Bowl gaming. That year had: Warren Moon, HOU, Dan Marino, MIA, Jim Kelly, BUF, Troy Aikman, DAL, John Elway, DEN, Joe Montana, SF/ Steve Young, SF, Mark Rypien, WAS, Bernie Kosar, CLE.
My list of projected quarterback starters for 2012 is below, and in in order for what I consider having the most to least potential for 2012, and I drew a few "lines in the sand" as well. I'm interested to see what you guys think about my quarter back rankings as well as where I have projected the top free agent and draft prospects landing.
GO LIONS!
-Ryan
Proven Elite
1 Tom Brady, NE
2 Aaron Rodgers, GB
3 Drew Brees, NO
4 Peyton Manning, MIA?
Near/Potentially Elite
5 Eli Manning, NYG
6 Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
7 Matthew Stafford, DET
8 Michael Vick, PHI
9 Philip Rivers, SD
10 Tony Romo, DAL
11 Cam Newton, CAR
12 Matt Schaub, HOU
13 Matt Ryan, ATL
Serviceable Starter
14 Jay Cutler, CHI
15 Andy Dalton, CIN
16 Alex Smith, SF
17 Matt Hasselbeck, TEN
18 Joe Flacco, BAL
19 Josh Freeman, TB
20 Carson Palmer, Oak
Solid Potential, but Unproven/Has Big Question Marks
21 Matt Flynn, SEA?
22 Sam Bradford STL
23 Andrew Luck, IND?
24 Robert Griffin III, CLE?
Questionable Starter
25 Mark Sanchez, NYJ
26 Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF
27 Matt Cassel, KC/Kyle Orton, KC
28 Christian Ponder, MIN
29 Kevin Kolb, ARI
30 Ryan Tannehill, WAS?
31 Blaine Gabbert, JAC
32 Tim Tebow, DEN