NFL Debate – Who’s The Best Quarterback?

Tom Brady – New England Patriots – “The Rehab Years”

He’s just two seasons removed from his record setting, 50-touchdown season that culminated in a perfect (regular) season and a quarterback rating of 117.2. The issue – his torn ACL and subsequent rehab from a crushing chop block courtesy of Bernard Pollard. The truth is that Brady has all the weapons and coaching he needs to succeed again. But nobody just steps in to Pro-Bowl form coming off such a crucial surgery. Then again, this is Tom Brady we’re talking about…

MVP Odds: +400

Peyton Manning – Indianapolis Colts – “The Twilight Years”
Manning was the fifth best overall quarterback in 2008, and certainly missed the presence of “Marvelous” Marvin Harrison. This year will be Peyton’s most pressing season. Harrison is gone, Dungy has retired, Addai is coming off a major knee surgery and Reggie Wayne still doesn’t have a proper compliment other than Dallas Clark. If anybody can overcome the odds, its Peyton Manning. However a man accustomed to achieving such steady success may struggle as I anticipate the Colts too. The golden years are past Peyton and the Colts. Now Peyton must show he can lead a team of stalwart players through a trying time, as he enters his twilight years.

MVP Odds: +600

Philip Rivers – San Diego Chargers
Rivers led the league with a 105.5 quarterback rating last year, and tied for the most touchdowns with 34 to end the year. He also capped the year with 4,009 passing yards and just eleven interceptions. Not bad for the guy who was traded for Eli Manning in Manhatten. Rivers has become one of the steadiest quarterbacks in the league, but its hard to imagine anyone failing in such an explosive offensive system. The pressure is on Rivers to become the winner that he is supposed to be. LaDanian Tomlinson gets all the headlines, but its Rivers who will be under the scrutiny spotlight should the Chargers stumble at all this season.

MVP Odds: +1600

Kurt Warner / Kerry Collins – Yep, They’re Still Playing
Both are coming off astounding seasons as the “quarterbacks that were never meant to be”. But this year will be a big sign as to whether has the mustard to keep getting the nod from their respective head coaches. The bigger odds here aren’t whether Warner or Collins will lead their teams to the playoffs again…it’s more so who will last longer under center. Both have young guns (Matt Leinart and Vince Young) waiting to take their places, and any slip ups from the overachieving old-timers will see them lose their spot virtually immediately.

Donavon McNabb – Philadelphia Eagles
McNabb is by far one of the better athletes at the position, but its his head that always gets in the way. The Philly crowd is thirsty for a Super Bowl, and McNabb has never delivered. To top things off, he’s always pointed the blame away from himself in press conferences. From criticizing Terrell Owens, to the Philly fans, to Andy Reid, McNabb has always faulted everyone but his own self, and that part really perturbs me. As a leader in one of the better offenses in the league, you expect more from a guy like McNabb. Will you get it this year?

MVP Odds: +1400

Matt Ryan – Atlanta Falcons
Flash in the pan? The next great quarterback? Let’s just say that I’m not punching my ticket to the Ryan bandwagon until he’s strung together three respectable seasons before I anoint him any other title than “starting quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons”.

MVP Odds: +2000

Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers
He may have shed the title of “game manager”, but he certainly hasn’t put up numbers reflective of a premier quarterback. Well tell that to his two Superbowl rings!

MVP Odds: +1200

Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys
Lost Terrell Owens and Jessica Simpson all in one summer. Now with all the drama gone from his life, I wonder if he can concentrate on winning a playoff game?

MVP Odds: +1200

Eli Manning – New York Giants
Tom Coughlin has instilled a “my way or the highway” philosophy, shedding dead weight like Amani Toomer and Plaxico Burress. So while I don’t doubt the younger Manning’s ability, I do have heavy doubts about his receiving corps’ ability.

MVP Odds: +1800

Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
Ranking in the top-5 in all the important statistical categories, Rodgers’ Packers failed to make the playoffs after experiencing a horde of bad luck. With Jennings and Driver at his disposal, Rodgers is probably the best longshot to win MVP odds…if the Packers bounce back from an absurdly disappointing season.

MVP Odds: +3000

Carson Palmer – Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati had one melodramatic receiver and one steadfast producer. IN typical Bengals’ fashion, they got rid of the producer. Palmer is still coming off elbow surgery and a year he’d like to forget. Is it in the cards for him this season? Probably not. I mean, the Bengals are dreadful.

MVP Odds: +2500

Matt Hasselbeck – Seattle Seahawks
Hasselbeck is another quarterback who had a season he’d like to forget. The 33 year-old lasted just 6.5 games last season, and threw for 5 touchdowns and 10 picks. With T.J. Houshmandzadeh and a new coaching staff, Hasselbeck has a chance to resurrect his career. And it’s a chance he has to capitalize on…because time is running out.

MVP Odds: Non-Existent (yikes!)

And the winner is…

Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints – FURIOUS PICK FOR BEST QUARTERBACK
The Saints can’t seem to catch much of a break. Between Reggie Bush’s failures as a running-back, to their inability to stop anyone through the air, Brees has been the only constant on the team. The Saints have been in the playoffs twice in the last 10 seasons. Last year alone, however, Brees silently threw for 5,069 passing yards and 34 touchdowns (both tops in the NFL) as everyone beamed about Matt Cassell and Matt Ryan. At 30 years old, Brees is entering his prime, and is coming off his best season ever. However, did he peak last year, or is he in store for even more greatness this season? With Marques Colston back healthy after missing the entire first half last season, Brees could be in store for a career year as the Saints try to battle their suddenly hyper-competitive NFC South rivals.

MVP Odds: +1200