With the retirement of Brett Favre this past week the National Football League waved goodbye to an icon. Favre was a unique player that accomplished many things that very few guys will ever get a chance to copy as well as some things that may never be done again in football. He will be missed on the field and I for one wish him the best.
Just as much, it probably will not be too long before we will also be waving so long to the likes Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, two of the league's other elite quarterbacks. Both of them have been around the block a bit and continue to play great football but nobody expects them to be around forever. Not only have they both reached and possibly surpassed the prime years of their respective careers, but both of them continue to be the main target of some of the most feared defenders in the National Football League. I can only imagine that retirement sounds mighty fine when it is 10° out, you are on the road in Pittsburgh, Baltimore,or New York, and guys ten years younger than you are trying to make names for themselves.
So as these future Hall of Famers move into the twilight of their careers and contemplate retirement as players new gunslingers are waiting in the wings to become the next great quarterback. In recent years we have seen several teams use their first round draft picks on the top QB talent coming out of college and the results have been extraordinary. Rookie passing records have been repeatedly broken as well as some all-time benchmarks by some of the NFL's youngest passers. So at the moment it appears that the future of the NFL will be in good hands.
With that in mind I have compiled a list of the top QB's that will be gracing our television screens and making pro-bowls for the next 10 years. A few guys one might expect to see here, such as Mike Vick, Tony Romo, and Eli Manning, did not make the list. This could be for a number of reasons and it is definitely not a knock on their abilities on the field. For the most part I just do not foresee the three of them taking snaps in 2020. They might even be lucky to still be taking snaps as starters in 2015.
The Top QB's Under the Age of 30:
1. Aaron Rodgers (27), Green Bay Packers - Possibly the coolest pure passer in the game. Rodgers has great pocket-presence with the ability to feel pressure and spin away from defenders. He never gets rattled and his accuracy is as good as it gets. The man completed 87% of his passes in the divisional playoff slaughtering of the Falcons last week and he continues to lead one the NFL's youngest rosters on and off the field.
2. Philip Rivers (29), San Diego Chargers - Rivers led the best offense in the NFL in 2010 and he continues to improve as a player each year. He can make all the throws and looks the part in every way. The biggest downside is the fact that his team continues to underachieve as whole, which might reflect negatively on Rivers' leadership abilities.
3. Ben Roethlisberger (28), Pittsburgh Steelers - Roethlisberger fits the Steelers' profile for a QB as he is tough as nails and does not make many mistakes. At 28 years old he already has two Super Bowl rings and is the only player on this list with even one Lombardi trophy on his resume. Do not be surprised if he ends his career with a couple more.
4. Joe Flacco (26), Baltimore Ravens - With already four playoff wins under his belt it looks as if we will be hearing Flacco's name for a while. He is big, tough, smart, and possesses a nice feel for the game. He was seventh in the league in QB rating in 2010 and if he keeps improving he could become one of the all-time greats.
5. Matt Ryan (25), Atlanta Falcons - Ryan has only lost three home games in his career but is 0-2 in playoff games. He is the best player on the Falcon's roster and made an immediate impact as a rookie three years ago, completing his first NFL pass for an 80 yard touchdown and turning the team into a playoff contender.
6. Matt Schaub (29), Houston Texans - The biggest knock on Schaub is his inability to get his team into the playoffs. Although he has put up some monster numbers he just cannot seem to get his team over the top ever since being traded from Atlanta in 2007 for two second round picks. If the defense can get it together Schaub could make a house-hold name out of himself.
7. Jay Cutler(27), Chicago Bears - Cutler has been under the microscope ever since being picked 11th in the 2006 draft by the Denver Broncos. At times he feels like an interception waiting to happen but statistically he has been solid throughout much his career. In 2010, Cutler finished the regular season 16th in the league in passing and as I write this they are preparing for an NFC championship game at home this weekend against the Packers. He is the team's best offensive player and if they improve the personnel surrounding him his numbers will improve.
8. Josh Freeman (23), Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs selected Freeman 18th overall in the 2009 draft and he finished his rookie season with three wins in eight starts. In 2010 he improved tremendously, finishing sixth in the league in passing and leading one of the youngest teams in the league to a 10-6 finish. He has shown the ability to win games with his arm and he has several notable fourth quarter comebacks that have drawn the attention of everybody around the league. In the end he should go down as the best Buccaneer passer ever and if the team keeps hitting on their draft picks this should be a team to watch for a long time. He is young, big (6'5" 250 lbs.), and hungry to get better.
9. Mark Sanchez (24), New York Jets - I know that I will get criticized for this one as Sanchez just won his fourth playoff game in his two-year career, which is definitely something to brag about. However, his numbers are near the bottom of NFL rankings. The wins are more of a testament to the defense and running game than Sanchez' ability as a QB. Nevertheless, he will be one worth watching in the future as there is no reason to think that he won't get better with experience.
10. Matt Cassel (28), Kansas City Chiefs - Cassel has had an interesting road to being a starting NFL QB as he never started a game in college and initially was given a chance when Tom Brady went down with an injury in 2008. After his performance that season, Cassel became a hot commodity on the free agent market for teams looking for a starter. In 2010 he finished the regular season eighth in the league in passing and won an AFC West division championship. The Chiefs got thumped by Baltimore in the first round of the playoffs though and Cassel looked awful. Of all the guys on this list he might have the shortest leash.
11. Honorable Mention: Sam Bradford (23), St Louis Rams - After being selected number one overall by the Rams in last April's draft, Bradford helped the team be more competitive in 2010 and they were one win away from a playoff berth. He finished 25th in passing but has brought a bunch of hope to a struggling franchise.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Next Generation: Young NFL Teams to Watch in 2011
Every year there seems to be a team that surprises everybody in the NFL playoffs. In recent memory we have witnessed such teams as the '05 Steelers and '08 Cardinals squeak into the first round as a low seed and suddenly hit a hot streak all the way to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, for every one of those teams there is also a good team that does not get invited to the post-season party.
2010 was no exception when it comes to late-season surprises. Several of the NFL's younger teams sitting at home this January wrapped up the year with wins. They were also very competitive throughout their respective regular season campaigns. If these teams can carry over that momentum into 2011 they could go from this year's "coulda woulda shoulda's" to next year's Super Bowl contenders.
NFC
Detroit Lions (6-10)
Analysis: In 2010 this team played its best football in three years, beating some tough teams (Packers and Bucs) and narrowly losing to others (Eagles, Jets, Bears, and Giants). Injuries to the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart was detrimental to any offensive cohesion and the defense was forced to scramble in order to fill holes all over the defensive back seven. The D-line and passing game have emerged as strengths but there are still a few holes that need to be filled, particularly at offensive line and linebacker. Head Coach Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew have done a great job improving the overall talent level and if they continue to draft like they have over the last two years this team will continue to add more checks in the win column.
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Shaun Hill, QB Matt Stafford (IR), RB Jahvid Best, TE Brandon Pettigrew*, WR Calvin Johnson*, WR Nate Burleson, DT Ndamukong Suh*, FS Louis Delmas*, MLB DeAndre Levy, DE Cliff Avril, DE Lawrence Jackson, CB Alphonso Smith (IR), SS Amari Spievey
Early Draft Analysis: With the 13th pick in the draft the Lions will most likely go after one of their top needs but do not be surprised to see them take another defensive tackle, as there are some very good ones that could be available. If they can get the top player at any position it should go a long way towards building a playoff team in the near future. Schwartz and Mayhew have done a great job in the two drafts that they've orchestrated so there is no reason to think they will blow this one too.
Prospects for the 13th pick include CB Prince Amukamara - Nebraska, DT Marcel Dareus - Alabama, DT Stephen Paea - Oregon St, OL Mike Pouncey - Florida, CB Janoris Jenkins - Florida, DE Adrian Clayborn - Iowa, LB Bruce Carter - UNC, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
Analysis: The NFL's youngest team, which started eight rookies in 2010, surprised everybody this year by competing for a playoff spot all the way to the final week of the season. The Bucs' winning record did come at the expense of a very weak schedule but the team continued to overcome devastating losses due to injury and even beat the playoff-bound Saints on the road in week 17 with several of their top starters on IR. The team at least appears to be set at quarterback for a long time as long as Josh Freeman, a second year player, continues to play at the level he did in 2010 (25 TD's, six INT's).
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Josh Freeman*, RB LaGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams*, TE Kellen Winslow Jr.*, OG Daven Josheph* (IR), DL Gerald McCoy* (IR), DT Roy Miller, MLB Barrett Ruud*, LB Geno Hayes, S Cody Grimm, S Tanard Jackson (suspended in 2010), CB Aquib Talib* (IR)
Early Draft Analysis: It can be argued that no other team has drafted better than the Bucs over the last 15 years and if that trend continues this should be a title-contending team for the next decade. This year the Bucs are picking 20th, which is the same spot they took emerging star corner Talib. Some of the team's top needs this year include offensive line and defensive end, and they particularly need another run-stopper at end to help the 28th ranked rush defense.
Prospects for the 20th pick include DE Ryan Kerrigan - Purdue, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OT Anthony Costonzo - Boston College, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State, WR Julio Jones - Alabama, DE Cameron Jordan - Cal, DE Cameron Heyward - Ohio State,
AFC
Miami Dolphins (7-9)
Analysis: The 'Fins finished 1-7 at home and 6-2 on the road. That is simply unheard of in the NFL but is just another sure sign of the parity throughout the league. Inconsistent play at quarterback and offensive line really kept the offense from gaining any momentum and the defense, despite putting up some good-looking statistics, broke down at some critical moments and did not hold up well in the last few weeks of the season. This team is stocked with quality talent though and they could be very close to being a post-season spoiler for somebody. The biggest problem this year may have been the schedule as six of their nine losses came at the hands of playoff-bound teams. Only one of their seven wins came against a team with a winning record (week 14 @ Jets).
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Chad Henne, RB Ronnie Brown*, WR Brandon Marshall*, WR Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, OT Jake Long*, OLB Koa Misi, LB Cameron Wake*, SS Yeremiah Bell, CB Vontae Davis, CB Sean Smith
Early Draft Analysis: The 'Fins have done a good job selecting players in the last few drafts. They have hit home on most of their high round picks and the team is young. With a couple more solid drafts this team could develop into a persistent contender out of the AFC East division. Their biggest needs at the moment include offensive line and running back. Starting RB Ronnie Brown has worn a lot of tread off his tires the last six years and backup Ricky Williams is 33 years old.
Prospects for the 15th pick include OT Nate Solder - Colorado, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OLB Von Miller - Texas A & M, OLB Akeem Ayers - UCLA, RB Mark Ingram - Alabama, DE Cam Jordan - Cal
San Diego Chargers (9-7)
This one is a bit of a no-brainer. The Chargers have been one of the most talented and underachieving teams in the league for several years now. It just seems that at some point the organization will hit its stride and make a real run at a Super Bowl. Statistically, the Chargers were #1 in the NFL in both total offense and total defense! There is no real excusable reason why this team is not competing in the playoffs this year and they should be among the favorites to make a run in the AFC next year.
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Phillip Rivers*, RB Ryan Mathews, WR Vincent Jackson*, TE Antonio Gates*, OT Marcus McNeil, OG Kris Dielman*, NT Antonio Garay, DE Jacques Cesaire, DE Louis Castillo, OLB Shaun Phillips, ILB Kevin Burnett, CB Quentin Jammer, CB Antoine Cason, FS Eric Weddle
Early Draft Analysis: San Diego has the 18th pick in the draft. The team does not have a lot of holes to fill as this team is already stocked with talent. The biggest need is at linebacker but the team could always stand to add another offensive lineman to the mix to protect Rivers and open holes in the running game. At the very least, a draft that adds some quality depth at several positions, including O-line, linebacker, safety, and receiver would be ideal.
Prospects for the 18th pick include OLB Akeem Ayers - UCLA, WR Julio Jones - Alabama, C/G Mike Pouncey - Florida, DE Cam Heyward - Ohio State, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State, LB Bruce Carter - UNC, LB Greg Jones - Michigan State
(* Denotes all-pro caliber player.)
Every year there seems to be a team that surprises everybody in the NFL playoffs. In recent memory we have witnessed such teams as the '05 Steelers and '08 Cardinals squeak into the first round as a low seed and suddenly hit a hot streak all the way to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, for every one of those teams there is also a good team that does not get invited to the post-season party.
2010 was no exception when it comes to late-season surprises. Several of the NFL's younger teams sitting at home this January wrapped up the year with wins. They were also very competitive throughout their respective regular season campaigns. If these teams can carry over that momentum into 2011 they could go from this year's "coulda woulda shoulda's" to next year's Super Bowl contenders.
NFC
Detroit Lions (6-10)
Analysis: In 2010 this team played its best football in three years, beating some tough teams (Packers and Bucs) and narrowly losing to others (Eagles, Jets, Bears, and Giants). Injuries to the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart was detrimental to any offensive cohesion and the defense was forced to scramble in order to fill holes all over the defensive back seven. The D-line and passing game have emerged as strengths but there are still a few holes that need to be filled, particularly at offensive line and linebacker. Head Coach Jim Schwartz and General Manager Martin Mayhew have done a great job improving the overall talent level and if they continue to draft like they have over the last two years this team will continue to add more checks in the win column.
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Shaun Hill, QB Matt Stafford (IR), RB Jahvid Best, TE Brandon Pettigrew*, WR Calvin Johnson*, WR Nate Burleson, DT Ndamukong Suh*, FS Louis Delmas*, MLB DeAndre Levy, DE Cliff Avril, DE Lawrence Jackson, CB Alphonso Smith (IR), SS Amari Spievey
Early Draft Analysis: With the 13th pick in the draft the Lions will most likely go after one of their top needs but do not be surprised to see them take another defensive tackle, as there are some very good ones that could be available. If they can get the top player at any position it should go a long way towards building a playoff team in the near future. Schwartz and Mayhew have done a great job in the two drafts that they've orchestrated so there is no reason to think they will blow this one too.
Prospects for the 13th pick include CB Prince Amukamara - Nebraska, DT Marcel Dareus - Alabama, DT Stephen Paea - Oregon St, OL Mike Pouncey - Florida, CB Janoris Jenkins - Florida, DE Adrian Clayborn - Iowa, LB Bruce Carter - UNC, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-6)
Analysis: The NFL's youngest team, which started eight rookies in 2010, surprised everybody this year by competing for a playoff spot all the way to the final week of the season. The Bucs' winning record did come at the expense of a very weak schedule but the team continued to overcome devastating losses due to injury and even beat the playoff-bound Saints on the road in week 17 with several of their top starters on IR. The team at least appears to be set at quarterback for a long time as long as Josh Freeman, a second year player, continues to play at the level he did in 2010 (25 TD's, six INT's).
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Josh Freeman*, RB LaGarrette Blount, WR Mike Williams*, TE Kellen Winslow Jr.*, OG Daven Josheph* (IR), DL Gerald McCoy* (IR), DT Roy Miller, MLB Barrett Ruud*, LB Geno Hayes, S Cody Grimm, S Tanard Jackson (suspended in 2010), CB Aquib Talib* (IR)
Early Draft Analysis: It can be argued that no other team has drafted better than the Bucs over the last 15 years and if that trend continues this should be a title-contending team for the next decade. This year the Bucs are picking 20th, which is the same spot they took emerging star corner Talib. Some of the team's top needs this year include offensive line and defensive end, and they particularly need another run-stopper at end to help the 28th ranked rush defense.
Prospects for the 20th pick include DE Ryan Kerrigan - Purdue, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OT Anthony Costonzo - Boston College, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State, WR Julio Jones - Alabama, DE Cameron Jordan - Cal, DE Cameron Heyward - Ohio State,
AFC
Miami Dolphins (7-9)
Analysis: The 'Fins finished 1-7 at home and 6-2 on the road. That is simply unheard of in the NFL but is just another sure sign of the parity throughout the league. Inconsistent play at quarterback and offensive line really kept the offense from gaining any momentum and the defense, despite putting up some good-looking statistics, broke down at some critical moments and did not hold up well in the last few weeks of the season. This team is stocked with quality talent though and they could be very close to being a post-season spoiler for somebody. The biggest problem this year may have been the schedule as six of their nine losses came at the hands of playoff-bound teams. Only one of their seven wins came against a team with a winning record (week 14 @ Jets).
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Chad Henne, RB Ronnie Brown*, WR Brandon Marshall*, WR Davone Bess, TE Anthony Fasano, OT Jake Long*, OLB Koa Misi, LB Cameron Wake*, SS Yeremiah Bell, CB Vontae Davis, CB Sean Smith
Early Draft Analysis: The 'Fins have done a good job selecting players in the last few drafts. They have hit home on most of their high round picks and the team is young. With a couple more solid drafts this team could develop into a persistent contender out of the AFC East division. Their biggest needs at the moment include offensive line and running back. Starting RB Ronnie Brown has worn a lot of tread off his tires the last six years and backup Ricky Williams is 33 years old.
Prospects for the 15th pick include OT Nate Solder - Colorado, OT Gabe Carimi - Wisconsin, OLB Von Miller - Texas A & M, OLB Akeem Ayers - UCLA, RB Mark Ingram - Alabama, DE Cam Jordan - Cal
San Diego Chargers (9-7)
This one is a bit of a no-brainer. The Chargers have been one of the most talented and underachieving teams in the league for several years now. It just seems that at some point the organization will hit its stride and make a real run at a Super Bowl. Statistically, the Chargers were #1 in the NFL in both total offense and total defense! There is no real excusable reason why this team is not competing in the playoffs this year and they should be among the favorites to make a run in the AFC next year.
Top Returning Players to Watch in 2011: QB Phillip Rivers*, RB Ryan Mathews, WR Vincent Jackson*, TE Antonio Gates*, OT Marcus McNeil, OG Kris Dielman*, NT Antonio Garay, DE Jacques Cesaire, DE Louis Castillo, OLB Shaun Phillips, ILB Kevin Burnett, CB Quentin Jammer, CB Antoine Cason, FS Eric Weddle
Early Draft Analysis: San Diego has the 18th pick in the draft. The team does not have a lot of holes to fill as this team is already stocked with talent. The biggest need is at linebacker but the team could always stand to add another offensive lineman to the mix to protect Rivers and open holes in the running game. At the very least, a draft that adds some quality depth at several positions, including O-line, linebacker, safety, and receiver would be ideal.
Prospects for the 18th pick include OLB Akeem Ayers - UCLA, WR Julio Jones - Alabama, C/G Mike Pouncey - Florida, DE Cam Heyward - Ohio State, OT Derrick Sherrod - Mississippi State, LB Bruce Carter - UNC, LB Greg Jones - Michigan State
(* Denotes all-pro caliber player.)
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