Top 10 Quarterbacks in 2007

[dragondawg]

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King ranked each quarterback 1-32 based on how he felt they would perform in 2007. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and mine differs in many ways from the respected journalist. I love his Monday Morning Quarterback section, but his take on Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is a little less… well… enthusiastic than mine. I’ll be in the wilderness of Wyoming when this post drops, but I hope you enjoy it and leave feedback with YOUR opinion.

10) Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles

KING’S RANK: 12
I agree with King in that McNabb would be listed much higher on the list if he would only stay healthy. He was leading all quarterbacks before getting injured and killing my fantasy season last year. But he’s been hurt three years running now, so it’s hard to rank him any higher. When he’s on the field, he’s one of the most feared quarterbacks in the game and can make plays all on his own.

9) Jon Kitna, Detroit Lions

KING’S RANK: 9
I think King and I may be the only people in the country who are Jon Kitna fans. I find it funny that King says he values wins above other stats, but Kitna went 3-13 as the starter last year and he’s ranked in his Top 10. I believe the Lions are going to have their first winning season in a decade this year and vie for a Wild Card spot in the NFC - shocking, almost sacrilege, but I can see it happen. The team wasn’t the most talented AND was decimated by injuries more than any other team in the league. If healthy, they can definitely compete in the watered-down NFC. Kitna will lead them to another 4,000-yard season and be one of the elite fantasy quarterbacks again this year.

8) Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals

KING’S RANK: 18
Biggest difference between King and I lies in college football’s most impressive quarterback, Matt Leinart, whom I believe will be much improved over the past year. He showed enough signs for me to rank him in the top half of quarterbacks LAST YEAR - this year he cracks the top 10. With as many weapons as he has, and an improved offensive line under Russ Grimm, look for the Cardinals to be the other surprise team to vie for a Wild Card in the NFC.

7) Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle Seahawks

KING’S RANK: 6
Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks offense in general didn’t click last year. Partly due to injury, partly due to the departure of All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson, and partly due to a once-paltry and now-surging division, he didn’t perform to his 2005 level last year, and I fear we may see a drop off again. It’s bold to place him behind my 6th ranked quarterback below, and believe me, it was close - but Hasselback hasn’t shown me enough consistency to make me a believer in the Seahawks dominance in the NFC West much longer.

6) Jay Cutler, Denver Broncos

KING’S RANK: 10
I’m noticing a trend in my writing - I’ve always tried to be a voice of reason in the Broncos blogosphere when it comes to crowning Jay Cutler too early. But as the offseason winds down, I’m noticing that I’m becoming more and more sold on the sophomore myself. He has a lightning arm, great intangibles, and all the mental skills you could hope for coming from Vanderbilt. He shined last year, and with a full offseason centered around helping him succeed, I’m becoming more and more convinced that Cutler will perform at an incredible level in 2007. Broncos fans have a lot to look forward to with #6 gracing the field.

5) Marc Bulger, St. Louis Rams

KING’S RANK: 5
One of the more underrated quarterbacks in the league, Marc Bulger is the third quarterback from the NFC West to make the top 10. He has great weapons in Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce and Steven Jackson. He’s always breaking 4,000 yards, and it wouldn’t surprise me for a second to do it again this year.

4) Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

KING’S RANK: 3
Statistically, Drew Brees excelled nearly everybody at season’s end, but I don’t foresee the same alarming success this year. For one, the Saints won’t be sneaking into the back door of the playoffs this year. And in the NFC, it’s easy to forget that they were the second seed at 10-6 - not the most exceptional record for the conference in which they were playing. 10-6 wasn’t enough to get the Chiefs into the playoffs at all in 2005. I expect the Saints to have a solid season this year, finishing around 8-8 or 9-7 and into the playoffs, but I don’t expect the same level of explosion as teams gear to stopping them more than in the previous season.

3) Carson Palmer, Cincinnatti Bengals

KING’S RANK: 4
With a healthy offensive line, I expect this Pro Bowler to have his best year yet with the Bengals, even surpassing his impressive breakout year in 2005. Interestingly enough, my Top 3 quarterbacks all hail from the AFC.

[Peyton Manning and Tom Brady]
No surprises at the top

2) Tom Brady, New England Patriots

KING’S RANK: 2
Take a 3-time Super Bowl champion, add the best coach of the past 7 years, mix in a little disgruntled playmaker looking to revitalize his career and an impressive-looking second year runningback looking to prove himself and you have the recipe for a Super Bowl (at least according to Vegas and everywhere else not in Denver, Indianapolis or San Diego). Tom Brady has all the tools he needs to succeed and will do so with flying colors, probably having the best statistical season of his storied, but still young, career.

1) Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

KING’S RANK: 1
Surprise! Peyton “The Freaking Robot” Manning tops the list for best quarterbacks. I just want to beat him so bad… man… I can’t take another loss from the Colts this year. Our offense should be able to compete with theirs and our defense should definitely be better. BEAT THE FLIPPIN’ COLTS, BRONCOS!

So there’s my Top 10 - but I’m not done yet. For your viewing pleasure, I included a player who you may have noticed just missed the cut - I honestly couldn’t justify moving him any higher on the list. Perhaps the most overrated quarterback in the NFL, here is your “just missed” player of the week.

11) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

KING’S RANK: 8
I’m expecting a step back from this breakout player in 2007. Philip Rivers struggled at the end of last year, and he failed to lead the team in the 4th quarter of their playoff game. For whatever insane reason, Cam Cameron stopped giving Ladainian Tomlinson the ball with an 8 point lead in the 4th. He decided he wanted to rely on Rivers and his less-than-talented receiving corps. to put the game away. Rivers didn’t have LT to hand the ball to - he had to lead the team, and he couldn’t do it. He’s still a talented player, and I expect him to do well, but I saw enough struggles at the end of last year to hesitate before crowning him as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.


http://broncotalk.net/2007/07/top-10-quarterbacks-in-2007/

[BlaK-Argentina]

I'd put Bulger at 6, McNabb at 5, and Jay at 7.
Cutler was one of the top 5 QBs the last weeks of last season so I don't think that ranking is too far off.

[ohiobronco2]

Where's Vince Young? ???

[Dukes]

Where's Vince Young? ???

Where he should be, not included

[skunk]

I think you sorted your list wrong, bro


I think 11 should be at the top before 10 or whatever you can sort that horrible thing any way you want for all i care but ill do your html for you for $100


:afro:

[Kaylore]

Where's Vince Young? ???

http://www.pulledmygroin.com/images/madden-curse.jpg

[dragondawg]

i think 11 is at the bottom because it says "top 10 QB in 2007"

[KCStud]

Phillip Rivers is a top 10 QB right now or he wouldn't have went to Hawaii. And Jon Kitna? Are you joking me?

[boltaneer]

If Kitna is the starting QB on your FF team, you're in trouble, much less the starting QB of a real football team.

The only thing he's got going for him is a lot of talent at the WR position and Martz being in charge of that offense.

He may put up decent numbers but no way he's a top 10 QB right now.

[ohiobronco2]

Where he should be, not included

I know. I was being very Sarcastic. I'm tired on all of the Vince Yound bu** kissing that goes on by sportscaster and columnists.

[KCStud]

1.Peyton Manning
2.Tom Brady
3.Drew Brees
4.Carson Palmer
5.Phillip Rivers

IMO those were the top 5 QB's last year in order. The rest are a crap shoot. Cutler and Leinart have shown a lot of potential, but based on last season they are not top 10 QB's. They need to prove it this year..

[theAPAOps5]

1.Peyton Manning
2.Tom Brady
3.Drew Brees
4.Carson Palmer
5.Phillip Rivers

IMO those were the top 5 QB's last year in order. The rest are a crap shoot. Cutler and Leinart have shown a lot of potential, but based on last season they are not top 10 QB's. They need to prove it this year..

You obviously are a sane and decent KC poster. Although no matter what I will refer to you as KCDud as you are the enemy ;D. I think Cutler will make the top 10 list this year. Leinart, well I am still not sold on him but I could be wrong. Vince Young also showed a ton last year but like the other 3 there is still a lot to be seen. Its going to be a fun year to watch.

[Bronco LB 59]

If Kitna is the starting QB on your FF team, you're in trouble, much less the starting QB of a real football team.

The only thing he's got going for him is a lot of talent at the WR position and Martz being in charge of that offense.

He may put up decent numbers but no way he's a top 10 QB right now.

In non-interception leagues, Kitna is a quality first team fantasy QB. Did you know he threw for 4,208 yards last season with 21 TDs?

Detroit falls behind quite a bit so Kitna is going to be chucking it left and right again.

[ward63]

If Kitna is the starting QB on your FF team, you're in trouble, much less the starting QB of a real football team.

The only thing he's got going for him is a lot of talent at the WR position and Martz being in charge of that offense.

He may put up decent numbers but no way he's a top 10 QB right now.

I picked up Kitna after the draft last year and he did awesome b/c TD's are worth 6 and Ints are -2 and his TD to int ratio was like 1-1.

[boltaneer]

In non-interception leagues, Kitna is a quality first team fantasy QB. Did you know he threw for 4,208 yards last season with 21 TDs?

Detroit falls behind quite a bit so Kitna is going to be chucking it left and right again.

I looked up his stats on my FF league and he did put up decent numbers last year. He might be a decent late round pick this year because of the Williams/Johnson combo but I still don't see that team going anywhere this season.

I picked up Rivers and Vince Young in mid-season and Young became my starter, had some big games and helped me (well, it was mostly LT) get to the championship game.

I've noticed Vince Young gets a lot of hate on this board. I'm not sure why. He was absolutely clutch last year, despite being a rookie. His football stats weren't that great but he took a team that was almost a joke and nearly got into the postseason.

No way I'm picking up Young this season though. Because of the guy in the picture a few posts up. ;)

[Broncos4Life]

I know. I was being very Sarcastic. I'm tired on all of the Vince Yound bu** kissing that goes on by sportscaster and columnists.

But.... But.... But.... He made the Madden 08 cover!:notworthy
He should of been ranked well ahead of Jay!

[atomicbloke]

Like everybody, I too am impressed by Cutler's strenghts: arm strength, reading defenses, poise and leadership and exploiting mismatches.

I have one and only one concern. Does Cutler have the elusiveness and the evasiveness to dodge and make blitzers miss and still make a play? Does he have the shifty feet to get out of the way of DE's who get through our protection? I know he had a swiss cheese line protecting him in college, but he did not face pro calibre DE's and blitzers there. His concussion against the 49ers still gives me nightmares.

Peyton Manning doesn't do any of the above very well either but his O-line is of the conventional variety. But Denver has a smaller O-line of the zone blocking variety, vital to the succes of our running game. Hence, Cutler will have to develop his evasive moves very soon.

Ironically, it is in this one and only area in which Cutler's predecessor, the Snake was unparalleled.

[SureShot]

Like everybody, I too am impressed by Cutler's strenghts: arm strength, reading defenses, poise and leadership and exploiting mismatches.

I have one and only one concern. Does Cutler have the elusiveness and the evasiveness to dodge and make blitzers miss and still make a play? Does he have the shifty feet to get out of the way of DE's who get through our protection? I know he had a swiss cheese line protecting him in college, but he did not face pro calibre DE's and blitzers there. His concussion against the 49ers still gives me nightmares.

Peyton Manning doesn't do any of the above very well either but his O-line is of the conventional variety. But Denver has a smaller O-line of the zone blocking variety, vital to the succes of our running game. Hence, Cutler will have to develop his evasive moves very soon.

Ironically, it is in this one and only area in which Cutler's predecessor, the Snake was unparalleled.

Oh you mean like these guys?

Quentin Moses, Georgia,
DeMeco Ryans, Alabama,
Patrick Willis, Mississippi,
Justin Harrell, Tennessee
LaRon Landry, LS

[Pat Bowlen]

non-interception leagues
Why?

[bpc]

Kitna is going to blow up this year. Too much Martz in that offense for him not to.

My ranking for FANTASY QB's:

1. Manning - The standard at QB. Offense designed to throw a lot.
2. Palmer - An amazing player on the field who rarely makes mistakes. Ditto for the Bengals. This offense is wide open.
3. Brees - Able to light it up with the best of them. Same for Drew as the previous two. This offense is a QB's dream.
4. Brady - He has the talent to throw the ball a ton... will that win them games? I see the Patriots doing whatever it takes to win. They do now have the weapons to air it out though.
5. Bulger - A step below the previous four in terms of talent however he is in a great system with good players around him.
6. Kitna - Same as Bulger. A system player who has a wealth of talent waiting for his passes.
7. McNabb - McNabb can throw with the best of them when healthy. I think he will have a bounce back year.
8. Rivers - Most Broncos fan hate him but he had a very good "rookie" season last year that guided SD to a division title. Even though he doesn't have that great a receiving core, he has Gates and LT to pick up the slack.
9. Cutler - I think he easily had he best season of the rookie QB's by looking at the numbers and I also think he is in the best offense. That combination will get him some points.
10. Romo - He has some great weapons around him. Did he catch other teams off guard or is he really that good? The inconsistency of the running game could be a problem for the Cowboys this year if Wade doesn't committ to it like Parcells did.
11. Leinart - I think he'll continue to get better. He has some amazing WR's around him. Will his line block?
12. Hasselbach - Still a solid decision maker and having Alexander back at full healthy will help.
13. Eli Manning - He'll never be his brother. He does have some talent and some good targets to throw to. How will he do without his safety blanket Tiki in the backfield?
14. Vick - All this trouble off the field and now another new offense to learn. I like the offense, will Mike be able to learn it and play well within it in the first season?
15. Young - I respect the guy a ton. He made some amazing plays last year. He'll make somemore this year. Honestly though, too much turn around at the skill positions to think this still shaky QB will make a lot of improvement throwing the ball. He lost his WR's and HB from last season.

[boltaneer]

Kitna is going to blow up this year. Too much Martz in that offense for him not to.

My ranking for FANTASY QB's:

1. Manning - The standard at QB. Offense designed to throw a lot.
2. Palmer - An amazing player on the field who rarely makes mistakes. Ditto for the Bengals. This offense is wide open.
3. Brees - Able to light it up with the best of them. Same for Drew as the previous two. This offense is a QB's dream.
4. Brady - He has the talent to throw the ball a ton... will that win them games? I see the Patriots doing whatever it takes to win. They do now have the weapons to air it out though.
5. Bulger - A step below the previous four in terms of talent however he is in a great system with good players around him.
6. Kitna - Same as Bulger. A system player who has a wealth of talent waiting for his passes.
7. McNabb - McNabb can throw with the best of them when healthy. I think he will have a bounce back year.
8. Rivers - Most Broncos fan hate him but he had a very good "rookie" season last year that guided SD to a division title. Even though he doesn't have that great a receiving core, he has Gates and LT to pick up the slack.
9. Cutler - I think he easily had he best season of the rookie QB's by looking at the numbers and I also think he is in the best offense. That combination will get him some points.
10. Romo - He has some great weapons around him. Did he catch other teams off guard or is he really that good? The inconsistency of the running game could be a problem for the Cowboys this year if Wade doesn't committ to it like Parcells did.
11. Leinart - I think he'll continue to get better. He has some amazing WR's around him. Will his line block?
12. Hasselbach - Still a solid decision maker and having Alexander back at full healthy will help.
13. Eli Manning - He'll never be his brother. He does have some talent and some good targets to throw to. How will he do without his safety blanket Tiki in the backfield?
14. Vick - All this trouble off the field and now another new offense to learn. I like the offense, will Mike be able to learn it and play well within it in the first season?
15. Young - I respect the guy a ton. He made some amazing plays last year. He'll make somemore this year. Honestly though, too much turn around at the skill positions to think this still shaky QB will make a lot of improvement throwing the ball. He lost his WR's and HB from last season.

I like the list. I'd rank Hasselbeck higher and once again, Vince Young isn't getting enough credit.

In my league last year, Vick finished 2nd in points for QBs and Young 10th only starting 13 games. Had he started every game, he'd probably would have jumped up to 4-5 spots. Running QBs are always a great option in FF. They just come with a bigger risk for injury.

Alex Smith may be a dark horse to finish in the top ten.

[Odysseus]

The FUN part is nobody is debating IF Cutler is top 10.

[bpc]

I like the list. I'd rank Hasselbeck higher and once again, Vince Young isn't getting enough credit.

In my league last year, Vick finished 2nd in points for QBs and Young 10th only starting 13 games. Had he started every game, he'd probably would have jumped up to 4-5 spots. Running QBs are always a great option in FF. They just come with a bigger risk for injury.

Alex Smith may be a dark horse to finish in the top ten.

I like Vince Young a lot. This doesn't reflect my feelings towards them more over what kind of talent the player has and also the wealth of talent around them. Young has talent on his own... a ton of it. He just doesn't have players around him that are consistent with his ability.

Smith could be a darkhorse for sure.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Ranked 6 for #6, I love it.

[Beantown Bronco]

The good part about selecting a guy like Kitna as a fantasy QB is the fact that you know he will be playing and won't be getting benched during your ff playoffs (weeks 15-17).

There's no way Detroit will be clinching a top seed early.

[BlaK-Argentina]

Like everybody, I too am impressed by Cutler's strenghts: arm strength, reading defenses, poise and leadership and exploiting mismatches.

I have one and only one concern. Does Cutler have the elusiveness and the evasiveness to dodge and make blitzers miss and still make a play? Does he have the shifty feet to get out of the way of DE's who get through our protection? I know he had a swiss cheese line protecting him in college, but he did not face pro calibre DE's and blitzers there. His concussion against the 49ers still gives me nightmares.

Peyton Manning doesn't do any of the above very well either but his O-line is of the conventional variety. But Denver has a smaller O-line of the zone blocking variety, vital to the succes of our running game. Hence, Cutler will have to develop his evasive moves very soon.

Ironically, it is in this one and only area in which Cutler's predecessor, the Snake was unparalleled.

The Snake was awesome, just when you thought the play was over he would magically get out of the grasp of defenders and keep the play alive. I loved that about him.

Even though I don't think Jay can do what he did, I'm thinking he'll sometimes overpower defenders. He's a VERY strong guy and I think he can be like a McNabb in this regard. He's also pretty fast for a QB and from what I've seen, he has the moves to elude rushers too. (he showed a nifty move on the QB draw vs the Cardinals)

What he has to show is that he can "feel" the rush coming. Otherwise his physical abilities won't help him.

I don't think you should be worried though. Besides... damn Foster isn't on the team anymore so Jay won't have a rusher in his face one second after the snap. !Booya!

[socalorado]

The Snake was awesome, just when you thought the play was over he would magically get out of the grasp of defenders and keep the play alive. I loved that about him.

Even though I don't think Jay can do what he did, I'm thinking he'll sometimes overpower defenders. He's a VERY strong guy and I think he can be like a McNabb in this regard. He's also pretty fast for a QB and from what I've seen, he has the moves to elude rushers too. (he showed a nifty move on the QB draw vs the Cardinals)

What he has to show is that he can "feel" the rush coming. Otherwise his physical abilities won't help him.

I don't think you should be worried though. Besides... damn Foster isn't on the team anymore so Jay won't have a rusher in his face one second after the snap. !Booya!

I don't think you should be worried though. Besides... damn Foster isn't on the team anymore so Jay won't have a rusher in his face one second after the snap.
HAHA! And no more MBell getting thrown around like a rag doll on blocking downs either!!!

[Arkansas Bronco]

So true on the concussion maker. Plus with D. Graham the right side is much improved if he just gives a bump then take up his route it gives jay a couple extra seconds.

[Darkhawk24]

This list just seems wrong with out Croyle! ;)

[boltaneer]

My list, just for fun. I should have a blog! ;)

P Manning, Brady - Cream of the crop right now.

Brees, Palmer - Almost there and may eventually get there. They're still young and though I think Brees has maxed out, he's right on the heels of the top tier guys.

Hasselbeck, Bulger, McNabb - Proven quarterbacks who have produced year in and year out.

Rivers - A young QB with the potential to rise to the top. He put up great numbers for a first year starter last year but he just needs to more time to prove he can do it year in and year out.

Delhomme, McNair, Garcia, Favre, T Green, Brunell, Kitna - Older vets who appear to be on the decline but most can still produce on occasion. Garcia had a nice comeback story last year and I think Delhomme could possibly bounce back. I think this is Kitna's last year as a starter.

Pennington - He produces as long as he can stay healthy. He just never seems to be able to take the next step up.

Leinart, Young, Cutler, Campbell, A Smith, Roethlisberger, Schaub, Losman - All young guys and a lot of them have the potential to rise up like Rivers and just need the playing time to prove it as well. Big Ben could bounce back if last year was a fluke because of all the injuries/bad luck. Schaub finally gets his chance to be a starter. Losman has been up and down but seems to finally be on the rise a bit.

Vick, Romo, E Manning, Simms, Culpepper, Leftwitch, Grossman - Inconsistent quarterbacks who will probably never come close to the top of a quarterback list. Romo may just need more experience. I don't think Culpepper will ever have the type of success again that he had with Moss.

A Rodgers - Poor guy. Will he ever get a chance to play?

J Russell, Quinn, Croyle, T Jackson - They're rooks or virtual rooks. They're at the bottom for now.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Phillip Rivers is a top 10 QB right now or he wouldn't have went to Hawaii. And Jon Kitna? Are you joking me?

Statistically speaking Kitna lit it up last season and add in Calving Johnson this year and 10 wins is not a bad guess especially in the NFC.

And truthfully Rivers is not going to have a great year, he lacks any real receiving threats outside of Gates and Tomlinson out of the backfield.

[boltaneer]

Statistically speaking Kitna lit it up last season and add in Calving Johnson this year and 10 wins is not a bad guess especially in the NFC.

And truthfully Rivers is not going to have a great year, he lacks any real receiving threats outside of Gates and Tomlinson out of the backfield.

Heh heh. That didn't stop him last year, did it? 8')

While Vincent Jackson still has a lot to improve on, he showed some flashes last year. 450 yards and six TDs for starting only seven games. Not bad for a guy who is still learning. He'll put up even bigger numbers since he'll be a full time starter this year.