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http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=3147842
Updated: December 12, 2007, 4:46 PM ET
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At first, ranking the starting and backup QBs didn't seem daunting. After a two-hour conference call in which we debated the young guns versus the veterans, the backups versus some starters, and what in the world to do with the rookies who haven't played much yet, we learned it is a very difficult job.
More QBs
FUTURE CONTROVERSY: John Clayton identifies the top five QB competitions heading into 2008. Story
YOU RANK 'EM: Agree or disagree with Scouts Inc.'s rankings? Here's your chance to rank the league's top 32 QBs. Ranker
WHO'S NEXT: Scouts Inc. draft expert Todd McShay profiles the top 10 quarterbacks entering the 2008 draft. ZOOM Gallery
COMING THURSDAY: Asked to evaluate 11 young starters, a group of NFL experts singled out Denver's Jay Cutler as most likely to reach elite status. Also, Hall of Famer Steve Young assesses each young QB in a video report.
The hardest part was deciding how to rank them. Do we look at just this year? Do we look at their careers and their body of work? We decided it would be a mixture of the two, that we couldn't completely ignore a veteran with a history of great success having a subpar year.
About the only thing we agreed on was that Tom Brady was No. 1 and Peyton Manning was No. 2. From there, the first debate came, with some feeling that Tony Romo was right there with those two, but we eventually decided Romo was No. 4, behind Brady, Manning and Brett Favre.
The top 10 was very difficult after we got through the top five. In that second group of QBs, Carson Palmer, Drew Brees and Donovan McNabb have all had a ton of success but have struggled at times this season due to different circumstances. The other QBs who were tough to place were the guys who are having success as first-time starters. David Garrard and Derek Anderson have both played very well, and we think they will continue to ascend. The rookies were tough to place, but we thought they should be ranked higher (based on upside) than some retread-type backups.
The one thing that was very noticeable from this list is that the future of the QB position looks bright with young players like Garrard, Anderson, Jay Cutler, Vince Young, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning and Jason Campbell taking their games to the next level.
1. Tom Brady
Starter, New England Patriots
Brady is a future Hall of Fame QB who is having a career season. He leads the NFL in touchdowns and completion percentage and has a league-best QB rating of 123.4. There is no longer a debate over who the best QB in the NFL is -- Brady has moved ahead of Manning.
2. Peyton Manning
Starter, Indianapolis Colts
Like Brady, Manning is a future Hall of Fame QB. There is not a QB in the NFL who studies the game as much as Manning, and he is one of the best competitors to play QB. Despite losing several key players to injuries this season, Manning has still completed 64 percent of his passes and thrown for 27 TDs.
3. Brett Favre
Starter, Green Bay Packers
He will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. At 38, he is still playing at a high level, and it looks as if he may be able to play into his 40s. There is no denying his arm strength, and Favre is still able to make all the throws. Favre is doing a great job this season making every player on the offense better.
4. Tony Romo
Starter, Dallas Cowboys
He is a young gunslinger who reminds a lot of people of a young Favre, and Romo shows no fear in the pocket. He is mentally tough and shows an excellent ability to bounce back when he makes mistakes. He is a big reason the Cowboys have the best record in the NFC.
5. Ben Roethlisberger
Starter, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roethlisberger is a young QB who struggled last season, but he is healthy this year and is having a solid season. New offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has given him more responsibility, and Roethlisberger has responded with improved leadership. He's making better decisions and is completing a career-high 66.9 percent of his passes this season.
6. Carson Palmer
Starter, Cincinnati Bengals
This hasn't been Palmer's best season, but he still has all the tools you'd want in a QB. Playing behind a decimated offensive line, Palmer has thrown 17 interceptions and has struggled to lead this underachieving football team. Still, he is unquestionably one of the most talented QBs in the league.
7. Matt Hasselbeck
Starter, Seattle Seahawks
Coach Mike Holmgren has put much more pressure on Hasselbeck this season, and he has responded by playing very well. He is a rhythm passer who can be a little streaky, but he is very good at running Holmgren's West Coast offense. He is an excellent leader, and it's no coincidence that once Hasselbeck became the focus of the offense, the Seahawks won five straight and clinched their fourth straight NFC West title.
8. Drew Brees
Starter, New Orleans Saints
After a great 2006 season, Brees has struggled some this year behind a shaky offensive line and a running game that is missing starting RB Deuce McAllister. Brees has been forced to carry too much of the load this season, and though he is a very good QB, he is not the type of player who can carry a team without solid weapons around him.
9. Donovan McNabb
Starter, Philadelphia Eagles
When healthy, McNabb has shown that he can still be an elite starting QB. The problem is that he has rarely been healthy, and the last time he played a 16-game season was 2003. McNabb may be trade bait this offseason, but he still has some solid years left.
10. David Garrard
Starter, Jacksonville Jaguars
There were a lot of questions concerning Garrard when the Jaguars released Byron Leftwich at the start of the season, but he has proven his ability as a quarterback in the NFL. He benefits from a strong running game, but his decision-making has been superb (he has just one interception in 274 attempts this year), he's completing nearly 66 percent of his passes and his QB rating is third, trailing only Brady and Romo.
11. Jay Cutler
Starter, Denver Broncos
Easily one of the most impressive young quarterbacks in the NFL. He is a natural fit in coach Mike Shanahan's West Coast offense. He is a smart, instinctive player with a gunslinger mentality. He has a big-time arm that Shanahan loves, and he plays with a calm demeanor in the pocket. He is a young player who is only going to get better the more his plays.
12. Derek Anderson
Starter, Cleveland Browns
Without a doubt, he has made a name for himself and a lot of money in the future based on his performance in offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski's system since taking over as the starter in the second game of the season. Anderson has one of the stronger arms in the NFL, which has allowed the Browns to attack all levels in the passing game. He is a prototypical pocket passer with average to above-average accuracy in the short and intermediate areas in the passing game.
13. Marc Bulger
Injured starter, St. Louis Rams
Bulger has struggled this season behind a shaky offensive line and has missed time with a rib injury and a concussion. When healthy, he has played very well. He does not possess great size or arm strength but is an accurate QB and a great fit in coach Scott Linehan's offensive system.
14. Jeff Garcia
Starter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Garcia is a perfect fit for coach Jon Gruden's version of the West Coast passing attack. He is highly competitive and can still move around in the pocket with good accuracy in short and intermediate areas. He doesn't have a big-time arm, but he does a great job when throwing in rhythm to spots on the field.
15. Vince Young
Starter, Tennessee Titans
Young is an intriguing young player who places a lot of pressure on opposing defenses with his outstanding athleticism, arm strength and ability to scramble and make plays with his legs. He hasn't had as much success this season because offensive coordinator Norm Chow's game plans haven't always taken advantage of Young's strengths as much as they did last season. That said, Young is still far from the finished product, especially as a passer, but he will continue to improve the more he plays.
16. Philip Rivers
Starter, San Diego Chargers
Rivers has not performed as well as he did last season and still must become more consistent in his decision-making and downfield accuracy. However, he still has the ability to process information quickly while attacking the weakness on the back end in coverage. He is smart and instinctive, with good pocket awareness and the arm strength to spread the ball around.
17. Eli Manning
Starter, New York Giants
Manning is extremely talented but has struggled with consistency and decision-making throughout his short career. Still, he has shown a few flashes that make you believe he will be a frontline starting quarterback in the NFL in the right system. He has shown coolness under fire in the pocket but lacks that emotional drive that gets you excited.
18. Jason Campbell
Injured starter, Washington Commanders
Campbell is extremely talented and will be a frontline starter. He has the arm strength to attack all levels in the passing game while making defenses defend the whole field. While he could improve his accuracy in the short and intermediate areas in the passing game as well as his ability to process the reads while getting rid of the ball quicker, he has a bright future.
19. Jon Kitna
Starter, Detroit Lions
He is in an offense that simply doesn't run the ball often, so his yardage, touchdown and interception numbers are inflated. Still, the number of interceptions remain worrisome. He is a good, intelligent leader and shows real toughness playing behind a terrible offensive line. Physically, none of his traits stand out, but he is not a major liability in any one area, either. He is best-suited as a caretaker quarterback, grooming a young, talented QB like he did in Cincinnati with Palmer.
20. Jake Delhomme
Injured starter, Carolina Panthers
All you have to do is study Carolina's offense since Delhomme was injured in Week 3 to see how much the Panthers miss his ability within their system. He is an experienced player with an outstanding competitive demeanor. He is smart and instinctive, and he processes information while getting rid of the ball quickly. He doesn't have the big-time arm but does a great job of throwing in the Panthers' rhythm offense with good timing.
21. Kurt Warner
Starter, Arizona Cardinals
Warner has played at a very high level this season, reminding people of his days in St. Louis. He has shown very good toughness while playing with a dislocated left elbow. He has cut down on mistakes, using his experience and smarts when attacking an opponent's weakness on the back end. He is very effective when getting time in the pocket and throwing in rhythm in the short and intermediate areas of the passing game.
22. Matt Leinart
Injured starter, Arizona Cardinals
Before his injury, Leinart was far from impressive this season in a new offensive system. He is an ordinary athlete and doesn't have a big arm, but he has some swagger to him and throws a very catchable, accurate ball. Leinart could benefit from sitting behind Warner for another season to learn what it takes to succeed in this league.
23. Matt Schaub
Starter, Houston Texans
The biggest question with Schaub now is his ability to take a hit and stay on the field. He seems very brittle behind Houston's ordinary offensive line, but when healthy, he kick-started this offense. He is smart and extremely accurate. Schaub gets the ball out very quickly and already has a great feel for his receivers. If he can stay on the field, he is the Texans' answer at quarterback.
24. Chad Pennington
Backup, New York Jets
Pennington took the fall for the Jets' awful season and gave way to the younger Kellen Clemens, but that doesn't mean Pennington isn't a solid QB. Pennington will surely be elsewhere in 2008, and if he lands in a quick-strike, West Coast offense, he could be very efficient. He clearly does not have a big arm, but he is deadly accurate and has a great feel for the game with good poise and leadership qualities.
25. Rex Grossman
Starter, Chicago Bears
He is wildly inconsistent, slow to process information, turns the ball over too much and tends to play his worst when it matters most -- but starting quarterbacks are hard to find. Grossman is a very good deep thrower and shows toughness to stand in and take the big hit to deliver the ball. He has more than enough arm and still has upside with more refinement.
26. Tarvaris Jackson
Starter, Minnesota Vikings
Jackson has played very well lately and things might finally be slowing down and starting to click for him. He has a thick, strong body and excellent athletic ability, but he remains very raw and simply does not throw the ball accurately enough. It is going to take more than just putting a few games together in a row to make us believers, but it certainly is a promising start.
27. Kellen Clemens
Starter, New York Jets
Clemens is well-built, smart and athletic enough to make a few plays with his feet. He throws the ball well but is obviously extremely inexperienced and has quite a ways to go before catching up with the speed of the league. He has a lot of upside and will be given every opportunity to grow but could also use more help from his supporting cast.
28. Trent Edwards
Starter, Buffalo Bills
Edwards has the inside track now to be Buffalo's quarterback of the future. While the Bills are very conservative with their play calling when Edwards is behind center, the rookie is efficient and mature beyond his experience. He throws the ball well and is very bright. He spreads the ball around well and doesn't lock on to one receiver.
29. Alex Smith
Injured starter, San Francisco 49ers
Boy, did Smith -- and for that matter, the entire San Francisco offense -- take a step backward this season. The "B word" is starting to get thrown around with regularity about this former No. 1 overall selection. He was extremely efficient in college and one of the brighter players in the league at his position. He is a well-above-average athlete, but just is not a very good passer and struggles to put enough velocity on his throws. Still, it's too early to say he's a bust considering he's been injured and doesn't get a lot of help from his his wide receivers and offensive line.
30. Aaron Rodgers
Backup, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers impressed many when he moved the Packers' offense in Dallas, but that enthusiasm must be tempered. The Cowboys didn't prepare for Rodgers and Dallas was playing with a lead. Let's see how he performs after defensive coordinators have more tape to evaluate. He is a sneaky athlete, though, with a quick and compact release. Surely he has learned a thing or two about playing the position from sharing a meeting room with Brett Favre.
31. Steve McNair
Injured starter, Baltimore Ravens
Once one of the best in the league, the oft-injured McNair just doesn't have anything left. On guts alone, he threw for over 1,000 yards this season. He had a fantastic career and is a borderline Hall of Famer. No one can question his toughness or leadership traits, but he no longer can throw the ball or move his feet as he once did. It is time for McNair to hang it up, but few have done it as well.
32. Daunte Culpepper
Injured starter, Oakland Raiders
Culpepper is with his third, and possibly last, team and has been very inconsistent this season, completing only 58 percent of his passes and throwing as many interceptions as touchdowns. He still has a strong arm but never totally recovered from a knee injury that has limited his mobility, which made him an outstanding quarterback early in career.
33. Kyle Boller
Starting backup, Baltimore Ravens
Boller has an excellent opportunity to climb this list because he will start for the Ravens the rest of this season and possibly beyond. Boller's physical skills have never been in question. He can make all the throws with velocity and is a well-above-average athlete for the quarterback position. However, it is pretty clear that the Ravens' coaching staff doesn't have enough faith in Boller to open up the offense. He should be further along in his development.
34. J.P. Losman
Backup, Buffalo Bills
While Edwards spreads the ball around well, Losman too often focuses on WR Lee Evans. Losman is a big-time athlete and has a cannon for a right arm, but he takes too many risks and doesn't read defenses or process information well. There is still upside with this former first-round selection, and a change of scenery might do him good.
35. Brian Griese
Backup, Chicago Bears
Griese is a caretaker quarterback who turns the ball over too much. Obviously, that is not an ideal combination. However, he runs hot and cold and can come off the bench and ignite an offense. He is bright and grew up around the game. Griese is an accurate thrower but has an average arm and doesn't scramble well.
36. JaMarcus Russell
Backup, Oakland Raiders
He was the first overall choice in the 2007 draft for a reason -- he is a rare physical specimen with outstanding size, strength and the ability to throw a football through a wall. However, he is raw, even as rookie quarterbacks go, and didn't play all that much football at LSU compared to other top prospects. But wow, is he intriguing.
37. Brady Quinn
Backup, Cleveland Browns
With the emergence of Anderson as the starting QB for the Browns, Quinn's future remains uncertain. The biggest question: When will the first-round pick see action? Anderson is a restricted free agent. Quinn was a mobile QB in college who threw the ball well. While he showed flashes of potential in the preseason, whether that translates well in the regular season is unknown.
38. Joey Harrington
Backup, Atlanta Falcons
Harrington was acquired by Atlanta to back up Michael Vick but was quickly forced into the starting role. He has performed well at times behind a marginal offensive line but continues to make poor decisions in crucial situations. Harrington does have some tools to win in the league, but he is best in the veteran backup role.
39. Billy Volek
Backup, San Diego Chargers
Volek has long been considered as one of the best backup signal-callers in the league. He has a solid arm with good instincts and the ability to read coverages. Volek has the tools to move an offense and may go down as one of the more talented backup QBs.
40. Byron Leftwich
Backup, Atlanta Falcons
Leftwich's abrupt departure from Jacksonville has turned out well for the Jaguars and has put Leftwich in a bad light. He is a big, strong passer with an unconventional release and limited mobility. He hasn't performed well when given the opportunity in Atlanta and is likely to land with another franchise next season. Still, Leftwich is a young quarterback with tools to be effective, but he needs a strong supporting cast.
41. Kerry Collins
Backup, Tennessee Titans
Collins has played well when given an opportunity to move the offense. Earlier in the season there was some controversy about who should start after Collins played well in relief and Young had some subpar outings when he returned from injuries. Collins is a big, strong passer who is excellent in the veteran backup role and gives his club a chance to win if called upon.
42. A.J. Feeley
Backup, Philadelphia Eagles
Feeley had one of the best performances of his career against the Patriots in Week 12. He appears destined to be a career backup. Even if McNabb leaves, rookie Kevin Kolb likely will have the inside track to the starting job. Feeley does have a strong arm and reads coverages well but seems to make at least one poor throw per outing.
43. Sage Rosenfels
Backup, Houston Texans
Rosenfels is a big, strong quarterback and a classic pocket passer. He has limited mobility but can make all the throws necessary, with accuracy. When given the chance with Schaub's injury, Rosenfels performed well, and it appears there isn't a drop-off when he is leading the club.
44. Gus Frerotte
Starting backup, St. Louis Rams
Frerotte is with his seventh club and is clearly on the back side of his 13-year career. He is a crafty veteran who can win in a backup role. Frerotte doesn't have enough skills to carry the load at the position but has enough arm strength and experience to be a valuable veteran in mentoring a young signal-caller.
45. Trent Dilfer
Starting backup, San Francisco 49ers
Dilfer has lengthened his career because he has continued to be an effective backup quarterback. It would appear that his 14-year career is winding down, but Dilfer is valuable as a reliable veteran who is a good decision-maker. Dilfer's skills are diminishing, but he still has enough arm strength and instincts to be effective as a backup with a strong supporting cast.
46. Charlie Batch
Backup, Pittsburgh Steelers
Batch has proved to be a valuable backup for the Steelers the past few years. He has an adequate arm and makes solid decisions, but perhaps even more importantly, he knows his limitations and manages to avoid hurting the team when he plays.
47. Brodie Croyle
Starter, Kansas City Chiefs
Croyle has been easing into the starting job in Kansas City and appears to be the heir apparent. He has a good arm to go along with adequate size and scrambling ability. He has improved on his ability to look coverages off and is willing to go to his checkdown receivers when the downfield routes are not there.
48. Todd Collins
Starting backup, Washington Commanders
Collins, playing for the injured Jason Campbell, had a good opening outing in the win against the Bears in Week 14 and must remain as consistent as possible and limit the mistakes if the Commanders are going to win and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. His arm strength is adequate and he's able to scramble if there's trouble in the pocket.
49. Damon Huard
Backup, Kansas City Chiefs
Huard is a career backup who has made good use of the limited opportunities he's had as a starter. He is above average in almost all aspects of the game but does not stand out in any one. He understands the game and does not try to do more than he is capable of doing.
50. Kelly Holcomb
Backup, Minnesota Vikings
Holcomb is a gutsy performer who understands the game and knows his cast. He can make all the throws but has lost a lot of mobility over the years and can make it easy on pass-rushers. Holcomb is a valuable backup.
51. Brad Johnson
Backup, Dallas Cowboys
Johnson seems to be fighting the age issue every year. At 39, he lacks mobility and a big-time arm but makes up for it with his understanding of the game. He is almost like a coach on the field and provides a lot of leadership from the sidelines.
52. Seneca Wallace
Backup, Seattle Seahawks
Wallace is an excellent athlete who has done a solid job stepping in when Hasselbeck has been hurt. He has learned how to play within the system in Seattle and has improved his accuracy and ability to find passing lanes. His size (5-foot-11) makes it difficult for him to see or throw over the top of offensive linemen. He adds the dimension of being able to run when the pass is not there.
53. Quinn Gray
Backup, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gray is a good-sized QB with a very strong arm. He has struggled with accuracy over the years, but he showed a huge improvement in his ability to fit the ball into tight windows when he replaced the injured Garrard for three games (winning two of them) earlier this season. He throws a nice deep ball that allows his receivers time to run to it and catch it in stride.
54. Jim Sorgi
Backup, Indianapolis Colts
Sorgi has been Manning's backup for the past four years and has done a great job of learning the system in Indianapolis. He has a fragile-looking frame but an above-average arm; he can make the short to intermediate throws with velocity and accuracy. He sometimes struggles with the deep balls when he does not have time to get his feet settled.
55. John Beck
Backup, Miami Dolphins
Beck is a decent-sized QB who appears to have the tools to play, but he is still learning how to use them. He is a touch and rhythm passer who seems to improve as the game progresses. He seems to be living off the checkdown passes so far and needs to take some shots downfield.
56. Luke McCown
Backup, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McCown has been a backup for most of his career but can fare well when called upon to start (such as in a Week 13 win). He's always had a strong arm and is mobile. His biggest drawback in the past has been his decision-making. McCown is still considered a young QB with upside.
57. Cleo Lemon
Starter, Miami Dolphins
Lemon is a mobile QB who has a good arm but doesn't have the skills to be a starter. He can still be a viable backup in the NFL.
58. Matt Cassel
Backup, New England Patriots
He was pulled from a game by coach Bill Belichick after throwing an interception, so it's obvious Cassel is not ready to be a starter for any NFL team. He has just a decent arm and average pocket presence and needs to work on his decision-making. If anything happens to Brady, Cassel may be only the short-term answer.
59. Dan Orlovsky
Backup, Detroit Lions
Orlovsky is the typical drop-back passer whose strength is in the pocket. He has a good arm and is able to make the necessary throws needed to be an NFL quarterback. His release isn't as quick as it needs to be, and he must be in the same offensive system long enough to be effective.
60. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Backup, Cincinnati Bengals
Fitzpatrick is an intelligent young QB who picked up the Cincinnati system very quickly. He is undersized but can make the throws needed to finish a game and manage the clock. He's had some starting experience in the NFL and makes for a viable backup.
61. Anthony Wright
Backup, New York Giants
Wright is a mobile, veteran QB in his ninth year in the NFL. He is capable of coming in to finish a game if starter Eli Manning is injured. The former South Carolina star is reliable in running the system and can make the necessary throws.
62. Patrick Ramsey
Backup, Denver Broncos
Ramsey is a veteran QB who has seen starting action in the past. He has a good arm and decent pocket presence. His release is inconsistent and his quickness in reading coverages is lacking.
63. David Carr
Backup, Carolina Panthers
Carr was expected to come to Carolina and back up Delhomme, but an injury to Delhomme forced Carr into the mix early in the season. His pocket presence is still suspect and he doesn't make good decisions, something we also saw in Houston. His future is uncertain and teams may be hesitant to take a chance on him now.
64. Jamie Martin
Backup, New Orleans Saints
Martin is a veteran QB who's been in the NFL for 13 seasons. He can complete the short and intermediate throws needed to finish a game.
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1194 comments on "Ranking the QBs a lot tougher than it sounds"
Tonys3045 (7 hours ago) it is embarassing that you put Vince Young and Jay Cutler in front of Eli Manning. They have yet to show anything and though Eli does make a lot of mistakes, he has taken his team to the playoffs 3 years in a row without the help of a receiver that is elite. mitchfsu25 (7 hours ago) McNabb is about 30 spots too high. DallasFFL (8 hours ago) This year (NOT FOR THEIR CAREERS): Romo > Favre...
Not saying Favre isn't great (I am not hating on Favre)... he is having a great year... but Romo's THIS YEAR is better... the numbers and his preformance in the big games or late in games proves it.
THE FIELD OF 64
Now that Scouts Inc. has ranked the 64 top quarterbacks in the NFL, let's imagine if this were, say, an NCAA Tournament bracket (we'll skip the play-in game and office pools). How would each round shake out? Here are the "game by game" results, with the "higher seeds" advancing (pick your own upsets!).
First round
Tom Brady (1) def. Jamie Martin (64)
Peyton Manning (2) def. David Carr (63)
Brett Favre (3) def. Patrick Ramsey (62)
Tony Romo (4) def. Anthony Wright (61)
Ben Roethlisberger (5) def. Ryan Fitzpatrick (60)
Carson Palmer (6) def. Dan Orlovsky (59)
Matt Hasselbeck (7) def. Matt Cassel (58)
Drew Brees (8) def. Cleo Lemon (57)
Donovan McNabb (9) def. Luke McCown (56)
David Garrard (10) def. John Beck (55)
Jay Cutler (11) def. Jim Sorgi (54)
Derek Anderson (12) def. Quinn Gray (53)
Marc Bulger (13) def. Seneca Wallace (52)
Jeff Garcia (14) def. Brad Johnson (51)
Vince Young (15) def. Kelly Holcomb (50)
Philip Rivers (16) def. Damon Huard (49)
Eli Manning (17) def. Todd Collins (48)
Jason Campbell (18) def. Brodie Croyle (47)
Jon Kitna (19) def. Charlie Batch (46)
Jake Delhomme (20) def. Trent Dilfer (45)
Kurt Warner (21) def. Gus Frerotte (44)
Matt Leinart (22) def. Sage Rosenfels (43)
Matt Schaub (23) def. A.J. Feeley (42)
Chad Pennington (24) def. Kerry Collins (41)
Rex Grossman (25) def. Byron Leftwich (40)
Tarvaris Jackson (26) def. Billy Volek (39)
Kellen Clemens (27) def. Joey Harrington (38)
Trent Edwards (28) def. Brady Quinn (37)
Alex Smith (29) def. JaMarcus Russell (36)
Aaron Rodgers (30) def. Brian Griese (35)
Steve McNair (31) def. J.P. Losman (34)
Daunte Culpepper (32) def. Kyle Boller (33)
Second round
Brady def. Culpepper
P. Manning def. McNair
Favre def. Rodgers
Romo def. Smith
Roethlisberger def. Edwards
Palmer def. Clemens
Hasselbeck def. Jackson
Brees def. Grossman
McNabb def. Pennington
Garrard def. Schaub
Cutler def. Leinart
Anderson def. Warner
Bulger def. Delhomme
Garcia def. Kitna
Young def. Campbell
Rivers def. E. Manning
Third round
Brady def. Rivers
P. Manning def. Young
Favre def. Garcia
Romo def. Bulger
Roethlisberger def. Anderson
Palmer def. Cutler
Hasselbeck def. Garrard Brees def. McNabb
Quarterfinals
Brady def. Brees
P. Manning def. Hasselbeck
Favre def. Palmer
Romo def. Roethlisberger
Semifinals
Brady def. Romo
P. Manning def. Favre
Final
Brady def. P. Manning
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Updated: December 12, 2007, 4:46 PM ET
Comment
At first, ranking the starting and backup QBs didn't seem daunting. After a two-hour conference call in which we debated the young guns versus the veterans, the backups versus some starters, and what in the world to do with the rookies who haven't played much yet, we learned it is a very difficult job.
More QBs
FUTURE CONTROVERSY: John Clayton identifies the top five QB competitions heading into 2008. Story
YOU RANK 'EM: Agree or disagree with Scouts Inc.'s rankings? Here's your chance to rank the league's top 32 QBs. Ranker
WHO'S NEXT: Scouts Inc. draft expert Todd McShay profiles the top 10 quarterbacks entering the 2008 draft. ZOOM Gallery
COMING THURSDAY: Asked to evaluate 11 young starters, a group of NFL experts singled out Denver's Jay Cutler as most likely to reach elite status. Also, Hall of Famer Steve Young assesses each young QB in a video report.
The hardest part was deciding how to rank them. Do we look at just this year? Do we look at their careers and their body of work? We decided it would be a mixture of the two, that we couldn't completely ignore a veteran with a history of great success having a subpar year.
About the only thing we agreed on was that Tom Brady was No. 1 and Peyton Manning was No. 2. From there, the first debate came, with some feeling that Tony Romo was right there with those two, but we eventually decided Romo was No. 4, behind Brady, Manning and Brett Favre.
The top 10 was very difficult after we got through the top five. In that second group of QBs, Carson Palmer, Drew Brees and Donovan McNabb have all had a ton of success but have struggled at times this season due to different circumstances. The other QBs who were tough to place were the guys who are having success as first-time starters. David Garrard and Derek Anderson have both played very well, and we think they will continue to ascend. The rookies were tough to place, but we thought they should be ranked higher (based on upside) than some retread-type backups.
The one thing that was very noticeable from this list is that the future of the QB position looks bright with young players like Garrard, Anderson, Jay Cutler, Vince Young, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning and Jason Campbell taking their games to the next level.
1. Tom Brady
Starter, New England Patriots
Brady is a future Hall of Fame QB who is having a career season. He leads the NFL in touchdowns and completion percentage and has a league-best QB rating of 123.4. There is no longer a debate over who the best QB in the NFL is -- Brady has moved ahead of Manning.
2. Peyton Manning
Starter, Indianapolis Colts
Like Brady, Manning is a future Hall of Fame QB. There is not a QB in the NFL who studies the game as much as Manning, and he is one of the best competitors to play QB. Despite losing several key players to injuries this season, Manning has still completed 64 percent of his passes and thrown for 27 TDs.
3. Brett Favre
Starter, Green Bay Packers
He will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. At 38, he is still playing at a high level, and it looks as if he may be able to play into his 40s. There is no denying his arm strength, and Favre is still able to make all the throws. Favre is doing a great job this season making every player on the offense better.
4. Tony Romo
Starter, Dallas Cowboys
He is a young gunslinger who reminds a lot of people of a young Favre, and Romo shows no fear in the pocket. He is mentally tough and shows an excellent ability to bounce back when he makes mistakes. He is a big reason the Cowboys have the best record in the NFC.
5. Ben Roethlisberger
Starter, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roethlisberger is a young QB who struggled last season, but he is healthy this year and is having a solid season. New offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has given him more responsibility, and Roethlisberger has responded with improved leadership. He's making better decisions and is completing a career-high 66.9 percent of his passes this season.
6. Carson Palmer
Starter, Cincinnati Bengals
This hasn't been Palmer's best season, but he still has all the tools you'd want in a QB. Playing behind a decimated offensive line, Palmer has thrown 17 interceptions and has struggled to lead this underachieving football team. Still, he is unquestionably one of the most talented QBs in the league.
7. Matt Hasselbeck
Starter, Seattle Seahawks
Coach Mike Holmgren has put much more pressure on Hasselbeck this season, and he has responded by playing very well. He is a rhythm passer who can be a little streaky, but he is very good at running Holmgren's West Coast offense. He is an excellent leader, and it's no coincidence that once Hasselbeck became the focus of the offense, the Seahawks won five straight and clinched their fourth straight NFC West title.
8. Drew Brees
Starter, New Orleans Saints
After a great 2006 season, Brees has struggled some this year behind a shaky offensive line and a running game that is missing starting RB Deuce McAllister. Brees has been forced to carry too much of the load this season, and though he is a very good QB, he is not the type of player who can carry a team without solid weapons around him.
9. Donovan McNabb
Starter, Philadelphia Eagles
When healthy, McNabb has shown that he can still be an elite starting QB. The problem is that he has rarely been healthy, and the last time he played a 16-game season was 2003. McNabb may be trade bait this offseason, but he still has some solid years left.
10. David Garrard
Starter, Jacksonville Jaguars
There were a lot of questions concerning Garrard when the Jaguars released Byron Leftwich at the start of the season, but he has proven his ability as a quarterback in the NFL. He benefits from a strong running game, but his decision-making has been superb (he has just one interception in 274 attempts this year), he's completing nearly 66 percent of his passes and his QB rating is third, trailing only Brady and Romo.
11. Jay Cutler
Starter, Denver Broncos
Easily one of the most impressive young quarterbacks in the NFL. He is a natural fit in coach Mike Shanahan's West Coast offense. He is a smart, instinctive player with a gunslinger mentality. He has a big-time arm that Shanahan loves, and he plays with a calm demeanor in the pocket. He is a young player who is only going to get better the more his plays.
12. Derek Anderson
Starter, Cleveland Browns
Without a doubt, he has made a name for himself and a lot of money in the future based on his performance in offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski's system since taking over as the starter in the second game of the season. Anderson has one of the stronger arms in the NFL, which has allowed the Browns to attack all levels in the passing game. He is a prototypical pocket passer with average to above-average accuracy in the short and intermediate areas in the passing game.
13. Marc Bulger
Injured starter, St. Louis Rams
Bulger has struggled this season behind a shaky offensive line and has missed time with a rib injury and a concussion. When healthy, he has played very well. He does not possess great size or arm strength but is an accurate QB and a great fit in coach Scott Linehan's offensive system.
14. Jeff Garcia
Starter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Garcia is a perfect fit for coach Jon Gruden's version of the West Coast passing attack. He is highly competitive and can still move around in the pocket with good accuracy in short and intermediate areas. He doesn't have a big-time arm, but he does a great job when throwing in rhythm to spots on the field.
15. Vince Young
Starter, Tennessee Titans
Young is an intriguing young player who places a lot of pressure on opposing defenses with his outstanding athleticism, arm strength and ability to scramble and make plays with his legs. He hasn't had as much success this season because offensive coordinator Norm Chow's game plans haven't always taken advantage of Young's strengths as much as they did last season. That said, Young is still far from the finished product, especially as a passer, but he will continue to improve the more he plays.
16. Philip Rivers
Starter, San Diego Chargers
Rivers has not performed as well as he did last season and still must become more consistent in his decision-making and downfield accuracy. However, he still has the ability to process information quickly while attacking the weakness on the back end in coverage. He is smart and instinctive, with good pocket awareness and the arm strength to spread the ball around.
17. Eli Manning
Starter, New York Giants
Manning is extremely talented but has struggled with consistency and decision-making throughout his short career. Still, he has shown a few flashes that make you believe he will be a frontline starting quarterback in the NFL in the right system. He has shown coolness under fire in the pocket but lacks that emotional drive that gets you excited.
18. Jason Campbell
Injured starter, Washington Commanders
Campbell is extremely talented and will be a frontline starter. He has the arm strength to attack all levels in the passing game while making defenses defend the whole field. While he could improve his accuracy in the short and intermediate areas in the passing game as well as his ability to process the reads while getting rid of the ball quicker, he has a bright future.
19. Jon Kitna
Starter, Detroit Lions
He is in an offense that simply doesn't run the ball often, so his yardage, touchdown and interception numbers are inflated. Still, the number of interceptions remain worrisome. He is a good, intelligent leader and shows real toughness playing behind a terrible offensive line. Physically, none of his traits stand out, but he is not a major liability in any one area, either. He is best-suited as a caretaker quarterback, grooming a young, talented QB like he did in Cincinnati with Palmer.
20. Jake Delhomme
Injured starter, Carolina Panthers
All you have to do is study Carolina's offense since Delhomme was injured in Week 3 to see how much the Panthers miss his ability within their system. He is an experienced player with an outstanding competitive demeanor. He is smart and instinctive, and he processes information while getting rid of the ball quickly. He doesn't have the big-time arm but does a great job of throwing in the Panthers' rhythm offense with good timing.
21. Kurt Warner
Starter, Arizona Cardinals
Warner has played at a very high level this season, reminding people of his days in St. Louis. He has shown very good toughness while playing with a dislocated left elbow. He has cut down on mistakes, using his experience and smarts when attacking an opponent's weakness on the back end. He is very effective when getting time in the pocket and throwing in rhythm in the short and intermediate areas of the passing game.
22. Matt Leinart
Injured starter, Arizona Cardinals
Before his injury, Leinart was far from impressive this season in a new offensive system. He is an ordinary athlete and doesn't have a big arm, but he has some swagger to him and throws a very catchable, accurate ball. Leinart could benefit from sitting behind Warner for another season to learn what it takes to succeed in this league.
23. Matt Schaub
Starter, Houston Texans
The biggest question with Schaub now is his ability to take a hit and stay on the field. He seems very brittle behind Houston's ordinary offensive line, but when healthy, he kick-started this offense. He is smart and extremely accurate. Schaub gets the ball out very quickly and already has a great feel for his receivers. If he can stay on the field, he is the Texans' answer at quarterback.
24. Chad Pennington
Backup, New York Jets
Pennington took the fall for the Jets' awful season and gave way to the younger Kellen Clemens, but that doesn't mean Pennington isn't a solid QB. Pennington will surely be elsewhere in 2008, and if he lands in a quick-strike, West Coast offense, he could be very efficient. He clearly does not have a big arm, but he is deadly accurate and has a great feel for the game with good poise and leadership qualities.
25. Rex Grossman
Starter, Chicago Bears
He is wildly inconsistent, slow to process information, turns the ball over too much and tends to play his worst when it matters most -- but starting quarterbacks are hard to find. Grossman is a very good deep thrower and shows toughness to stand in and take the big hit to deliver the ball. He has more than enough arm and still has upside with more refinement.
26. Tarvaris Jackson
Starter, Minnesota Vikings
Jackson has played very well lately and things might finally be slowing down and starting to click for him. He has a thick, strong body and excellent athletic ability, but he remains very raw and simply does not throw the ball accurately enough. It is going to take more than just putting a few games together in a row to make us believers, but it certainly is a promising start.
27. Kellen Clemens
Starter, New York Jets
Clemens is well-built, smart and athletic enough to make a few plays with his feet. He throws the ball well but is obviously extremely inexperienced and has quite a ways to go before catching up with the speed of the league. He has a lot of upside and will be given every opportunity to grow but could also use more help from his supporting cast.
28. Trent Edwards
Starter, Buffalo Bills
Edwards has the inside track now to be Buffalo's quarterback of the future. While the Bills are very conservative with their play calling when Edwards is behind center, the rookie is efficient and mature beyond his experience. He throws the ball well and is very bright. He spreads the ball around well and doesn't lock on to one receiver.
29. Alex Smith
Injured starter, San Francisco 49ers
Boy, did Smith -- and for that matter, the entire San Francisco offense -- take a step backward this season. The "B word" is starting to get thrown around with regularity about this former No. 1 overall selection. He was extremely efficient in college and one of the brighter players in the league at his position. He is a well-above-average athlete, but just is not a very good passer and struggles to put enough velocity on his throws. Still, it's too early to say he's a bust considering he's been injured and doesn't get a lot of help from his his wide receivers and offensive line.
30. Aaron Rodgers
Backup, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers impressed many when he moved the Packers' offense in Dallas, but that enthusiasm must be tempered. The Cowboys didn't prepare for Rodgers and Dallas was playing with a lead. Let's see how he performs after defensive coordinators have more tape to evaluate. He is a sneaky athlete, though, with a quick and compact release. Surely he has learned a thing or two about playing the position from sharing a meeting room with Brett Favre.
31. Steve McNair
Injured starter, Baltimore Ravens
Once one of the best in the league, the oft-injured McNair just doesn't have anything left. On guts alone, he threw for over 1,000 yards this season. He had a fantastic career and is a borderline Hall of Famer. No one can question his toughness or leadership traits, but he no longer can throw the ball or move his feet as he once did. It is time for McNair to hang it up, but few have done it as well.
32. Daunte Culpepper
Injured starter, Oakland Raiders
Culpepper is with his third, and possibly last, team and has been very inconsistent this season, completing only 58 percent of his passes and throwing as many interceptions as touchdowns. He still has a strong arm but never totally recovered from a knee injury that has limited his mobility, which made him an outstanding quarterback early in career.
33. Kyle Boller
Starting backup, Baltimore Ravens
Boller has an excellent opportunity to climb this list because he will start for the Ravens the rest of this season and possibly beyond. Boller's physical skills have never been in question. He can make all the throws with velocity and is a well-above-average athlete for the quarterback position. However, it is pretty clear that the Ravens' coaching staff doesn't have enough faith in Boller to open up the offense. He should be further along in his development.
34. J.P. Losman
Backup, Buffalo Bills
While Edwards spreads the ball around well, Losman too often focuses on WR Lee Evans. Losman is a big-time athlete and has a cannon for a right arm, but he takes too many risks and doesn't read defenses or process information well. There is still upside with this former first-round selection, and a change of scenery might do him good.
35. Brian Griese
Backup, Chicago Bears
Griese is a caretaker quarterback who turns the ball over too much. Obviously, that is not an ideal combination. However, he runs hot and cold and can come off the bench and ignite an offense. He is bright and grew up around the game. Griese is an accurate thrower but has an average arm and doesn't scramble well.
36. JaMarcus Russell
Backup, Oakland Raiders
He was the first overall choice in the 2007 draft for a reason -- he is a rare physical specimen with outstanding size, strength and the ability to throw a football through a wall. However, he is raw, even as rookie quarterbacks go, and didn't play all that much football at LSU compared to other top prospects. But wow, is he intriguing.
37. Brady Quinn
Backup, Cleveland Browns
With the emergence of Anderson as the starting QB for the Browns, Quinn's future remains uncertain. The biggest question: When will the first-round pick see action? Anderson is a restricted free agent. Quinn was a mobile QB in college who threw the ball well. While he showed flashes of potential in the preseason, whether that translates well in the regular season is unknown.
38. Joey Harrington
Backup, Atlanta Falcons
Harrington was acquired by Atlanta to back up Michael Vick but was quickly forced into the starting role. He has performed well at times behind a marginal offensive line but continues to make poor decisions in crucial situations. Harrington does have some tools to win in the league, but he is best in the veteran backup role.
39. Billy Volek
Backup, San Diego Chargers
Volek has long been considered as one of the best backup signal-callers in the league. He has a solid arm with good instincts and the ability to read coverages. Volek has the tools to move an offense and may go down as one of the more talented backup QBs.
40. Byron Leftwich
Backup, Atlanta Falcons
Leftwich's abrupt departure from Jacksonville has turned out well for the Jaguars and has put Leftwich in a bad light. He is a big, strong passer with an unconventional release and limited mobility. He hasn't performed well when given the opportunity in Atlanta and is likely to land with another franchise next season. Still, Leftwich is a young quarterback with tools to be effective, but he needs a strong supporting cast.
41. Kerry Collins
Backup, Tennessee Titans
Collins has played well when given an opportunity to move the offense. Earlier in the season there was some controversy about who should start after Collins played well in relief and Young had some subpar outings when he returned from injuries. Collins is a big, strong passer who is excellent in the veteran backup role and gives his club a chance to win if called upon.
42. A.J. Feeley
Backup, Philadelphia Eagles
Feeley had one of the best performances of his career against the Patriots in Week 12. He appears destined to be a career backup. Even if McNabb leaves, rookie Kevin Kolb likely will have the inside track to the starting job. Feeley does have a strong arm and reads coverages well but seems to make at least one poor throw per outing.
43. Sage Rosenfels
Backup, Houston Texans
Rosenfels is a big, strong quarterback and a classic pocket passer. He has limited mobility but can make all the throws necessary, with accuracy. When given the chance with Schaub's injury, Rosenfels performed well, and it appears there isn't a drop-off when he is leading the club.
44. Gus Frerotte
Starting backup, St. Louis Rams
Frerotte is with his seventh club and is clearly on the back side of his 13-year career. He is a crafty veteran who can win in a backup role. Frerotte doesn't have enough skills to carry the load at the position but has enough arm strength and experience to be a valuable veteran in mentoring a young signal-caller.
45. Trent Dilfer
Starting backup, San Francisco 49ers
Dilfer has lengthened his career because he has continued to be an effective backup quarterback. It would appear that his 14-year career is winding down, but Dilfer is valuable as a reliable veteran who is a good decision-maker. Dilfer's skills are diminishing, but he still has enough arm strength and instincts to be effective as a backup with a strong supporting cast.
46. Charlie Batch
Backup, Pittsburgh Steelers
Batch has proved to be a valuable backup for the Steelers the past few years. He has an adequate arm and makes solid decisions, but perhaps even more importantly, he knows his limitations and manages to avoid hurting the team when he plays.
47. Brodie Croyle
Starter, Kansas City Chiefs
Croyle has been easing into the starting job in Kansas City and appears to be the heir apparent. He has a good arm to go along with adequate size and scrambling ability. He has improved on his ability to look coverages off and is willing to go to his checkdown receivers when the downfield routes are not there.
48. Todd Collins
Starting backup, Washington Commanders
Collins, playing for the injured Jason Campbell, had a good opening outing in the win against the Bears in Week 14 and must remain as consistent as possible and limit the mistakes if the Commanders are going to win and keep their slim playoff hopes alive. His arm strength is adequate and he's able to scramble if there's trouble in the pocket.
49. Damon Huard
Backup, Kansas City Chiefs
Huard is a career backup who has made good use of the limited opportunities he's had as a starter. He is above average in almost all aspects of the game but does not stand out in any one. He understands the game and does not try to do more than he is capable of doing.
50. Kelly Holcomb
Backup, Minnesota Vikings
Holcomb is a gutsy performer who understands the game and knows his cast. He can make all the throws but has lost a lot of mobility over the years and can make it easy on pass-rushers. Holcomb is a valuable backup.
51. Brad Johnson
Backup, Dallas Cowboys
Johnson seems to be fighting the age issue every year. At 39, he lacks mobility and a big-time arm but makes up for it with his understanding of the game. He is almost like a coach on the field and provides a lot of leadership from the sidelines.
52. Seneca Wallace
Backup, Seattle Seahawks
Wallace is an excellent athlete who has done a solid job stepping in when Hasselbeck has been hurt. He has learned how to play within the system in Seattle and has improved his accuracy and ability to find passing lanes. His size (5-foot-11) makes it difficult for him to see or throw over the top of offensive linemen. He adds the dimension of being able to run when the pass is not there.
53. Quinn Gray
Backup, Jacksonville Jaguars
Gray is a good-sized QB with a very strong arm. He has struggled with accuracy over the years, but he showed a huge improvement in his ability to fit the ball into tight windows when he replaced the injured Garrard for three games (winning two of them) earlier this season. He throws a nice deep ball that allows his receivers time to run to it and catch it in stride.
54. Jim Sorgi
Backup, Indianapolis Colts
Sorgi has been Manning's backup for the past four years and has done a great job of learning the system in Indianapolis. He has a fragile-looking frame but an above-average arm; he can make the short to intermediate throws with velocity and accuracy. He sometimes struggles with the deep balls when he does not have time to get his feet settled.
55. John Beck
Backup, Miami Dolphins
Beck is a decent-sized QB who appears to have the tools to play, but he is still learning how to use them. He is a touch and rhythm passer who seems to improve as the game progresses. He seems to be living off the checkdown passes so far and needs to take some shots downfield.
56. Luke McCown
Backup, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
McCown has been a backup for most of his career but can fare well when called upon to start (such as in a Week 13 win). He's always had a strong arm and is mobile. His biggest drawback in the past has been his decision-making. McCown is still considered a young QB with upside.
57. Cleo Lemon
Starter, Miami Dolphins
Lemon is a mobile QB who has a good arm but doesn't have the skills to be a starter. He can still be a viable backup in the NFL.
58. Matt Cassel
Backup, New England Patriots
He was pulled from a game by coach Bill Belichick after throwing an interception, so it's obvious Cassel is not ready to be a starter for any NFL team. He has just a decent arm and average pocket presence and needs to work on his decision-making. If anything happens to Brady, Cassel may be only the short-term answer.
59. Dan Orlovsky
Backup, Detroit Lions
Orlovsky is the typical drop-back passer whose strength is in the pocket. He has a good arm and is able to make the necessary throws needed to be an NFL quarterback. His release isn't as quick as it needs to be, and he must be in the same offensive system long enough to be effective.
60. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Backup, Cincinnati Bengals
Fitzpatrick is an intelligent young QB who picked up the Cincinnati system very quickly. He is undersized but can make the throws needed to finish a game and manage the clock. He's had some starting experience in the NFL and makes for a viable backup.
61. Anthony Wright
Backup, New York Giants
Wright is a mobile, veteran QB in his ninth year in the NFL. He is capable of coming in to finish a game if starter Eli Manning is injured. The former South Carolina star is reliable in running the system and can make the necessary throws.
62. Patrick Ramsey
Backup, Denver Broncos
Ramsey is a veteran QB who has seen starting action in the past. He has a good arm and decent pocket presence. His release is inconsistent and his quickness in reading coverages is lacking.
63. David Carr
Backup, Carolina Panthers
Carr was expected to come to Carolina and back up Delhomme, but an injury to Delhomme forced Carr into the mix early in the season. His pocket presence is still suspect and he doesn't make good decisions, something we also saw in Houston. His future is uncertain and teams may be hesitant to take a chance on him now.
64. Jamie Martin
Backup, New Orleans Saints
Martin is a veteran QB who's been in the NFL for 13 seasons. He can complete the short and intermediate throws needed to finish a game.
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1194 comments on "Ranking the QBs a lot tougher than it sounds"
Tonys3045 (7 hours ago) it is embarassing that you put Vince Young and Jay Cutler in front of Eli Manning. They have yet to show anything and though Eli does make a lot of mistakes, he has taken his team to the playoffs 3 years in a row without the help of a receiver that is elite. mitchfsu25 (7 hours ago) McNabb is about 30 spots too high. DallasFFL (8 hours ago) This year (NOT FOR THEIR CAREERS): Romo > Favre...
Not saying Favre isn't great (I am not hating on Favre)... he is having a great year... but Romo's THIS YEAR is better... the numbers and his preformance in the big games or late in games proves it.
THE FIELD OF 64
Now that Scouts Inc. has ranked the 64 top quarterbacks in the NFL, let's imagine if this were, say, an NCAA Tournament bracket (we'll skip the play-in game and office pools). How would each round shake out? Here are the "game by game" results, with the "higher seeds" advancing (pick your own upsets!).
First round
Tom Brady (1) def. Jamie Martin (64)
Peyton Manning (2) def. David Carr (63)
Brett Favre (3) def. Patrick Ramsey (62)
Tony Romo (4) def. Anthony Wright (61)
Ben Roethlisberger (5) def. Ryan Fitzpatrick (60)
Carson Palmer (6) def. Dan Orlovsky (59)
Matt Hasselbeck (7) def. Matt Cassel (58)
Drew Brees (8) def. Cleo Lemon (57)
Donovan McNabb (9) def. Luke McCown (56)
David Garrard (10) def. John Beck (55)
Jay Cutler (11) def. Jim Sorgi (54)
Derek Anderson (12) def. Quinn Gray (53)
Marc Bulger (13) def. Seneca Wallace (52)
Jeff Garcia (14) def. Brad Johnson (51)
Vince Young (15) def. Kelly Holcomb (50)
Philip Rivers (16) def. Damon Huard (49)
Eli Manning (17) def. Todd Collins (48)
Jason Campbell (18) def. Brodie Croyle (47)
Jon Kitna (19) def. Charlie Batch (46)
Jake Delhomme (20) def. Trent Dilfer (45)
Kurt Warner (21) def. Gus Frerotte (44)
Matt Leinart (22) def. Sage Rosenfels (43)
Matt Schaub (23) def. A.J. Feeley (42)
Chad Pennington (24) def. Kerry Collins (41)
Rex Grossman (25) def. Byron Leftwich (40)
Tarvaris Jackson (26) def. Billy Volek (39)
Kellen Clemens (27) def. Joey Harrington (38)
Trent Edwards (28) def. Brady Quinn (37)
Alex Smith (29) def. JaMarcus Russell (36)
Aaron Rodgers (30) def. Brian Griese (35)
Steve McNair (31) def. J.P. Losman (34)
Daunte Culpepper (32) def. Kyle Boller (33)
Second round
Brady def. Culpepper
P. Manning def. McNair
Favre def. Rodgers
Romo def. Smith
Roethlisberger def. Edwards
Palmer def. Clemens
Hasselbeck def. Jackson
Brees def. Grossman
McNabb def. Pennington
Garrard def. Schaub
Cutler def. Leinart
Anderson def. Warner
Bulger def. Delhomme
Garcia def. Kitna
Young def. Campbell
Rivers def. E. Manning
Third round
Brady def. Rivers
P. Manning def. Young
Favre def. Garcia
Romo def. Bulger
Roethlisberger def. Anderson
Palmer def. Cutler
Hasselbeck def. Garrard Brees def. McNabb
Quarterfinals
Brady def. Brees
P. Manning def. Hasselbeck
Favre def. Palmer
Romo def. Roethlisberger
Semifinals
Brady def. Romo
P. Manning def. Favre
Final
Brady def. P. Manning
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