By Jeff Barnes

    There are a ton of rankings based on every criterion from stats, wins, and writers’ opinions. While win/loss is considered, character and leadership are factored in as well.  Even style of play is a factor.  I’ll let the explanations of each quarterback tell the tale.

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs- When I evaluated Pat Mahomes in the draft, I said he was a high ceiling/middle floor guy. He had so much raw talent, but his mechanics were all over the map.  Fast forward and you have a player that didn’t need a lot of polish because his skills are so special that he doesn’t need to use the proper mechanics to throw the football accurately.  He has led his team to the promised land and fell one Tom Brady short of a repeat.  With his age and a franchise capable of keeping enough talent around him to compete for the Lombardi, he tops my list.
2. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers- The legend of Tom Brady will continue at least one more season. His accomplishments are many and the ability to control almost any situation is only second to Joe Montana.  Brady is still capable of hoisting another Lombardi in February.  So far, he has managed to beat Father Time.  Last season showed that the rounds are getting closer.  Given the body of work and his ability to still perform at a high level, he is #2 on my list.
3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers- With all the numbers and moments that Aaron Rodgers has provided, you would think he would have more than one Super Bowl appearance. The natural ability he possesses has not diminished.  He can beat you with his arm and his legs.  Aaron is the epitome of a cool customer.  However, for all the playoff moments, he has had plenty of playoff clunkers to go with them.  With all of that, how is he so high on the list?  Well, the guys behind him all have more questions.
4. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos- Russ has a new home in Denver and more talent to boot. The former Super Bowl champion came just over a yard away from repeating one of the most controversial play calls in history.  Nevertheless, Russell has overshot evaluator’s expectations of him ever since Seattle drafted him in the 3^rd round of the 2012 draft.  Naysayers say that the defense was the reason he has a ring.  The defense was a major part, but with the Legion of Boom and Marshawn Lynch in his prime, the Seahawks didn’t come close to winning a Super Bowl.  He carried that team for years after with a subpar offensive line and limited weapons.  There is a reason that his only losing season in Seattle was his last season there.  I rebound in Denver will solidify his spot in the Top 4.
5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens- People are going to say why Lamar Jackson over (enter any name here). It’s simple.  Lamar Jackson is the best talent on this list does a lot in an offense not designed for him to have a lot of success.  He doesn’t have Josh Allen’s arm, but he has superior athletic ability.  Here is something nobody else will say.  He succeeds in throwing the football in an offense that lacks a big-time passing game or weapons outside of the running game and tight end Mark Andrews.  The Ravens run based offense revolves around their running game and play-action passing.  Jackson can beat you with his arm or legs.  He is dynamic when running with the football, and a highly underrated passer.  His availability makes the Ravens a contender.  As we saw last season, without him they are just pedestrian.
6. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills- It took a couple of seasons for Josh Allen to reach the height of his expectations. The former Wyoming quarterback has improved his accuracy and decision-making.  Allen had a few shaky years before blossoming into the starter that nearly outdueled Patrick Mahomes.  Allen may be big, but he moves well and has the ability to make big throws on the move.  His ability to read coverage has improved as well.  You are seeing less and less of the careless interceptions that plagued him at times in the past.  Considering his recent performance and upward trajectory, I expect him to remain above the quarterbacks behind him on this list.
7. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys- Rayne Dakota Prescott has exceeded people’s expectations of him ever since he led an underwhelming Mississippi State roster to a short-lived #1 ranking. There is a reason that Dak has never had a losing season as the starter in Dallas since he was drafted (he had a losing record in an injury-shortened season when he injured his ankle in 2020).  Prescott is the combination of the leader and playmaker.  His playoff record is what people will point to when they criticize Dak.  If you analyze the playoff losses, other than the loss to the 49ers, He was able to give the Cowboys a chance to win, but defensive failures cost them those games.  His loss to GB was no different than how Josh Allen lost to Pat Mahomes.  Dak is judged differently.  Not here.  He performed inadequately against the 49ers.  His hot and cold streaks need to end as well.  In order for him to crack the Top 5, he must eliminate the average games.  Every quarterback has a bad game or two, but he can no longer just have average performances.
8. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals- A lot of people have Joe Burrow higher. I don’t.  He still has to add to a very good start to his career.  The key is it is just the start.  He got hot mid-season and never fell off.  Now as the hunted, Burrow will have to keep ascending.  The talent around him continues to improve, so the excuses for poor play are fading.  Barring crippling injuries to his supporting cast, Burrow should rise as he adds to his early success.
9. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals- Murray just used his good start to his career to cash in with a big contract. Despite his size, Kyler has been very good most of the season.  The late season months have been a problem.  Not only has Kyler had his struggles, but the questions surrounding his work ethic are continuing to linger.  In order for Kyler to rise, he will have to improve down the stretch when teams have the book on him.  Teams were able to frustrate him and get him to force throws.  We have seen the talent, but the next challenge for Murray to move up on this list.
10. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams- Stafford has had many great and dubious performances in his career.  The move to the Rams was just what the doctor ordered.  A change not only in the atmosphere, but a new home loaded with talent.  Winning the Super Bowl didn’t put him in the Top 10.  It didn’t hurt him, but it was seeing him make big plays for his team consistently this season is why he was here.  He didn’t win enough and wasn’t consistently in this position to win consistently.  The Rams gave him that opportunity.  The throw to beat the Bucs was the epitome of his ability to deliver in the clutch.  If he continues to play as well as he did or better, he will climb the rankings as well.