Written By Jason Voorhees We tackled the fifteen greatest QB seasons in NFL history during our last episode of top rankings, post-1980. Of course, as always, the orders provided plenty of spirited debates. With that being said, we will now shift our focus to the most outstanding individual all-time careers. No position in sports has evolved more over the past 40 years than quarterback. As the NFL's passing game has become juiced, so too have the stats. Before 1980, there was precisely one 4,000 passing yard season. Just one. Since that year, the feat has been accomplished 198 times. After nearly quadrupling in 40 years, air yards have sequestered a new threshold. Four thousand passing yards has become the new norm. The same can be said for touchdowns. And with that in mind, the game has become increasingly more competitive, fueling the numbers' inflation. As we navigate this landscape of field generals, many have entered the realms of all-time great status. With an abundance of great passers, the task of ranking the best of the best will surely be a challenge. Keeping that in mind, let's take a quick look at the ones that just missed the cut... Steve McNair (HOU-1995-1996, TEN-1997-2005, BAL-2006-2007)- 161 Games/91-62 Record/31,304 Passing Yards/174TD-119INT/82.8 QB Rating/60.1 Completion%/3x Pro Bowl/1xMVP. Randall Cunningham (PHI-1985-1996, MIN-1997-1999, DAL-2000-2001)- 161 Games/82-52-1 Record/29,979 Passing Yards/207TD-134INT/81.5 QB Rating/56.6 Completion%/4xPro Bowl/4,928 Rushing Yards/35 Rushing TDs. Boomer Esiason (CIN-1984-1992, NYJ-1993-1995, ARI-1996, CIN-1997)- 187 Games/80-93 Record/37,920 Passing Yards/247TD-184INT/81.1QB Rating/57Completion%/4x Pro Bowl/1xMVP Rich Gannon (MIN-1987-1992, WAS-1993-1994, KC-1995-1998, OAK-1999-2004)- 157 Games/76-56 Record/28,743 Passing Yards/180TD-104INT/84.7 QB Rating/60.2 Completion%/4x Pro Bowl/1xMVP Phil Simms (NYG-1979-1993)- 164 Games/95-64 Record/33,462 Passing Yards/199TD-157INT/78.5 QB Rating/55.4 Completion%/2x Pro Bowl/2xSB Champ Tony Romo (DAL-2004-2016)- 156 Games/78-49 Record/34,183 Passing Yards/248TD-117INT/97.1 QB Rating/65.3 Completion%/4x Pro Bowl Pat Mahomes (KC-2017-2020)- 46 Games/38-8 Record/14,152 Career Passing Yards, 114TD-24INT/108.7QB Rating/66 Comp.%/3x Pro Bowl/1xMVP/1xSB Champ Ok...now that you have met the honorable mentions...it's time to see the quarterbacks that made this list. Without further ado...here are the Top 20 Quarterbacks (post-1980) all-time ranked! 20. Drew Bledsoe Before there was Brady and Belichick, there was Drew. After being selected No. 1 overall by the New England Patriots in 1993, Drew Bledsoe became the franchise's face for close to a decade. Bledsoe achieved great success early on, guiding New England to the playoffs in just his second year and taking them to the Super Bowl in 1996. Drew was rewarded for his efforts with a massive ten-year/103 Million dollar contract ahead of the 2001 season. It was his injury in 2001 that became the most famous franchise-altering situation in NFL history. While his legacy will never be on the same level as the future dynasty, he was still one of the best quarterbacks of the past 40 years. 19. Jim Kelly Jim Kelly was the model of consistency during his reign as the franchise quarterback in Buffalo. In his 11 seasons, Buffalo made the playoffs eight times, including six divisional championships and four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Sadly, Kelly and the Bills will always be remembered as the team that choked. Nonetheless, Kelly put up stellar numbers while running the no-huddle offense to perfection. His best season came in 1991 when he went 13-2, while tossing 33 TDs and throwing for 3,844 yards. Kelly had 3,000 yards passing or more in eight of his eleven seasons. His greatness finds him enshrined in the Hall of Fame, a place he undoubtedly belongs. 18. Eli Manning I'm probably going to catch a lot of flack for this pick. However, the lesser of the two Manning brothers was pretty damn good in his own right. Although he had a propensity for interceptions, Eli would guide the New York Giants to two Super Bowl championships. While his name will always be synonymous with his controversial refusal to play in San Diego, his career will be remembered for his play when it mattered the most. Manning put up big numbers consistently, many years playing with a less than stellar supporting cast. His best overall year came in 2011 when he nearly topped the 5,000-yard passing mark. 17. Donovan McNabb Donovan McNabb is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in NFL history. McNabb authored an extremely successful run during the early to mid-2000s, taking the Eagles to the playoffs five consecutive seasons, including four straight NFC Championships. If there is any quarterback to have done more with less, it's unquestionably Donovan McNabb. In 2004, after acquiring star wide receiver Terrell Owens, the Eagles finally made it to the Super Bowl. Donovan had a career year throwing for 3,875 yards while tossing 31 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. McNabb is tied for the fifteenth all-time with a very admirable 2.2 Pass Interception percentage. The greatest quarterback in Eagles history also finds his home on this list. 16. Matt Ryan 2021 will mark the fourteenth season for Matt Ryan as the Atlanta Falcons franchise signal-caller. During his time there, he has obliterated every vital passing record that could ever be possible. As one of the NFL's true iron men, Matty Ice has only missed one start in his entire career. Over those years he has compiled quite a resume. In 2016, Ryan had one of the greatest quarterback seasons ever, throwing for 4,944 yards while tossing 38 TDs and only seven interceptions. He led the Falcons to the Super Bowl, having an almost perfect postseason, until the team finally imploded in the big game. As Ryan's career continues, it remains a story that is not yet finished. Will Ryan ascend the list? Only time will tell. 15. Phillip Rivers Phillip Rivers may be the most under-the-radar example of greatness in NFL history. The numbers that Phillip was able to produce were unfathomable: twelve 4,000 yard passing seasons (including eight consecutive from 2013-2020), six seasons throwing 30TDs or more, 421 career TD passes (5th all-time), 63,440 career passing yards (5th all-time), 64.9% completions (14th all-time), 7.8Y/A (10th all-time). The statistics are impressive as they stand alone. So one must ask, how does a quarterback put these kinds of stats up without a peep from the media. The answer is he played in San Diego. And unfortunately, he played in the AFC against guys like Brady and Manning. You cannot ignore the numbers though. Rivers was indeed a machine. 14. Kurt Warner The story of Kurt Warner is well documented. From arena league backup to bagging groceries. To then becoming one of the greatest passers of this generation. One can only imagine what could have been had Warner began his NFL career right out of college. Nonetheless, the architect of the "Greatest Show on Turf" was as good as it gets during his prime. Not only did Warner put up gaudy numbers, but he shined brightest when the lights were on. He won the league's MVP twice, once in 1999 and again in 2001. In 1999, Kurt guided the Saint Louis Rams to their first Super Bowl victory while garnering MVP honors. In that game, he threw for 414 yards and 2TDs—certainly one of the greatest to ever play the game. 13. Warren Moon When one said to shoot for the stars, Warren said, why not shoot for the moon! This air raid master amassed over 49,000 yards and 291TDs in the NFL alone. However, when you merge the numbers that he put up in the CFL, the stat line reads 70,000 passing yards and 400TDs. Moon obliterated the stigma that black quarterbacks could not do well in the NFL. He entered the NFL at age 28, and there was no turning back. He piloted the famous "Run and Shoot" offense for the Houston Oilers in the late eighties and early nineties. Moon reached the 4,000 passing yard plateau four separate times in an era where that was still unimaginable. The only thing holding him back was his lack of playoff success and failure to reach the SB. 12. Ben Rothelisberger Big Ben has quietly put up Hall of Fame numbers as the Pittsburgh Steelers' face over the past seventeen seasons. As of this writing, he has not declared whether or not he will retire. However, if he does, call it quits; it's been one fascinating career. When it's all said and done, his legacy will proclaim his greatness worldwide. Ben Roethlisberger is the epitome of durability. He takes constant punishment but yet gets back up and to live another round. Another quarterback that shines the brightest when the chips are down. Ben saved his best season for one of his last. In 2018, at age 36, Big Ben threw 34 TDs and amassed 5,129 yards passing. A true giant of the game. 11. Russell Wilson The man they call dangerous is an NFL defense's worst nightmare. Russell Wilson combines raw athletic ability with pristine passing and elite escapability, ala Randall Cunningham on steroids. Russ has penned quite an impressive resume during his short career thus far. But, to truly understand his greatness, one must only use the eye test. What this young man has already accomplished is downright amazing. And to think he has only just scratched that surface is utterly frightening. If Russ can stay healthy, it would not be a stretch to see him surpass 60,000 passing yards and 400TDs. If Wilson continues down this path, the top 5 all-time is certainly within reach, especially if he can win another super bowl or two. 10. Troy Aikman Troy Aikman cracks the top ten due to his three super bowl victories. Aikman's regular-season numbers were relatively pedestrian. But when it comes to the playoffs, there are not many that did it better. All in all, he compiled an 11-5 postseason record while earning three rings, which is as much hardware as Young, Marino, and Favre combined. There is something to be said of system quarterbacks, and Troy may have been the prototype. Playing in a loaded Dallas Cowboys offense, the team was built upon the running game with Emmitt Smith. So it's no wonder that Aikman's passing stats were often overshadowed. Nonetheless, he proved his worth when it mattered—a game manager who managed excellence. 9. Steve Young Steve Young's career is assuredly one of the most unusual in NFL history. From his days as an average starter in the USFL. To his failed debacle in Tampa Bay. To back up for former GOAT Joe Montana. To starter for one of the greatest teams of the era. Yes, Young's resume is filled with a full-scale encyclopedia. And the narrative reads "absolute playmaker." Young's statistical greatness is middle of the pack when it comes to yardage and touchdowns. However, when you look at metrics that measure pass accuracy and rating, he's always at the top. Young excelled through both the air and on the ground. On top of the passing stats, he rushed for 4,239 yards and added 43TDs. Steve Young was the total package. 8. Brett Favre "The Gunslinger" needs no introduction. Brett Favre is 2nd all-time in wins to Tom Brady with 186. He's 4th all-time in both passing yards (71,838) and touchdown passes (508). Favre has won a super bowl, 3 MVPs, made 11 Pro Bowls, and garnered numerous other hardware. Not bad for a quarterback that was red-shirted as a rookie. Not only was Favre a winner, but he was also made of steel. Look no further than his record 17 straight seasons without missing a start. Pretty insane for a quarterback that played with such reckless abandon. The only thing holding him back from a higher place on the list is his propensity to throw picks, which hurt him in the quest for multiple rings. 7. Dan Marino Dan, "The Man" Marino, was a magician. Marino didn't just set records during his day; he shattered them. Blessed with one of the quickest releases in NFL history, Dan burst onto the scene as a rookie and never looked back. His legendary 1984 season was a season for the ages. But many forget that he led the league in passing three other times. The thing that made Marino's numbers more impressive was that he accomplished this feat during an era that no one was doing what he did. In 1986, his 44TDs were 19 more than the nearest competition, which still stands as an NFL record. If Marino had played during this era, the adjusted stat-line from 84' would read 5,668 yards and 58 touchdowns. The only thing missing is a ring. 6. Drew Brees Drew Brees is the next-gen Marino. Gaudy Numbers. Machine-like production. And just like the energizer bunny, Brees keeps going and going. Drew seems to surpass new milestones every year at light speed. He owns five of the eleven 5,000 yard passing seasons, which is just insane. What's even more impressive is his seven-time passing leader record. Not only has Brees put up monster stats, but he has also done this in accurate fashion. He has completed over 70 percent of his passes four times. To put this in perspective, no other QB has reached the hallowed feat more than once. Drew Brees is a loveable character that everyone wants to root for. If he retires this year, it will have been one wild ride. 5. Aaron Rodgers Some people will fret about this choice, but not the real ones. Aaron Rodgers is elite folks. He has an astounding TD-INT ratio clocking in just south of 5:1. He's third all-time in passer rating with an unbelievable 103.9. The only two QBs ahead of him are DeShaun Watson and Pat Mahomes, neither who have yet to pass five years of service. And let's not forget that Rodgers rode the bench behind Favre his first three seasons. So if Rodgers plays six more years, and averages his career numbers, he will end up with close to 75,000 yards, 602TDs, and less than 150INTs. Those numbers would put him in range of all-time GOAT status. Rodgers already has one ring and if he can win one or two more, he could jump into the top 3! 4. John Elway Before there was Favre, there was Elway. John Elway may have been the most talented QB ever to grace a football field. He may not have the glorified stats that most other all-time greats share, but he sure did win—so many memorable comebacks. Elway was a human highlight reel. Most remember Elway for his two super bowl victories at the end of his career. However, it was young gun John that genuinely showcased the immense skill of his arsenal! During those early days, Elway was often a one-person wrecking crew, one that willed Denver to wins all by his lonesome. His 1991 Divisional Round comeback against the Oilers is legendary! 3. Peyton Manning Peyton Manning has all the numbers: 539TDs (3rd all-time), 71,940 yards (3rd all-time), 5 MVPs (most all-time). He's won two super bowls with two different teams. He's done everything that a successful quarterback could to highlight his greatness. So what about Manning sets him apart from his peers, you may ask? That's a simple question to answer. Peyton's ability to call a game from the line of scrimmage was second to none. It was this skill that shouted his greatness from the beginning. He could leave the huddle, recognize the defense, change the play, and execute the audible with flawless precision. His pocket awareness, along with the killer stats, leaves him oh so close to the top. 2. Joe Montana When you win four titles, your auto GOAT. Broadway Joe was undoubtedly a California dream. And his novel always had a Hollywood ending. Middle of the pack when it comes to stats. But when the stage was burning, Joe was at his absolute best. Some try to argue that he had so much talent around him and that he can't be the goat. However, Joe brought out the best in everyone. One cannot ignore Montana's regular-season stats. But when you add them to his postseason record, none did it better. Overall 16-7, 4 SB victories, 5,772 yards, 45TD/21INT, 7.8YA. He was an early pioneer of the west coast offense. It used to be Montana-Marino in every QB debate. Say hello to four rings. 1. Tom Brady The GOAT is enshrined here. That's the tweet. All joking aside, it's impossible at this point to argue against Brady. He has it all. He has the monster statistics: 1st all-time TDs (581), 2nd all-time passing yards (79,204), 1st all-time in wins (230). And he also has the rings, seven to be exact. What's even more remarkable is the consistent nature in which he's produced. When the haters are going to hate, Brady says, hold my beer. After fleeing the Patriots this past offseason, many figured that his career was over and that he would finish out being middle of the pack and then ultimately retiring. But Tom had other ideas. At 43 years old, he had his second-best statistical season and took the upstart Bucs to championship gold. Amazing!
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Written By Jason Voorhees AFC CHAMPIONSHIP Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs 6:40PM Mahomes vs Allen. It doesn't get much better than that folks. This marks a battle between two of the league's top young gun prodigies. This game should be an offensive shootout. In fact, this marks the easiest defense that the Bills will have faced in the playoffs. If fantasy football was still a thing in the playoffs, Bills vs Chiefs would be the crown jewel matchup of offensive weapons. Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, L'eVeon Bell, Steffon Diggs, John Brown, Cole Beasley, Devin Singletary will be ready and hungry. Kansas City features the league's #1 offense in total yards with an average of 425.3 yards per game. They were also the league's sixth ranked scoring offense with 473 points. The Bills on the other hand were even more potent as far as scoring goes. They were 2nd with 501 points. Likewise they were 2nd in total yards behind the Chiefs. This game has the makings of an all-time great for playoff offense. Both of these defenses are middle of the pack so expect points to come in bunches. The key to this game will probably come down to turnovers. The team that has the least amount will probably win. It also seems likely that the last team to possess the ball will come out on top. Although the Chiefs come in as the slight favorite, I definitely smell an upset here. PREDICTION: Chiefs-37 Bills-41 NFC CHAMPIONSHIP Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Green Bay Packers 3:05PM The battle of the GOATs takes place on the frozen tundra of Lambeau.
If your looking for great quarterback play, then look no further than Brady vs Rodgers. These are the type of games that football fans live for. Just thinking about it brings back memories of Marino vs Montana or Elway vs Young. While the AFC matchup has the makings of an offensive fireworks show, this one could potentially be much different. Both of these teams are surrounded by very good defenses as well. Tampa Bay comes into the game with the 11th ranked offense and 9th ranked defense. Green Bay counters with the 5th best offense and 8th best defense. Both teams can somewhat pound the ball; however Green Bay holds the slight edge in rushing. Expect Aaron Rodgers to target Pro Bowl WR Davante Adams early and often. Adams led the league with 115 receptions for 1,374 yards and 18td's; all the while missing 2-1/2 games. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers share a three headed WR triumvirate of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown. Brady will most definitely spread the ball around and try to create mismatches. This could be a battle of immovable objects. Very much like the AFC matchup, I do believe that this game will come down to turnovers. Green Bay has the slight edge since they are playing at home. Although my head says that you should never ever bet against Tom Brady in the playoffs, my instincts tell me that Aaron Rodgers is just too hungry to lose. PREDICTION: Buccaneers-28 Packers-31 Written By Jason Voorhees The NFL regular season ended on Sunday as the true test is set to begin. In keeping with the theme of 2020, the NFL season has seen its share of ups and downs. 32 teams began the year with playoff aspirations dancing around in their heads. Unfortunately, 18 of those teams are are now staring in the rearview as they set up t-times at their local golf course. With that being said, the most exciting time of the year has begun! 14 teams, 14 rosters, 1 goal. Who will be the last team standing? Which team will be the next to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. The stakes are high. The tale is set but the story is yet unfinished. As the NFL playoffs kick off this weekend...here is a preview as well as some bold predictions...get your popcorn ready! WILD CARD ROUND AFC Indianapolis Colts @ Buffalo Bills Saturday, 1:05PM The first game of the NFL playoffs has Indy traveling to Buffalo for an exciting road matchup. On paper, this game would appear to be a mismatch. However; no team should be taking the Colts lightly. The Bills feature the league's second ranked offense in both scoring and total yards. In contrast, Indy ranks ninth in points scored and tenth in total yards. The Colts have the edge defensively where they were eleventh in points allowed and eighth in total yards. Buffalo was surprisingly average on that side of the ball ranking sixteenth in points allowed and fourteenth in yards. Buffalo comes into the playoffs riding high on the heels of a stellar third season by quarterback Josh Allen. There is no secret that this team's success hinges on how Allen performs in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Indy will try and pound the ball on the ground as they try and control the clock. While Josh Allen may be the league's most improved player, the real key to Buffalo's resurgence has been Stefon Diggs. Since week 14, Diggs has performed as the top wide receiver in the NFL. The Colts will make a game of it by trying to keep the Bill's offense on the sidelines, but in the end it will not be enough. PREDICTION: Bills-31 Colts-27 Baltimore Ravens @ Tennessee Titans Sunday, 1:05PM This is the matchup I am most looking forward to in wild card weekend! This is a heavyweight battle between two of the toughest teams in the league. The Ravens are strong on both sides of the ball and feature one of the league's most exciting players in Lamar Jackson. In the other corner sits the NFL's most slept on team in Tennessee. The disrespect is real. The Ravens rank seventh in points scored and nineteenth in total yards. The Ravens feature the league's top rushing offense and have scored 24 TD's on the ground. Meanwhile, the Titans are third in yards and fourth in points. Tennessee is no slouch on the ground either ranking second in rushing. The Ravens make their money on defense where they ranked 2nd in points allowed and 7th in total yards. The Titans were a little less stellar on that side of the ball. Tennessee is 24th in points and 28th in yards allowed. A rematch of last year's divisional round matchup pits two teams that are familiar with each other. Tennessee is paced by two of the most underrated players in the league in Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill. This one will be much closer than last year's disappointment; however, the results will be more of the same. PREDICTION: Titans-38 Ravens-33 Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, 8:15PM It's finally over! The Brown's playoff drought has ended folks. In a cruel twist of fate, Cleveland has been hit with a COVID breakout and what a gut punch that is. With that being said, this game should still be a knock out drag out hard hitting contest between two bitter rivals. The Browns are 14th in points scored and 16th in total yards. In contrast, the Steelers are 12th in points and 24th in total yards. The Browns feature the league's third ranked rushing offense with the best running back tandem in the game. Meanwhile, the Steelers who usually ball out finished dead last on the ground. While the Steelers sputtered offensively, they truly raked on defense. Pittsburgh finished third in both points allowed and total yards. They were even better causing turnovers finishing second behind the Dolphins. Cleveland was much more mediocre defensively ranking 21st in points and 16th in total yards allowed. This year saw Baker Mayfield take a huge step forward. Baker's rise along with that in your face ground and pound approach allowed Cleveland to batter opponents on a weekly basis. In contrast, the Steelers came in like a lion and went out like a lamb. After taking an undefeated season into week 12, Pittsburgh clearly struggled down the stretch. This will be one of those games that features multiple lead changes and the team that gets the ball last will ultimately win out. My gut says take the Steelers but my heart says to go with the Browns. PREDICTION: Steelers-21 Browns-28 NFC LA Rams @ Seattle Seahawks Saturday, 4:40PM The NFC West is always a crapshoot and this year was nothing different. Coming into the final week, three teams from the division had a shot at the playoffs. With Arizona getting knocked out, these two bitter rivals drew the opening week matchup. This one features one of the league's most dynamic offenses going up against the best defensive team in the NFL. The Rams come into the playoffs as one of the biggest question marks. This is due most in part to their inconsistent offense. LA finished 2020 ranked 22nd in points scored and 11th in total yards. In contrast, the Seahawks ranked 8th in points and 17th in total yards. This weeks mismatch definitely comes on defense. While the Rams ranked 1st in both total defense and points allowed; the Seahawks finished 18th in points and 11th in total yards. Although Russell Wilson cooled off down the stretch, he's still an MVP caliber player that can carry his team on any given Sunday. The key to the game for the Rams will be to spy Russell Wilson while putting endless pressure on the star QB. The game will ultimately come down to turnovers and which team can create points off those turnovers. Will Russ cook? Not if Aaron Donald has something to say about it. PREDICTION: Seahawks-27 Rams-28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Washington Football Team Saturday, 8:15PM There is no greater NFL story this season than Alex Smith. Even if the Washington Football team backed their way into a win in the league's lousiest division. This may be the biggest mismatch on paper. Tom Brady and the Buc's high flying offense is looking to get off to a hot start in the first week. Meanwhile, Washington is fueled by a talented defense that is lead by first round pick Chase Young. The Buc's offense; which is lead by GOAT Brady, ranked 3rd in points and 7th in yards. Tampa's offense is littered with weapons including the three headed wide receiver monster core of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown. Washington on the other hand struggled offensively where they ranked 25th in both metrics. Washington's defense was the apple of their eye as they finished 4th in points and 2nd in total yards allowed behind the Rams. The Bucs were 8th in points and 6th in yards. This game has the potential to be blowout central. Under normal circumstances you could say Washington has a home field advantage. However; this COVID has turned that option into a non existent factor. With that being said; the Football team's only hope is to home wreck Brady. PREDICTION: Buccaneers-45 Football Team-24 Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints Sunday, 4:40PM The monsters of the midway converge on Bourbon Street. Could this be Drew Brees's last dance? New Orleans came into the season as one of the early favorites to make the super bowl. Although the team was hit with the injury bug, they ultimately weathered the storm enroute to another division championship. The Bears on the other hand kicked and clawed their way into the playoffs. The Saints once again come into the playoffs with a high flying offense. During the season they ranked 5th in points scored while finishing 12th in total yards. Meanwhile, the Bears found themselves in the lower third offensively. Chicago ranked 23rd in points and 26th in total yards. Both teams showed promise on the defensive side of the ball. The Saints were 5th in points allowed and 4th in total yards. The Bears were 14th in points and 11th in total yards. The Saints are banking on Drew Brees to lead them to the promise land once again. However; the team will be missing their best wide receiver (Michael Thomas) and most likely their best running back (Alvin Kamara). On the other hand, the Bears come into the game as one of the league's hottest teams. Will David Montgomery continue his surge? Can Drew Brees work more of his magic. Logic tells me that the Saints will roll deep. However; this game could be fixing for an upset. PREDICTION: Bears-24 Saints-21 DIVISIONAL ROUND AFC PREDICTION: Browns-24 Chiefs-38 PREDICTION: Titans-40 Bills-34 NFC PREDICTION: Bears-17 Packers-27 PREDICTION: Rams-24 Buccaneers-29 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND AFC PREDICTION: Titans-38 Chiefs-42 PREDICTION: Buccaneers-20 Packers-33 SUPER BOWL PREDICTION: Chiefs-34 Packers-37 NFL AWARDS MVP 5. Davante Adams (Packers) 4. Derrick Henry (Titans) 3. Josh Allen (Bills) 2. Pat Mahomes (Chiefs) 1. Aaron Rodgers (Packers) Honorable Mentions- Alvin Kamara (Saints), Ryan Tannehill (Titans), Deshaun Watson (Texans) OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 5. Chase Claypool (Steelers) 4. Jonathon Taylor (Colts) 3. James Robinson (Jaguars) 2. Justin Jefferson (Vikings) 1. Justin Herbert (Chargers) Honorable Mentions- J.K. Dobbins (Ravens), Joe Burrow (Bengals), Tee Higgins (Bengals) DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 5. Julian Blackmon (Colts) 4. L'Jarius Sneed (Chiefs) 3. Antoine Winfield Jr. (Buccaneers) 2. Chase Young (Football Team) 1. Jeremy Chinn (Panthers) Honorable Mentions- Patrick Queen (Ravens), Kamren Curl (Football Team), Jaylon Johnson (Bears) DPOY 5- Jalen Ramsey (Rams) 4- Minkah Fitzpatrick *Steelers) 3- Aaron Donald (Rams) 2- TJ Watt (Steelers) 1- Xavien Howard (Dolphins) Honorable Mentions- Cameron Heyward (Steelers), Myles Garrett (Browns), Trey Hendrickson (Saints) COACH OF THE YEAR 5. Andy Reid (Chiefs)
4. Matt Lafleur (Packers) 3. Kevin Stefanski (Browns) 2. Sean McDermott (Bills) 1. Brian Flores (Dolphins) Honorable Mentions- Mike Vrabel (Titans), Frank Reich (Colts), Jon Gruden (Las Vegas) Written By Jason Voorhees. In 1963, Y.A. Title set a then NFL record by throwing 36 touchdown passes, all at the ripe old age of 37. This record would stand until 1984. Much has changed since the days of Title, especially at the quarterback position. As the NFL has established rules that favor the passing game, prolific seasons for quarterbacks have become more and more frequent. Quarterback play that used only to be heard of in Madden video games is now the de facto norm. With that being said, some single-season performances trump the competition. These are seasons that can be described as magical. When creating a definitive top all-time list in any realm, there is always room for debate. For purposes of this exercise, many factors are weighed when ranking the order. These factors take into account the fact that passing numbers have rapidly risen over the past decade. It's also important to note that a few of the quarterbacks showed dual stardom (passing/rushing) during these stellar seasons. The rankings consist of a mixture of statistical analysis that combines both passing and rushing. The eye test also comes into play when evaluating extraordinary seasons, where players transcended the game in style and play. Playoff performances, including the Super Bowl, certainly make a difference in pushing a player up the list. So before we get to the top 15, let's take a look at a few quarterback seasons that just missed the cut... Daunte Culpepper (2004) MIN- 16 games, 4,717 Pass Yards, 39TD/11INT, 406 Rush Yards, 2 Rush TD, 110.9 QB Rating, 8.6 Y/A, 69.2 Comp. % 8-8 Record, Pro Bowl. Aaron Rodgers (2016) GNB- 16 games, 4,428 Pass Yards, 40TD/7INT, 369 Rush Yards, 4 Rush TD, 104.2 QB Rating, 7.3 Y/A, 65.7 Comp. % 10-6 Record, Pro Bowl. Russell Wilson (2015) SEA- 16 games, 4,024 Pass Yards, 34TD/8INT, 553 Rush Yards, 1 Rush TD, 110.1 QB Rating, 8.3 Y/A, 68.1 Comp. % 10-6 Record, Pro Bowl. Aaron Rodgers (2014) GNB- 16 games, 4,381 Pass Yards, 38TD/5INT, 269 Rush Yards, two rush T.D., 112.2 QB Rating, 8.4 Y/A, 65.6 Comp. % 12-4 Record, MVP, Pro Bowl. Drew Brees (2018) NOR- 15 games, 3,992 Pass Yards, 32TD/5INT, 22 Rush Yards, 4Rush T.D., 115.7 QB Rating, 8.2 Y/A, 74.4 Comp. % 13-2 Record, Pro Bowl. Ok...now that you have met the honorable mentions...it's time to see the quarterbacks that made this list. Without further ado...here are the Top 15 Quarterback seasons (post-1980) all-time ranked! 15. Randall Cunningham (1990) They didn't call him the "Ultimate Weapon" for nothing. What Randall Cunningham did in 1990 was nothing short of miraculous. While the passing numbers he posted may not be all-worldly; when you add the 942 rushing yards and five scores on the ground to the mix, you are now talking special. The 1990 season saw Randall become one of the most exciting players in the game. He was an explosive playmaker that reeled off highlight-reel play after highlight-reel play, most of the time making it look easy. 14. Brett Favre (1996) How do you follow up an MVP season and career year? Just ask Brett Favre, who replicated his 1995 performance and then some in 1996. Favre not only put up stellar statistics while garnering his second straight MVP award, but he also led the Green Bay Packers to their first super bowl victory in over 28 years. After setting a Packer's record by throwing 39 TD's, Favre had a playoff run to remember to seal the deal. He threw for 613 yards, 5TD's and only 1 INT with three straight 100 % passer rating games. 13. Drew Brees (2011) Drew Brees is one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, having compiled multiple monster seasons. However, no year that Brees has been an author of quite compares to 2011. During that season, Brees set three NFL records (of course they have been broken) for pass completions (468), passing yards (5,467), and completion% (71.2%). Drew Brees led his team to the playoffs, but they were unfortunately eliminated in the playoffs' divisional round. The only thing holding Brees back from his first MVP award was named Rodgers. Nonetheless, an epic year for the token Saint. 12. Matt Ryan (2016) The 2016 Super Bowl could be described as being cold as ice to Atlanta Falcon's faithful. However, Matty Ice was hotter than burning coal that year. After shattering multiple passing records in 2016, Ryan raised the bar even higher during the playoffs. He threw for 1,014 yards with 9TD/0INT while compiling a 71.4 completion percentage. If not for an epic collapse of the Atlanta Falcon's defense in the Super Bowl, this performance would be ranked higher. Regardless of the final game gaffe, the total package was as good as it gets for quarterbacks! 11. Cam Newton (2015) Cam Newton was superman in 2015. He did it all. Newton was a real dual-threat that year as he was responsible for 83 % of the Panther's total scoring. All in all, Cam put up 4,473 yards and 45 TDs. He led the team to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl birth. The team ultimately lost to Manning and the Broncos, but that didn't dampen the overall greatness of Cam Newton. While the statistics alone make this season one of the greatest of all-time, it is the eye test that indeed emphasizes just how special Cam was. It was magical watching Cam generate multiple comebacks, all the while willing his team to wins. 10. Peyton Manning (2004) Peyton Manning is the epitome of what a star quarterback stands for. There were not too many players in his prime that could compete with the high standard he set. 2004 was a watershed moment as Manning broke Marino's passing TD record. However, the touchdown milestone was just the tip of the iceberg for Manning. Peyton set a then-record for passer rating, hitting 121.1%. Once again, it's not just the numbers that made this season special for Manning. After winning his first MVP, he took the Colts to the playoffs, ultimately stumbling against New England. 9. Kurt Warner (1999) There may not be any more remarkable story in NFL history than Kurt Warner. One week he was bagging groceries at a supermarket, and the next week he was the architect of the "Greatest Show on Turf." Warner put up massive statistics while leading the Saint Louis Rams to a Super Bowl championship after beating the upstart Titans. Warner set franchise records for just about every passing metric. However, Kurt saved his best performance for last. During the Super Bowl, Warner went 24/45 while throwing for 414 yards and 2 TD's en route to his MVP award. 8. Aaron Rodgers (2011) Aaron Rodgers has quickly catapulted himself into all-time great status. AROD has done so by consistently putting up top tier seasons. In 2011, Aaron found himself in another stratosphere. After quarterbacking the Packers to a 15-1 record, Aaron shattered every franchise passing record there is to be had. More impressive than that, though, was his NFL record setting 122.5 QB rating. His 84.5 QBR is also the highest single-season total in NFL history. This elite season would have been higher on the list if not for the early exit in playoffs. Just relax. 7. Joe Montana (1989) Joe Montana made his noise in the playoffs. Part of the reason he's always at the top of all-time quarterback lists is his four super bowl rings. However, to ignore the total greatness of the 89 seasons would be criminal. Many forget he only played in 13 games, so that in a full season, he would have indeed surpassed 4,000 yards and 30TD's. Joe's 112.4 passer rating is good for 15th all-time, but at the time (before the juiced numbers) set a high for quarterbacks. Montana took passer rating to another level in the playoffs with a record 146.4 while throwing 5 TD's in the super bowl victory. 6. Lamar Jackson (2019) Watching Lamar Jackson is the definition of uncovering a human cheat code. Lamar took what Cunningham did in 1990 and injected it with steroids. If you add his passing/rushing numbers together, it looks like 4,333 Yards and 43 TDs. He also broke Michael Vick's rushing yard record for quarterbacks. While everyone knew that Lamar was exceptional on the ground, he flipped the script through the air, torching defenses like a well-oiled machine. These dual-threat gems made him only the second unanimous MVP in NFL history. 5. Peyton Manning (2013) 2013 saw Manning set the all-time passing yardage (5,477) and passing TD (55) records. Many forget that this came after sitting out an entire year due to a career-threatening neck injury. Nonetheless, Manning was able to elevate his play while carrying the Denver Broncos to the super bowl. No matter what way you spin it, passing era or not, these numbers rake. Manning was one quarterback that did take advantage of the pass-happy style of offenses while padding his stats. Worthy of top five prowess. 4. Pat Mahomes (2018) What Pat Mahomes did in only his second year is eye-popping. Even though it was considered his second year, he was virtually a rookie. Manning's numbers may be better but Mahomes doing it at such a young age gives him the edge. Patrick makes some throws that even Peyton could never pull off. The sky is the limit for this young stud. The 2018 season put Mahomes in generational talent discussion already; however, if this ends up being an outlier, what a stellar high watermark! Breathtaking and elite. 3. Tom Brady (2007) No stat is more important than wins, and Tom Brady was perfect in 2007. Well, at least during the regular season. Brady led the Patriots to a 16-0 record while setting every franchise passing record in the process. The addition of Randy Moss took Brady from glorified game manager to the top of elite. A historic season every way you dice it, Brady found himself carrying the Patriots to yet another super bowl. Of course, you all know how that one ended. With that being said, these stellar numbers and the perfect regular season puts him at #3! 2. Dan Marino (1984) Marino's 1984 season is legendary. And to be quite honest, the greatness of what he accomplished is not talked about enough today. Rest aside the passing records that he shattered at the time (yards-5,084) and (TD's-48). The fact that Marino even approached these numbers in an era where this was unthinkable speaks volumes. Marino turned the two Marks (Clayton and Duper) into superstars. And what Marino did turning that Dolphins team around was unimaginable. He may also be the unluckiest QB on the list, facing Montana in his only super bowl and losing. 1. Steve Young (1994) No quarterback embodies the notion of patience more than Steve Young. After playing second fiddle to Joe Montana all those years, Young carved out his legendary niche. 1994 is the cream of the crop in Young's resume. After accounting for 4,262 yards and 42 TD's in the regular season, he saved the best for last. During the 1994 playoff run, Young threw for 623 yards and 9 TD's, including a record 6 in his super bowl championship win against the Chargers. When you witness the entire narrative regular season and Super Bowl, Young's 1994 year stands alone as the greatest ever by a quarterback. Written By Jason Voorhees "And with the 53rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft...the Philadelphia Eagles select (QB) Jalen Hurts." Commissioner Goodell's words rang out, and with it, a chain reaction of utter shock engulfed the entire Eagles fan base.
The Eagles have made many questionable draft picks throughout their history, but none of them trumps the bombshell that was dropped this past Friday during the 2020 NFL second round draft. The Hurts selection may go down as the most controversial draft in Eagles history. Coming into the draft, the Eagles had many holes to fill. The goal would be to maximize investment return by combining a mixture of best players available while addressing its most immediate needs. The first round saw the Eagles select TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor in the first round with the 21st pick. While many analysts claimed that this was a reach, the fact remains that they did address their gaping need for a play-making wide receiver. But then, in the second round, it happened. While just about every person watching (fans, players, analysts, other teams, etc.) expected the Eagles to take a DB, or OL, or LB, or maybe even another WR, Howie Roseman shocked the world. The Eagles selected a quarterback. And with it, Roseman showed his propensity to zig while everyone else zags. The initial reaction was feelings of confusion and disbelief. Is this some big mistake? Was this somehow a dream? Had they selected a CORNERBACK? Are my eyes playing tricks on me? All of these questions and many more were bandied around by all parties. The confusion quickly turned to anger. And then that night during the press conference...Howie Roseman referred to the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles are a "Quarterback Factory." Those familiar with Roseman know that he loves to hear himself talk while spewing out eloquent rhetoric. While many people were ready to drive their cars off of the Walt Whitman, Mr. Roseman continued to play the company line as he laid out an inadequate spin on the sad state of affairs. Day 3 of the draft saw Howie go back to his days as a magician. The mad scientist was ago on his game. As each round came and went, Howie, did his best savior imitation. He turned water into wine while turning loaves into fishes; during an all-out blitz that saw a series of trades to acquire multiple picks, as well as getting wide receiver Marquise Goodwin from the Niners. While the draft seemed to come together and on paper looked pretty successful, the elephant in the room remains. Why on earth would you draft a quarterback in the second round, especially when you had so many other holes to fill? The football draft will always be a crapshoot. It's the law of averages in its simplest form. You take as many darts as you can and throw them, hoping to hit as many bullseyes as possible. Unfortunately, more of these players miss than the ones that become star players. The fact remains that you don't win the draft on the third day. Although 60-65 % of players come from those rounds, it's the first two days that traditionally produce its most productive players. With that being said, it's so important to draft someone that's going to be a plug and play; not someone that you're going to have to groom in a developmental lab. When judging the Jalen Hurts pick, I think we are trying to rationalize something that does not make sense. Of course, some drink the green Kool-Aid and will never question the all-mighty front office. But that's not me. When I see something, I am going to call them out on their bullshit. As a die-hard fan, I am going to ask the tough questions. I am going to criticize moves when they don't make sense. Unfortunately, the "Stepford fans" are sadly blinded. They wouldn't know the difference between Byron Evans and Bob Evans. Nor could they tell the difference between Reggie White and Betty White. In the last ten years, the bottom line is that the Eagles have only had six players (post second round) to become significant players or starters on this team. This is a serious issue, folks. The Eagles cannot draft. And when you're trying to become relevant again, in a division that has seen all of the other teams get significantly better, the draft is that much more important. The second round has been particularly good to the Eagles in history. Players like Sheldon Brown, Wes Hopkins, Zach Ertz, Randall Cunningham, Desean Jackson, LeSean McCoy, Eric Allen, Brian Dawkins, Dallas Goedert, and Miles Sanders were all drafted in the second round. Knowing this fact makes taking a quarterback here all the more infuriating. The second round is not where you take luxury picks. The second round allows you an excellent opportunity to add a significant player. And by taking Jalen Hurts, you, unfortunately, wasted that opportunity. Nothing that the Eagles brass can say will make any sense out of this apparent gaffe. And I mean this with the most brutally honest sincerity. This is no disrespect to Jalen Hurts. Jalen is a very talented kid that has a bright future in the NFL. But this isn't about Hurts. This is about Howie Roseman and his arrogant, smug attitude. The Philadelphia Eagles brass is trying to reinvent the wheel. This is about a holier culture than the renaissance that ignores its intelligent die-hard fans. And most of all, this is about the Eagle's lack of commitment to their franchise quarterback. Only time will tell what the meaning of all of this is. Some analysts love Jalen Hurts, and even they are shaking their heads. There is no logical reasoning behind this madness. Carson Wentz once again must look over his shoulder. Jalen Hurts will be unhappy because he is not starting. No one wins in this scenario. The only thing good to come of this will be an endless debate in a time where we are starving for the next headline. As we look to the rest of the offseason, there will be nothing but scrutiny. From the annals of "Stupid Money," Howie has gone entirely off of the rails. You better have answers because we're not buying your lies. The fact remains that you wasted an excellent opportunity to improve the roster. Ultimately Jalen Hurts will either make you or break you. The time has come, and your time is short, Howie. If this doesn't work out, it will be time for you to take out an insurance policy. Fans are running out of patience. The Quarterback Factory is now on the clock. Written By Jason Voorhees The COVID-19 pandemic has overcome the world. We are living in unchartered times...something that most people could have never imagined. As we continue along on this journey...many people have been forced out of work, which means a lot more free time to kill. Some have implemented home workout programs. Others have begun binge-watching their favorite programs. There has even been a comeback for old-school movies and documentaries...and then there are people like myself who enjoy writing. As I clamor for the next headline, I thought it would be cool to take a look back at a near and dear time to my heart. Of course, that period was eighties metal, more specifically, the glam metal sunset strip movement. For me, this is where my passion for heavy metal first began....yes that's right. When bands were most known for their hair spray, their infested long hair, and their playboy modelized makeup. An era where bands were measured by how many groupies they could fill a bus with. Groups that were fueled by a steady diet of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Glam metal became one of the quintessential genres of the 1980s. Sometimes referred to as "hair metal," the glam era was a subgenre of heavy metal that mixed pop-like hooks and riffs with 70's style glam rock. Please note that I genuinely don't prefer the term "hair metal" as it is a derogatory term that only came into existence after the grunge movement had started. So who are the top glam metal bands of all-time? We are looking for the definitive list of the top ten metal bands of the glam era... Please take note...I have excluded bands like Def Leppard, KISS, Van Halen, Guns n' Roses, Skid Row, Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Bon Jovi, among others who, while they were huge during the era and may have even gone "Glam" during that time; they were not indeed glam bands because they predated the scene, transcended the background, or were not glam metal bands at all by definition. Honorable Mentions- Autograph, Stryper, Quiet Riot, Tesla, Hanoi Rocks. Without further ado...here are the definitive top ten glam metal bands of all-time... 10. Cinderella Straight out of the suburbs of Philadelphia, Cinderella quickly rose to the top of the glam scene. The band produced several multi-platinum albums, while many of their songs became a mainstay on MTV. The album 'Night Songs' sold 50,000 copies per week during a long stretch when it debuted in 1986. Lead vocalist Tom Keifer could sing with the best of them, while Jeff Labar remained one of the most underrated guitarists of that era. This group is so much better than they have ever gotten credit for—one of the true giants of glam for sure. 9. W.A.S.P. W.A.S.P. was one of the original bands to make it big from the "Sunset Strip Movement." Their stage show was a mix of glam and goth, violent and energetic. The lead vocalist Blackie Lawless would throw raw meat into the crowd. The band's song "Animal, Fuck Like A Beast" landed them on Tipper Gore's filthy fifteen lists. This was the beginning of parental advisory labels on albums, which ironically only made the kids want to buy the album more. Their video "I Wanna Be Somebody" was an MTV stalwart, which readily fueled their popularity. One of the greats! 8. Dokken George Lynch is one of the quintessential guitar players in glam. While Dokken pumped out single after single, Don Dokken became one of the amazing front men as well. The band became popular with MTV smash hits like "Burnin' Like a Flame" and "Into the Fire." They have also known for their heavy ballad laden tracks like "Alone Again." Another single, "Dream Warriors," became the lead single for the hit 3rd film of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Unfortunately, the band's legacy was marred by constant infighting between band members. 7. L.A. Guns L.A. Guns was formed out of Guns n Roses' ashes and centered around the hotshot guitarist Traci Guns and vocalist Phil Lewis. The band was a sleazy mix of glam and punk. Their sound truly defined the epicenter of the era. They were not as raw and edgy as their counterparts of GNR but still added that dangerous energy. Traci Guns appearing with short hair in the "Ballad of Jayne" video and all tattooed up in the "It's Over Now" video seemed way ahead of its time while indeed foreshadowing the new look 90's. Probably the most underrated glam metal band of all-time. 6. Faster Pussycat Faster Pussycat was such a massive part of the Sunset Strip metal scene as no list would be complete without them. Lead vocalist Taime Downe co-owned the "Cathouse" with Riki Rachtman of Headbanger's Ball fame; the NUMBER ONE hangout for all metalheads, bands, and groupies during the '80s, along with the "Rainbow Bar and Grill." The band was the epitome of sleaze and razzled with their long hair, denim, and outrageous getup. Their most significant moment came with the hit single that became MTV royalty..." House of Pain." Glam metal in its most proper form here, folks. 5. Twisted Sister Dee Snider became the larger than life clown figure that put metal all over MTV during the 1980s. Their videos "We're Not Gonna Take It" and "I Wanna Rock" gained them glam metal royalty as MTV played them out. For a while, the band even became one of the most popular bands in the world. Dee led the charge in court to defend metal and rock and roll in general; against Tipper Gore and her cohorts who were trying to attack the music scene. After the album 'Stay Hungry,' their popularity would quickly decline, and unfortunately, they faded away when they were on though there was no stopping them! 4. RATT They were one of the true kings of the Sunset Strip movement. RATT was one of the first original waves of bands to have their records paraded all over MTV. Singles like "Round and Round," "Lay it Down," and "You're In Love" set record after record on MTV glory. The band continued to release hit singles throughout the eighties. Not too many bands can boast the catalog that these monsters cranked out with their first three records...all selling over one million copies...their debut album 'Out of the Cellar' going 3x platinum. Metallica once opened for them before taking their act to San Francisco. Definitely among the best of the best! 3. Warrant Jani Lane is arguably the greatest songwriter of the glam metal era. Warrant not only had a glam look, the hit songs and the hooks, but Jani Lane's lyrics were emotional, heartfelt, and at times riveting. "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is one of the most epic songs the band has ever produced and is a shining example of how far ahead they indeed were at telling a story. Songs like "All My Bridges Are Burning" invoked addiction themes with lyrics that told the truest of tales. Although the band became defined by their hit single "Cherry Pie," they indeed were so much more. Definitely one of the supreme leaders of the Sunset Strip montage. 2. Poison No band perhaps defines this era more than Poison. They were one of the hardest working bands of all-time, earning every inch of fame through that strong ethic and dedication. No band looked more glam than Poison, and they backed it up with amazing live shows and hit singles, which came quicker than you can say mingle. They are one of the most popular bands, and even the slightest of fans can name every band member without hesitation. Bobby Dall once said that "I never wanted to become a musician, I wanted to be a Rockstar, and that's what I became!" Poison was the seminal Rockstars! 1. Motley Crue The fountain of decadence. Sleazy and dangerous. No band had more of an impact on the glam metal scene than these guys. Motley Crue didn't just do drugs; they did all of the drugs. Motley Crue didn't only pimp women; they owned them. The glam metal scene was about excess, and no one defined that more than The Crue. Another original member of the Sunset Strip to make it big. No band from this list can match their success. While their exploits and relationships away from the band make tabloid fodder, they have also enjoyed many other avenues besides music. Simply the best. Vince Neil, Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, and Mick Mars...Long Live the Crue! |
About Jason VoorheesJason resides in Norristown, PA and writes about all things sports and heavy metal music. Archives
February 2021
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