NFL TOP FIVE QB’S 2022
Quarterback is unquestionably the most impactful position in NFL football. At the high school and collegiate level, you can typically mask insufficient QB play with superior talent. In the NFL, that feat is virtually impossible. You can win games with average or subpar QB play. However, to truly be successful and win meaningful playoff games, at some point or another, your QB is simply going to have to “make the throws” as real football people call it. Good QB play is the difference between a perennial high draft pick team and a playoff team. It’s also the difference between a playoff team and a Super Bowl team. Here are the NFL QB Rankings for 2022.
- 1. Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Irrefutably the greatest QB of all time, Tom Brady continues to rewrite history in an unimaginable way. After the 2021 season, Brady retired from the sport. To the surprise of many, and to the expectation of some, Brady announced he would return to the Bucs to play in 2022. At 44 years old, he led the NFL in passing yards AND touchdowns – a truly remarkable feat. Listen, we’ve watched the game change, elite QB’s rotate positions, and watched Brady changes teams (almost three times). The one thing has that has remained a constant in those 20 years is Tom Brady led teams winning football games and playing for Super Bowls. It’s not always flashy or pretty, but it works. At the end of the day, there’s no one else I’d rather have with the ball in their hands than Tom Brady. Especially when it’s time to go win a football game. Honestly, as long as he is playing, he will probably hold this spot for me.
- 2. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers): To a huge faction of football brains, Aaron Rodgers is bar none the most talented QB of all time. Two years in a row, Rodgers has won MVP and led the NFL in passer rating. Sure, he’s had the benefit of playing behind a very good offensive line and alongside a good running game. He’s also had the benefit of playing with the best receiver in football. However, depth at the receiver position has been a serious issue in Green Bay. The production and consistency of that offense despite injury, personnel shortcomings, and at times coaching, is nothing short of incredible. So, what’s the issue? Playoff performances. Inexplicably, the Packers have only one Super Bowl appearance during Rodgers’ historic reign. He already has a Super Bowl under his belt, but the sustained post season success is the only separation between him and number one. In 2022, Rodgers has a chance to further solidify his position in history.
- 3. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Patrick Mahomes has had what many consider to be the hottest start ever to a career. In 4 seasons as a starter, Mahomes has accomplished everything there is in the sport. He has a Super Bowl, Super Bowl MVP, regular season MVP, and 1st team All-Pro just to name a few accomplishments. Despite that, Mahomes is as polarizing of a figure as there is in the sport. In fact, a lot of people think he’s actually regressed. I’m not one of those people, but the arguments are valid. For example, his consistent struggles reading the two deep shell. In my opinion, his talent is his greatest strength and biggest weakness. He freestyles more than he should and when it works, it’s beautiful – awe striking, to be completely honest. When it doesn’t work, disastrous and head scratching are the words that come to mind. Mahomes is a guy who has done it all, but still has a ton of room for growth. With the loss of Tyreek Hill, he has the stage to show that growth this season. If he does, he is well on his way to joining the caliber of the top two guys on the list.
- 4. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): In 2021, Allen amassed over 5100 total yards and 42 touchdowns. That speaks for itself. Along with Mahomes, Allen still has much room for growth. His consistency with the deep ball, boundary throws, and touch can all substantially improve. Also, like Rodgers, personnel surrounding him has presumably hindered him from achieving post season excellence. That won’t be the case this year. The Bills have improved across the board. Allen has center stage with all the expectation and tools at his disposal. His playoff performance against the Chiefs was nothing short of incredible. Honestly, one of the best games I have ever seen from a QB. Allen was as flawless as you can ask a QB to play. This is where the aforementioned struggle with consistency comes into play. Allen has the opportunity to make a leap towards the top three this season. If Allen continues on that trajectory, the Bills could be playing for a Super Bowl in 2023.
- 5. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers): Herbert has already thrown for more yards and touchdowns in his first two seasons than any other QB in league history. Simply put, he’s the prototype. Arm strength, mobility, IQ, and unquestionable toughness are all on full display. Herbert, akin to Mahomes, also has an almost irrational level of self belief. He takes and makes throws I thought weren’t humanly possible. That belief also gets him in trouble at times. Taking care of the ball is one of the only holes when evaluating Herbert. As all first and second year players have had to do, Herbert is learning when and when not to lean on that superpower. Similar to the Bills with Allen, the Chargers have taken every step imaginable to assure Herbert’s continued success. If the last time he stepped on the field is any indication of what is to come, Herbert could not only lead the Chargers deep into the playoffs, but he could also have an MVP next to his name come seasons end. He’s that damn good already.
