Analysis: He won the MVP despite a slow start due to knee troubles. He's still at the top of his game.
1. Peyton Manning, Colts Comment: Manning does it all. He is a fantastic quarterback, who has the physical capabilities to throw the ball accurately, with the knowledge to be a coach. He takes charge and leads the team to victory. By the way, he does all this without something that most other quarterbacks have... a running game. He wasn’t MVP for nothing.
Analysis: He's right there with Manning, but missing last season drops him down to the second spot. He's said to be all the way back.
2. Drew Brees, Saints Comment: What this guy did last year was nothing short of amazing, and his career before that isn’t half bad either. If Brees was on a better team, he would probably get more credit. Last season, Brees threw for more yards in a season than any other player currently in the NFL, and second in all time. Now, I doubt he’ll be able to do it again this season, but I’ll bet the house that he’ll get close.
Analysis: It's too bad he plays in an era with those two. He's had an amazing three-year run in New Orleans.
3. Tom Brady, Patriots Comment: Before the start of last season, I would have put him at either No. 1 or No. 2. The guy is great, but I just can’t with a clean conscious put him higher when I haven’t seen him play in a year. He has to prove to me that he is still the Brady that led his team to an undefeated regular season, three super bowl victories and numerous playoff appearances.
Analysis: Two Super Bowl titles in five seasons is amazing. He seems to grow as a passer each season.
4. Kurt Warner, Cardinals Comment: Most people wouldn’t have him this high on the list, but I think he deserves it. His career has been great, and what he did for the Cardinals last year was outstanding. Yes, he is getting up there in age, but I’d bet that he can duplicate his impressive 2008 numbers again in 2009.
Analysis: He carried the Chargers last season. They are now his team, not L.T.'s team anymore. Rivers really elevated his game last season. He's a tough guy.
5. Philip Rivers, Chargers Comment: I feel that this guy is a little underrated. He makes throwing touchdowns look easy. I also like that he’s tough. He plays through injuries, and still performs at a high level, which is something a lot of players don’t do these days. I can’t even imagine what he’d do with an elite receiver on his team.
Analysis: Coming off shoulder problems, he's back throwing again, which is why he's this high. When he's healthy, he might be even higher.
6. Donovan McNabb, Eagles Comment: A seasoned veteran who knows the game inside and out. I know he had a few rough patches last year, but the guy can play and he proved it towards the end of last season. The Eagles have made some offseason moves that should help give his game a positive boost; I expect a good season from him in 2009.
Analysis: At his age, he remains a big-time passer. His ability to stand in against the rush is as good as any.
7. Aaron Rodgers, Packers Comment: I would love to put this kid higher up on the list, but I’m going to play it safe. I loved watching him last year. He played great, and filled some big shoes in Green Bay. If he pulls off another season like the previous one, he will be a lot higher on the list next year.
Analysis: After his benching last season, he really responded. With a bigger line and more weapons he should be even better in 2009.
8. Jay Cutler, Bears Comment: Too bad the situation in Denver didn’t work out for him. The lack of elite receivers in Chicago will hurt his numbers. Luckily for him (and the Bears) he does have some natural talent that will most likely help him remain one of the best young QB’s in the league.
Analysis: The inconstancy still shows at times, but that was due in large part to a lack of a big-play receiver. He'll bounce back this season with more help.
9. Carson Palmer, Bengals Comment: Palmer is in the same boat as Brady. He would have been higher on the list a year ago, but he needs to prove to me that he is still a great quarterback. If he is back to his old form, the AFC North will be much more competitive.
Analysis: His rookie year was outstanding and he said he didn't even understand coverage. That will change this season. Look for him to put up bigger numbers.
10. Tony Romo, Cowboys Comment: I am extremely hesitant to even put Romo in the top ten. He is surrounded by a good team and has had every opportunity to excel, but he always comes up short in the big games. He fumbles, he gets sacked, his accuracy decreases, and he makes poor decisions often resulting in interceptions. If he blows it again this year he won’t just be out of my top ten, but probably out of Dallas.
It was already rediculous that Prisco decided not to put Clinton Portis on his top 10 running backs list. But it is absolutely inexplicable for London Fletcher to not be on his top 10 ILB list. I believe that London Fletcher has the most tackles of anybody in the league since 2003, and his numbers have yet to drop off. He is a top ILB in the league, and I really don't understand
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