Shutdown Corner - NFL

Shutdown Corner

Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:30 am EDT

The Week 6 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings

By MJD

HTML clipboard

Shutdown Corner is proud to present the weekly quarterback power rankings. They're just as arbitrarily decided as normal power rankings, except they rank quarterbacks, not whole teams. Rankings are based on play this year alone and meant to represent who is playing the best football at the current moment.


1. Drew Brees(notes), New Orleans Saints

What do you do if you want the top spot back? You go up against the best pass defense in the league (though I think that myth is pretty much dispelled at this point) and you carve them up like a delicious glazed ham. It was Peyton Manning's(notes) turn to lose the top spot while on a bye week=. You got served, sucker!
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

I hope you had a wonderful bye week, Peyton, filled with dreams of even more endorsement dollars and Kenny Chesney concerts. Looking ahead, it's the Rams this week and their 27th-ranked pass defense. If this Brees vs. Manning battle were to go on all year, you wouldn't hear me complain about it.
3. Ben Roethlisberger(notes), Pittsburgh Steelers

Between Tom Brady's(notes) day, Drew Brees' day and some other dramatic happenings around the league, Ben Roethlisberger's 417-yard day against the Browns somehow got lost. Roethlisberger is now your NFL yardage leader with 1,887 on the year.
4. Brett Favre(notes), Minnesota Vikings

I feel dirty when I have to move him up the list, but that's just it: I have to. When the Vikings need big chunks of yardage, Favre gets them. He doesn't have the yardage total of some guys, but that's only because the Vikings didn't need or ask him to throw the ball in the first two weeks. The last four, they have, and he's been top-notch. 
5. Eli Manning(notes), New York Giants

'Twas not a great day for Eli against the Saints, as he only managed 178 yards, one touchdown and one interception. I'm going to consider the whole year's body of work before I start dropping him too far, though. Some guys are gaining on him, but I still love the efficiency.
6. Matt Schaub(notes), Houston Texans
Matt Schaub - Houston Texans
Quick: Who leads in the NFL in touchdown passes? Did you guess Matt Schaub? I hope so, since this is the Matt Schaub section, and if you didn't, you might be a bit of a numbskull. I'm even open to arguments for Matt Schaub cracking the top five here. He's first in touchdowns and second in yardage. His day of 392 yards and four touchdowns sort of got overshadowed, too.
7. Aaron Rodgers(notes), Green Bay Packers

Another week, another quietly excellent performance from Rogers. True, it was only the Lions, but 358 yards are 358 yards. It also helps that he was playing against Daunte Culpepper(notes) (6-of-14, zero TDs, one INT) and Drew Stanton(notes) (5-of-11, zero TDs, two INTs), because those two can't help but make another quarterback look good.
8. Tom Brady, New England Patriots.
Tom Brady - New England Patriots
It took six weeks, but here he is. I get hate mail all the time from Brady fans for not including him in the power rankings, but based on his play this year, he just hasn't deserved it. In fact, I'd still caution everyone from jumping on the "Brady is Back" train, because that otherworldly performance on Sunday came against possibly football's worst secondary since the invention of the forward pass.
9. Joe Flacco(notes), Baltimore Ravens
Joe Flacco - Baltimore Ravens
Flacco threw for 385 yards in Baltimore's comeback attempt against the Vikings, but couldn't pull out the win. No disrespect to Derrick Mason(notes) is intended here, but would anyone else like to see what Flacco could do with a deeper receiving corps and a better tight end?
10. Philip Rivers(notes), San Diego Chargers

I suspect that many of you will accuse me of a homer pick here, selecting Rivers for the final spot ahead of Orton. And that's fine, since I am a homer. I still think this is the right call, though. I've been amazed by what Orton's been doing all season, and it's not meant to slight him, but the Chargers just ask Rivers to do more. He goes downfield more, and he's basically their whole offense. Believe me, it's much better to do it the other way.

Fell out: Donovan McNabb(notes), Philadelphia Eagles; Matt Ryan(notes), Atlanta Falcons; Kyle Orton(notes), Denver Broncos

Also narrowly missed: Jay Cutler(notes), Chicago Bears

Related: Quarterback Power Rankings

digg delicious
more

158 Comments

Post a Comment
  1. jay t
    1. Posted by jay t Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:47 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    MJD, I actually agree with you keeping Orton out of the top ten because going only 20-29 for 229 yards and two touchdowns against a terrible defense like that isn't really an accomplishment. And it's definitely a terrible defense.
  2. Zach
    2. Posted by Zach Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:03 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    go blow the entire manning family
  3. ChilRock
    3. Posted by ChilRock Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:05 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    what? no Delhomme !!!!
    lol
  4. Erik Christensen
    4. Posted by Erik Christensen Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:06 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Favre will be #1 after this week!
  5. Kurt P
    5. Posted by Kurt P Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:10 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Yeah, this ranking makes sense. Keep the Mannings up there. Especially Eli over Orton who hasnt done anything except win and not throw interceptions. Oh and if you factor in how long the QB holds the ball in the pocket, Rivers should top your stupid list just edging out Big Ben...
  6. jojomcfeet
    6. Posted by jojomcfeet Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:20 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Ben Roethlisberger was #4 last week, this week #3, why is he shown as down?
  7. dumbwop
    7. Posted by dumbwop Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:27 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Orton is in the company of only two others on this list. He has ZERO losses. Find me a stat that is more important than that.
    You've robbed Orton and proved your ranking system is worthless.
    (For the record: I am not a Broncos fan, but certainly know a winner when I see one.)
  8. Boomer
    8. Posted by Boomer Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:40 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    You're a HOMER for not picking Orton over Rivers (who fumbled THREE times)?
    More like a BONER!
  9. tall john
    9. Posted by tall john Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:42 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    Jrock & dumbwop... Totally agreed. But u have to remember that MJD is Rivers' personal jockstrap cleaner... Keep in mind he doesn't use any tools or cleaners while on the job
  10. G-MAN
    10. Posted by G-MAN Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:49 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    The Flacker and Brady should be higher.....
  11. Bill
    11. Posted by Bill Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:51 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    How does Big Ben drop after a 417 yard game and Peyton (freakishly huge forehead) Manning move up after not even playing? You're high!
  12. Jason A
    12. Posted by Jason A Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:52 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    I think Shaub should be higher on this list, especially ahead of Manning, Eli that is. Shaub had one bad game in Week 1 and that was because he was getting hit about half a second after the ball was hiked. Shaub def should be in the top 5. I like the list you did an excellent job. I agree about Brady not being there the last few weeks and Im not completely sold that he is back to his old form, but Im sure hoping he is!!!!!!!! GO PATS!!!
  13. Ben
    13. Posted by Ben Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:52 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    MJD, seriously, enough with the Favre bashing. We get it, you hate him. You will forever work at Yahoo because you are incapable of writing an unbiased article. The fact of the matter is that Favre is the best option for the Vikes and he is a far better coach than Childress (let's be honest here, Favre is running this offense).
    You would also place Rivers in the top ten. Two peas in a pod, two whiny babies. The only difference between Orton and Rivers is that Orton has less talent surrounding him (even less when he was in Chicago) and cries less when things are not going right on offense. If Rivers showed some initiative, he would realize that Turner is an idiot (hey we're down by 11, lets kick a field goal with a minute and half left in the game to catch up?!) and try calling some audibles. Nope, like you, he just shows up to work to be an ass and collect a pay check.
  14. Ben Jammin
    14. Posted by Ben Jammin Tue Oct 20, 2009 11:58 am EDT

    Report Abuse

    I am just BAFFLED at how Philip Rivers is on this list. His team is 2-3! A QB should be based on his ability to LEAD a team to victories. He made some good throws last night but when the pressure to LEAD his team for a score was at best a Donovan McNabb performance. Choke. I had to mute the game last night because of all the talk about how great this QB is. Yet he fails to win!?!?
  15. Mort i
    15. Posted by Mort i Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:04 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    No fan of Orton am I, but...
    Orton goes against Brady and has better numbers (more yards, better completion %, more yards per completion, virtually identical QB rating that would be higher than Brady's were it not for a pointless INT on a hail mary to end the half) and the win. Orton goes against Rivers and has better numbers (better completion %, more TDs, substantially higher QB rating) and the win. Can we assume that if Orton does the same head to head with Roethlisberger and the Manning bros you will again ignore the numbers? If you're going to say that this or that QB has to "do more" than Orton then why even bring up Orton's name? QBs all have to do what is needed to win and in Orton's case that is to move the team down the field and not throw a pick. Guess what? He does his job... to the tune of 6-0! Rivers didn't do - hasn't done - his job. Seriously, what are you even thinking?
  16. Mort i
    16. Posted by Mort i Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:09 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    No fan of Orton am I, but...
    Orton goes against Brady and has better numbers (more yards, better completion %, more yards per completion, virtually identical QB rating that would be higher than Brady's were it not for a pointless INT on a hail mary to end the half) and the win. Orton goes against Rivers and has better numbers (better completion %, more TDs, substantially higher QB rating) and the win. Can we assume that if Orton does the same head to head with Roethlisberger and the Manning bros you will again ignore the numbers? If you're going to say that this or that QB has to "do more" than Orton then why even bring up Orton's name? QBs all have to do what is needed to win and in Orton's case that is to move the team down the field and not throw a pick. Guess what? He does his job... to the tune of 6-0! Rivers didn't do - hasn't done - his job. Seriously, what are you even thinking?
  17. Dan R
    17. Posted by Dan R Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:11 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Philip who?
    San Diego Who?
    MJD (must jack-off daily)
    What an idiot this guy is
  18. freddym
    18. Posted by freddym Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:17 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Orton was asked to take a team expected to win 3 games all season and elevate it to perfect. All Rivers was asked to do is lead "the most talented team" to a winning record. Who had the harder task again?
  19. samv
    19. Posted by samv Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:21 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Orton's team WON the game. River's did nothing after halftime, except fumble,LOL MJD is a moron.
  20. More
    20. Posted by More Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:23 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Donvan McNabb was IN the Top 10???? Take out that blow out game against Oakland, and he has spent more time on the bench or laying on the field then playing and making TD passes.
    Maybe I am just bitter because I have Maclin (PHL-WR) and Celek (PHL-TE) on my fantasy team and they had very little production. I lost by 4 points, but Rothesburger almost carried my team on his own.
  21. vertskate900
    21. Posted by vertskate900 Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:25 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    #14 Ben said, "The only difference between Orton and Rivers is that Orton has less talent surrounding him..."
    Are you #$#%ing kidding me!!???? Lucky Orton plays in the QB friendliest offense that the league has to offer! Marshall, Stokeley, Scheffler, Royal and that O-line...oh yeah, Orton has it tough alright. Not to mention a top defensive unit to go with it. Orton is the weakest link on that team and for some reason opposing defenses don't realize that all Denver does is call short to intermediate pass plays like the comeback route because Orton sucks at the deep ball. CB Cromartie seemed to understand what Denver does as he stuck to his man tight, but everyone else gives Denver's WRs 5 yard cushions and I don't get it.
  22. More
    22. Posted by More Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:27 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    Is Phillip Rivers related to MJD? Also how can Matt Schaub have a blowout day and NOT move up? 4 TD passes, no INT's, 391 passing yards....and he week's work is a push?
  23. Ben
    23. Posted by Ben Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:38 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    #22 vertskate900, less talent as in Orton does not have a top 10 running back so opposing defenses have to stack the box against him. Both have talented WRs and TEs, there is no denying that but I feel Rivers has a better overall group around him.
    I am not saying Orton should be in this list but I don't think Rivers should either and at the end of the day Orton is doing something Cutler couldn't do with this team and what Rivers can't do now. Win.
  24. pkmantmc
    24. Posted by pkmantmc Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:41 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    I'm just glad that my man, Brees, got the recognition he so deserved; and no argument from any of you guys. He's a true leader, willing to put his team before his ego and stats. This dude and his receiving corp are capable of putting up 500 yards of passing offense every game but yet are perfectly willing to balance with running game, to make the offensive attack whole.
    San Diego made the wrong decision 3 years ago by keeping an overated bully (yes, Rivers leads by being a bully) and letting go a true class-act.
  25. crazy13_57
    25. Posted by crazy13_57 Tue Oct 20, 2009 12:43 pm EDT

    Report Abuse

    That is amazing, how do you keep your job?
    It will be fine with Broncos fans and players for the media to continue to look beyond Kyle Orton, the meal being prepared is going from crow to shoe leather.
    Pretty obvious that vertskate has already loaded his up with ketchup. Rivers folded last night and took his team with him.

Shutdown Corner

Add to My Yahoo! RSS

MJD

Shutdown Corner is an NFL blog edited by Matthew J. Darnell. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

Contributors:
Chris Chase, Doug Farrar, Blair Johnson, Kevin Sullivan, Kerry Rhodes,

Teams

Customize to follow news and rumors on your favorite teams. [ Sign in ]

Related Photo Gallery

More NFL Photos »

Y! Sports Blogs

Shutdown Corner Recent Readers

(provided by MyBlogLog)