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Shutdown Corner

Tue Nov 03, 2009 1:47 pm EST

The Week 8 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: Favre vs. Rodgers

By MJD

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
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-563005588-1256637318.jpg?ymGeFHCDHasQ3g.S
Once again, this week features the Brees/Manning flip-flop at the top, with Brees placing his foot squarely on top of Manning's head this week. He did have the one interception where Falcons DB Brett Grimes climbed air to snatch it out of the sky, but Brees spent most of the game being pretty damn brilliant. I'm not predicting 16-0 for the Saints, but if there's one reason they can get there, it's that the play they get from the quarterback position gives them a very big margin for error in every game. Like last night, for example.
2. Peyton Manning(notes), Indianapolis Colts
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-24738635-1256637318.jpg?ymGeFHCDDW7gG0ms
Not a great week for Peyton, but his season so far gives him enough juice to keep the top spot. It's kind of funny that the guy can complete 31-of-48 passes for 347 yards, and I'm calling it "not a great week," but that's the level of quarterback play we're being blessed with this year in NFL National Football League. Sorry, I wanted to try that.
3. Aaron Rodgers(notes), Green Bay Packers
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-343475244-1256637318.jpg?ymGeFHCDNtPOlfH8
The Vikings outplayed the Packers, but did Brett Favre(notes) outplay Aaron Rodgers? Sort of yes, sort of no. Favre was just about flawless, but the burden on Rodgers was far greater. The Packers had no Adrian Peterson to lean on, they don't have a great defense, and they didn't get to play with a lead. They asked Rodgers to do everything, and he responded with 287 yards, three touchdowns, and no picks. I'm giving the edge to Rodgers based on degree of difficulty. As a side note: You know who has the best quarterback rating in the league right now? It's not Brees, and it's not Manning ... it's Mr. Aaron Rodgers. The top two is dangerously close to being broken up.
 
4. Brett Favre, Minnesota Vikings
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-320785594-1256637318.jpg?ymGeFHCDAvOYs_gk
Continuing the Rodgers vs. Favre on Sunday discussion from above, I do have to acknowledge some bias towards Rodgers. I know this, and you know this. I still think a slight edge to Rodgers is the right call. Favre's been amazing, but the Minnesota offense is so perfectly tailored to putting the quarterback in a great position. Obviously, that doesn't mean just anyone could step in and put up the kinds of numbers Favre is putting up, but he doesn't have the weight of an entire offense on his shoulders, either.
5. Ben Roethlisberger(notes), Pittsburgh Steelers
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-666407078-1256637318.jpg?ymGeFHCD7TR2T.lY
A week off for Pittsburgh, and Roethlisberger stays put in the five-hole.
6. Matt Schaub(notes), Houston Texans
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-261080313-1256637318.jpg?ymGeFHCDR4sieKHK
Matt Schaub slides a bit this week after a zero touchdown, two interception performance against the Bills. I don't think Schaub will mind, though, because he also got some good news this week: he might soon have a running game, courtesy of Ryan Moats(notes). If the Texans add a consistent ground game to what Schaub and Andre Johnson(notes) are already doing ... sweet sassy molassey, that's going to be quite an offense.

7. Philip Rivers(notes), San Diego Chargers
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-203531488-1256637318.jpg?ymHeFHCDOrI2KBUj
It's so difficult to hash out the bottom of this list every week, because there's so little separating so many quality quarterbacks, but it seems like Philip Rivers is the one guy who can be counted on for consistency. His QB rating has been 93 or better in his past four games, and he's never been below 84.5 on the year. Thank you, Phil, for making this slightly easier.
8. Tony Romo(notes), Dallas Cowboys
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-892957649-1256637319.jpg?ymHeFHCDld6kzD7w
Just 15 minutes and 30 seconds into the Cowboys/Seahawks game, Tony Romo had already hit five different receivers. By the end of the game, 10 different Cowboys had caught passes. I love that stat, because it shows that a quarterback is getting through his progressions, making all kinds of different reads, and isn't relying too heavily on one guy. Three stellar weeks for Romo and counting.
9. Joe Flacco(notes), Baltimore Ravens
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-508908714-1256639578.jpg?ymaBGHCDcSpufzdg
Here's what Flacco accomplished on Sunday: 20-of-25, one touchdown, no interceptions, one win against an undefeated team and one big, sloppy wet kiss from Dan Dierdorf avoided after the game. I like Dierdorf, but he does tend to get carried away at times ... and yet, the unyielding river of verbal lust that he lavished on Flacco on Sunday was completely warranted.
10. Tom Brady(notes), New England Patriots
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_nfl_experts__17/ept_sports_nfl_experts-194313405-1256637319.jpg?ymHeFHCDkUgvMkcD
Brady had the week off, so let's talk about the two other guys who were considered for this spot. First, Eli. After reaching as high as number two on this list, he is now completely gone. Sorry. There are too many good quarterbacks here for three bad weeks to be tolerated. Second, Mr. McNabb. Great, great game on Sunday, but you know what I'd like you to do? Have two of them in a row. You've burned me before, sir. 

Noses pressed against the glass: Donovan McNabb(notes), Philadelphia Eagles; Carson Palmer(notes), Cincinnati Bengals; Eli Manning(notes), New York Giants; Kyle Orton(notes), Denver Broncos; Jay Cutler(notes), Chicago Bears

Related: , Joe Flacco, Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutler, Kyle Orton, Ryan Moats, Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Matt Schaub, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Eli Manning, Andre Johnson, Carson Palmer, Drew Brees, Donovan McNabb, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Diego Chargers, Quarterback Power Rankings

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186 Comments

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  1. MichaelC
    1. Posted by MichaelC Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:05 pm EST

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    "2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
    Not a great week for Peyton, but his season so far gives him enough juice to keep the top spot."
    This has to be one of the worst sports blogs out there in terms of accuracy. I like to read it, but the constant inaccuracies are starting to get annoying...
  2. Zach
    2. Posted by Zach Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:08 pm EST

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    How does Flacco drop after his performance against one of the top defenses in the NFL? He played us much better than Phillip "Cry-Me-A" Rivers. Rivers has played the Raiders twice and the Chiefs, of course his average is decent.
  3. buff_daddy4life99
    3. Posted by buff_daddy4life99 Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:08 pm EST

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    Do we care what Rodgers stats were? If you want to talk about stats, then also talk about his first half stats. How about the sacks he took because he hung onto the ball too long because he doesn't know who the hell to throw it too. A great QB is measured by how many wins they have, not their QB rating. Have fun watching the playoffs again this season Rodgers. I hope that high QB rating means a lot to you.
  4. bradM
    4. Posted by bradM Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:10 pm EST

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    Palmer is easily in the top 6. I mean, really.
  5. Isaac M
    5. Posted by Isaac M Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:14 pm EST

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    And now, all the commenters who have no idea what they're talking about will express their objections to MJD's perceived lack of knowing what he's talking about. Hooray.
    Personally, I think it's a pretty good list, but I'd put Carson Palmer where Brady is.
  6. Big
    6. Posted by Big Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:18 pm EST

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    If you painted Rodgers nose orange... he'd look like Sesame Streets Burt. I'm just sayin. That being said, #3 hit it right on the nose.
  7. sombaki
    7. Posted by sombaki Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:19 pm EST

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    Number 2 is the new Number 1!!!
  8. Dan R
    8. Posted by Dan R Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:20 pm EST

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    Dierdorf was going way overboard on Flacco. My god I think Dan has a thing for guys and especially QBs!!!
    CBS needs some new commentators. Dierdorf obvisouly is gay and Simms is an idiot
  9. ladyaquarius1962
    9. Posted by ladyaquarius1962 Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:31 pm EST

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    #3 needs to realize that a.) Favre is NOT "God" contrary to typical Sports hype and worship. Without a strong Offensive line and help, there is NO way that Favre wouldn't even exist on a football field. Stats, or no stats. b.) When you punch up Stats for the ENTIRE season thus far, Rodgers has an edge over your man, Favre. All that this article is showing is that Rodgers is clearly a QB to watch out for in the future, and makes the point that if Green Bay HAD itself an Offensive line, Favre would have had better competition. Bottom line. So get over your ego trip.
  10. jlaulis
    10. Posted by jlaulis Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:39 pm EST

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    I think Flacco get no respect, even after the love feist from Dickdorf. The guy goes 20 out of 25 with no INTs and against the Top ranked undefeated defense and you drop him! SHAME ON YOU! You must be from D.C.
  11. erice
    11. Posted by erice Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:41 pm EST

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    If you all want to know why Rodgers is number 3, look no further than this Apologia:
    http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/You-did-not-deserve-that-Packers-fans?urn=nfl,199633
    How can MJD be objective when he's writing rhetoric like that? Answer: He can't and shouldn't be writing this column alone.
  12. ladyaquarius1962
    12. Posted by ladyaquarius1962 Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:42 pm EST

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    I'm also going to punch another hole in the whole worshipping of Favre bit out there in Sportsland...Favre has been L-U-C-K-Y more often than not this season. His team has merely eeked out a few victories along the way. Also, has anyone else here noticed how NFL Referees clearly seem to favor calls going in the favor of the Vikings this year, or not? Just sayin'... It's simply one of those little things that make an observant football fan say, "Hmm..." In any case, they LOST to the Steelers, for the record. Another important "Hmm..." considering they're the defending Super Bowl Champs. So, this too should stick in the aware minds out there. Lastly, based on past records, Favre has consistently proven that he "self-destructs" when it comes to Playoff games during crunchtime situations. So, to that...I'll simply say: "Stay tuned." For my own record? I wish the Vikings luck. BUT...Favre is NOT your entire team, and the only thing consistently saving your butts seems to be Peterson.
  13. J C
    13. Posted by J C Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:43 pm EST

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    Schaub's 'good news' is grossly out-weighed by the bad news of losing Owen Daniels for the rest of the year.
  14. madderwulf
    14. Posted by madderwulf Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:45 pm EST

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    At least Dierdorf put in his time and earned his job from the ground up, homophobe. So the guy gets excited by good play. Don't we all? Isn't that why we play and watch the game? Oh you must be a Broncos fan.
  15. JasonS
    15. Posted by JasonS Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:56 pm EST

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    Rodgers at 3 makes this list lose all credibility. Instantly.
  16. Topnotch
    16. Posted by Topnotch Tue Nov 03, 2009 2:59 pm EST

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    #3 its funny how a chick can call you out, burn ya, and she apparently knows a hell of alot more about football than you do
    Speed Slow
    -Top.
  17. Topnotch
    17. Posted by Topnotch Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:02 pm EST

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    #15 you must have missed thew caption under the headline.
    "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."
  18. Steve
    18. Posted by Steve Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:12 pm EST

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    I don't understand some of the symbols. Big Ben stays put, but has a down arrow next to him? Romo has three great weeks, but is dropping? That confuses me.
    Also the aforementioned typo regarding Peyton staying in the top spot, but actually dropping.
    Some read throughs and further edits might be needed.
  19. RobertV
    19. Posted by RobertV Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:15 pm EST

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    Agree 100 times with number 13.
    If you watch all the Texan games this season, you see the most consistent and reliable pass receiver has actually been Owen Daniels. No doubt in my mind that Schaub would rather a healthy Daniels with a fumbling Slaton over no Daniels and a healthy Moats. Also, watch that game from last week, sure Moats got those yards, but he looked like he was in slow motion doing so....I'd wager that those numbers will not sustain themselves.
    All in all, a pretty bad week for Schaub.
  20. GoMets
    20. Posted by GoMets Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:16 pm EST

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    ladyaquarius1962: Favre self destructs in the postseason? Like in those two Super Bowls he won? And who cares what might happen in later games? This (embarrassingly unprofessionally presented) list is based on performances up to this point...not what might happen later. Also, I don't think anyone understands the point you made about the Steelers. And finally, the writer pointed out that Favre benefits from having a complete team around him, making his job easier, so you criticism is redundant and doesn't take away from the fact that this same team had a different QB last year and they did NOT look like this one does.
    The fact is, Favre is really, really good. The retirement thing was obnoxious, but it is irrelevant here. He may benefit from slanted calls, but so do all stars. He may get a little lucky, but so do all great athletes...they make luck. Love him or hate him, this list is not a popularity contest and that dude can play the game.
  21. P MILLZ
    21. Posted by P MILLZ Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:24 pm EST

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    seriously MJD is a tool favre has way better numbers than rogers and favre had a better week than peyton. Joesph addai threw for more touchdowns tahn peyton so MJD pull the biased [profane] out of your mouth and rate the QB's on how they perform not their laast name and if you have a man crush on them.
  22. Gohawks59
    22. Posted by Gohawks59 Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:33 pm EST

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    As if TJoke could run the Vikings offense anywhere near Favre. Closet booing Packer fan, eh MJD?
  23. Tom
    23. Posted by Tom Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:41 pm EST

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    Golly. Flacco has a 109 rating in this game and he drops in the rankings. What does a guy need to to to get some respect? There is more to being a good QB than passing for td's. This bozo obviously didn't watch the game.
  24. Reepicheep
    24. Posted by Reepicheep Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:43 pm EST

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    I will never understand the tendency of the ignorant masses to rate QBs by their win-loss record. Aaron Rodgers is carring the GB offense and you want to say he's not a great QB because the O-line can't run block and the defense can't stop teams on 3rd down? Please.
  25. Reepicheep
    25. Posted by Reepicheep Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:43 pm EST

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    I will never understand the tendency of the ignorant masses to rate QBs by their win-loss record. Aaron Rodgers is carring the GB offense and you want to say he's not a great QB because the O-line can't run block and the defense can't stop teams on 3rd down? Please.

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