Well, here we are.
As Doug Farrar and I have worked through the various position groups, counting down the 11 best in the league at each position, I have often provided a long buildup to the list. Discussions of the position and how it has evolved over time, elaborated on what the position has meant historically, and even thrown in a dose of self-depricating humor.
Not for quarterback. There’s no buildup needed. Except to say this: The future of the position is in great hands, as this list will illustrate.
Also, in one change, there will be no “best position group” in this countdown. Backups matter, but we’re focused on the top guys.
More Top 11 lists: Slot defenders | Outside cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge defenders | Interior defensive linemen | Offensive tackles | Offensive guards | Centers | Outside Receivers | Slot receivers | Tight ends | Running backs
Honorable Mentions
This one had me sweating a bit, but then, a lifeboat from the content gods.
We put in place a 50% snap threshold, to perhaps serve as a bulwark against small sample sizes. It came into play when counting down the safety position, when Derwin James missed a bulk of the games due to injury, and the tight end position, and the 2019 absence of Rob Gronkowski.
It comes into play here with two quarterbacks at the outset: Ryan Tannehill and Matthew Stafford. Both quarterbacks fell short of that threshold, which spared me from some difficult decisions. Over the first half of the season – and over his career – Stafford has played at a level worthy of a list such as this. But rules are rules.
Then there is Tannehill. There is a strong case to be made, using advanced metrics such as Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt and Expected Completion Percentage, that Tannehill played better than any quarterback in the league last season. His ANY/A of 8.52 led the league, and the difference between his Completion Percentage and his Expected Completion Percentage – a full 8% – was also tops in the NFL. He, too, fell short of that 50% mark.
Ben Roethlisberger, a mainstay on lists like this over the past seasons, also fell short of that threshold.
Two players that did not fall short, but also missed out, but are on the outside looking in, are Philip Rivers and Jimmy Garoppolo. Rivers could find another boost to his career in a new environment, and Garoppolo could force his way onto such lists if he raises his level of play a bit in 2020.
Now, the Top 11.