Category → Top 5
Top 5: Quarterbacks 2017
With the NFL season already two weeks in the books, I wanted to take a look at which quarterbacks are truly elite and where they fall in the QB hierarchy. This obviously doesn’t mean that if your team doesn’t have one of these players you cannot make or even win the Super Bowl, however if you are lucky enough to send these QB’s out on field each Sunday, you definitely boosted your chances.
5. Derek Carr
There were others I considered for this spot. Russell Wilson and Drew Brees have Rings. Cam Newton has an MVP and been to the big game. After careful consideration Derek Carr was to hard to leave of the list. His quick release and willingness to push the ball down the field have defensive coordinators up all night. He is listed here because of his current production but also because I don’t believe he has reached his full capacity yet. There is no telling how Oakland would have fared last season had he not broken his leg. If healthy all season they are a Super Bowl threat.
4. Matt Ryan
“Matty Ice” has had some ups and downs throughout his career. He flashed early on and then took the next step last season. If not for some of the worst 4th quarter play calling in Super Bowl history he would have a ring to go on his resume. This offense is scary and can score at will. Another season like the last and he could push himself up the list.
3. Ben Roethlisberger
2 Super Bowl rings carry a lot of weight for Big Ben. His career has been amazing to watch as he progressed from a game manager to leading one of the most explosive offenses each year. His supporting cast is loaded but he is the man that stirs the drink. The steelers are a threat every year with him at the position.
2. Aaron Rodgers
The only man that is even in the realm of #1 on this list is Aaron Rodgers. The stats are purely incredible but when you watch him play what stands out is the little plays that only he can make. Throwing off of his back foot or falling down. Scrambling for just enough yards to keep the chains moving. He has even perfected the art of getting the defense to jump offsides or snap the ball before they are set. If he happens to win another ring or two he may make the case for the top spot, at lease for arguments sake.
1. Tom Brady
This one is a no brainer. The man has 5 Super Bowl rings and 7 total appearances. I know he has the cloud hanging over him as cheater, but you have to give him the credit due when it comes to being the ultimate competitor and winner. Year in and year out you can say the Patriots are a championship team and the one and only reason for that is Tom Brady.
Top 5: Coast-to-Coast
With the highly contested Stanley Cup Final a few weeks in the rearview mirror, I felt it would be appropriate to let our minds wander into what other East Coast/West Coast Championships we would all be lucky to see. The Stanley Cup features the two largest media markets in the United States, Los Angeles and New York City. For this list, I ignored the middle states of the U.S. and focused more on the coasts. As fans you cannot ask for more than these epic continental dividing clashes:
5. 49ers vs. Patriots
Starting off is a matchup that may come as a surprise to some. Though these two teams do not have any real rivalry, they actually fit the bill quite well. In this game you have two of the largest cities, San Francisco and Boston, each with their own championship history and eight Super Bowl victories between them. Who wouldn’t want to see the contrasting styles of Harbaugh/Kaepernick going against Belichick/Brady?
4. LA Kings vs. NY Rangers
The Kings vs. Rangers is the best the NHL has to offer so of course they had to be included on my list. Because these two teams are the biggest media markets in the country their series will excite even the most mediocre hockey fans, causing them to pick sides based on what coast they live on.
3. Lakers vs. Celtics
Do I really have to explain why this is on the list? This is the best rivalry in the NBA and these two franchises have met twelve different times in the Finals. Enough said. These two cities and teams do not and will not ever like each other.
2. USC vs. Alabama
The biggest shocker on my list comes with USC vs. Alabama, my #2. These two national powerhouses have played only seven times in their history and have not played since 1985. Thus, the reason for my #2 placement. We as fans have been longing for this head-to-head match up in college football and have yet to witness it. How cool would it be to see “Kiffin Bowl” in the new College Football Championship Game.
1. Dodgers vs. Yankees
Finally, #1 on my list pairs the storied rivalry, L.A. Dodgers vs. N.Y. Yankees. Eleven meetings between these two in the World Series and thirty-three Championships between them. What I love most about these teams is their history. This was once a backyard rivalry in the Boroughs of New York that turned into a 3,000 mile battle in 1958. Though much has changed since these two first played, the matchup has remained as desirable as ever.