The Top 15 Quarterbacks Of 2014

What a season. Considering all the uncertainties it has brought us, who would’ve guessed the kinds of years the NFL’s field generals would have?

Well that’s exactly why I wrote this list. The quarterback is the most important and valuable position in the NFL, and 2014 brought us at least 5 career seasons (and yes, the 5 guys I’m talking about are on this list).

I wrote this list based on playing styles, quality of games, 2^nd half improvement, pure dominance, and how much the high moments of each quarterback impressed me. So without further delay, I present my 15 best quarterbacks from the 2014 season.

15. Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions)

 

2014 Stats: 363/602 (60.3 CMP%), 6.03 ANY/A, 4,257 yards, 22 TD, 12 INT, 85.7 Passer Rating, 55.1 Total QBR

I’m very weary about the 15^th spot on this list, but felt like Matthew Stafford the gunslinger deserved it the most. Having said that, I was disappointed by the outcome of his season, having expected him to elevate with new additions such as Golden Tate and Eric Ebron. Nevertheless, I was impressed by his high moments this season more than other guys such as Cam Newton and Andy Dalton.

Matthew Stafford’s style of play can be described as a mobile pocket passer mixed with a gunslinger. He can give you the big throws (and the big mistakes) with his arm strength, and can run a money bootleg with relative ease, and QB run as good as the elites. 2014 showed most of this.

While Stafford continued to frustrate critics and fans alike on his throws, he was very reliable in the clutch, as he led the NFL in 4^th quarter comebacks (5) and game winning drives (5). His game winning touchdown pass against the Dolphins combined pure mobility with a perfect side arm pass in the end zone to runningback Theo Reddick.

As said before, his high moments were very high, and his low moments were very low. It would’ve been easier on him if Calvin Johnson didn’t miss 3 games, the offensive line didn’t give up 45 sacks on him (4^th most in the NFL), and his receivers didn’t drop 24 passes (same as Cam Newton’s Panthers). The game against the Patriots is a prime example.

All in all, Stafford had an elite defense to back him up this time around, and his protection of the ball wasn’t great, but was far better this year (20 turnovers this season as opposed to 31 in 2013), and did enough to help bring the Lions to the playoffs. I like Stafford, and feel as if his ceiling hasn’t been reached yet. We shall see for years to come.

Best Game: Week 1 Against the New York Giants: Stafford was lights out in the first game of the season, throwing 22/32 for 346 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 picks, a 125.3 rate, and a 97.5 Total QBR, as well as a rushing touchdown. He was pure money on his deep ball passing to Megatron, as well as his mobility.

14. Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings)

 

Stats: 259/402 (64.4 CMP%), 5.46 ANY/A, 2,919 yards, 14 TD, 12 INT, 85.2 Passer Rating, 50.16 Total QBR

 

Before the season and even before the draft, I said Teddy Bridgewater was the most NFL-ready of the quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft. Apparently Mike Mayock and others didn’t agree with me, as his pro day was heavily criticized as “poor.” (as indication of how stupid that is, JaMarcus Russell’s pro day was praised by Mayock as one of the best he’s ever seen).

Bridgewater started off pretty damn rough, but in the 2^nd half of the season lived up to his anticipated rookie season and impressed the hell out of me. From what I’ve seen, Teddy isn’t the most talented or athletic quarterback from this year’s class, but in terms of accuracy, he’s ahead of the pack, and even ahead of several veteran quarterbacks.

As the season progressed, Teddy’s performances in a system requiring him to use a big boy NFL playbook gradually improved despite poor pass protection and a talented yet inconsistent run game. He mirrored the incredible rookie seasons of Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson and actually made his teammates better with a combination of screens, intermediate passes, and deep balls. His decision making, footwork, passing under pressure, and pure accuracy of course were also impressive. In his last 5 games, he completed at least 68% of his passes, and at least 70% in 4 of those last 5 games, despite a few dropped passes that led to interceptions.

Give me Teddy Bridgewater over the other rookies anyday. The Vikings have plenty of young talent on offense that’s gelled over the course of the season, and a bright future is in store for the land of a thousand lakes. Consider me a Teddy fan.

Best Game: Week 4 Against The Atlanta Falcons: Teddy’s first start was his finest, as he was in control of advancing the ball, and even got a TD run in. He finished 19/30 for 317 yards, a 98.9 rate and an 85.6 Total QBR.

13. Ryan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins)

 

Stats: 392/590 (66.4 CMP%), 5.83 ANY/A, 4,045 yards, 27 TD, 12 INT, 92.8 Passer Rating, 59.09 Total QBR

One of the few bright spots on a team considered to have the worst locker room in the offseason, Ryan Tannehill has been a pleasant surprise in 2014 after nearly being benched after a poor first 3 games, contributed by countless drops from his receivers.

Tannehill’s deep ball accuracy is still a concern, but with the help of new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor (quarterback coach for Nick Foles’ 27 TD 2 INT season on the 2013 Eagles), Tannehill’s overall quality of play drastically improved. His mobility has always been as good as Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson’s, but his accuracy has actually increased; his completion percentage was 66.4% in 2014 as opposed to 60.4 in 2013. That’s coming with 28 drops from his receivers, 7^th most this season.

Despite getting sacked 46 times, Tannehill’s meltdowns were fewer and farther in between this time around, and his progression has been a treat to watch considering he’s part of an iconic 2012 QB draft class. With the help of Lazor’s playcalling, this has been made possible.

Now imagine Tannehill with a head coach that actually knew how to control a locker room, an improved run game, and wide receivers that weren’t overpaid actually want to play the game of football (looking at you, Mike Wallace). While he’s failed to reach the playoffs for the 3^rd straight year, this season has finally indicated that Tannehill is taking steps into the right direction.

Best Game: Week 9 Against The San Diego Chargers: In a 37-0 shutout, Tannehill threaded the needle perfectly, with top-notch mobility, scrambling, and velocity as he was Steve Young-esque with a long 22-yard run. He finished 24/34 for 288 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 picks, a 125.6 passer rating, and a 94.5 Total QBR.

12. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)

 

Stats: 415/628 (66.1 CMP%), 6.71 ANY/A, 4,694 yards, 28 TD, 14 INT, 93.9 Passer Rating, 66.98 Total QBR

 

It was another rough year for the Falcons, as they finished the season 6-10, but Matt Ryan showed he was still capable of being an above average quarterback on a terrible team.

Matty Ice’s interceptions were very awful (his interception against Detroit and his two pick sixes in week 17 against the Panthers are 3 of the worst throws I’ve ever seen), but he was generally terrific in ball movement, advancing the ball well with solid arm strength despite his limited mobility and athleticism. Ryan won’t run for 20 yards, but he’ll do a little side step or step up in the pocket when the front 7 rushes at him.

There were multiple times throughout the season where Ryan threw a perfect pass, only to have it dropped or fumbled away. And with close loses against Detroit and Cleveland decided by former head coach Mike Smith’s abysmal clock management, Atlanta was close to winning 8 games, which could’ve have gotten them first place in the worst division in football: The NFC South.

Aside from week 17, Matt Ryan had a solid December, and it’s a shame the problems with the offensive line and the entire defense hampered an improvement from Ryan’s 2013 season.

Best Game: Week 3 Against The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: One of the biggest blowouts of the year, Matt Ryan’s arm strength, decision making, and pure accuracy were of top notch in a 56-14 massacre over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ryan finished 21/24 for 286 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, a 155.9 passer rating, and a 99.7 Total QBR.

11. Eli Manning (New York Giants)

 

Stats: 379/601 (63.1 CMP%), 6.67 ANY/A, 4,410 yards, 30 TD, 14 INT, 92.1 Passer Rating, 70.93 Total QBR

 

Much like Philip Rivers in 2013, Eli Manning looked very much revived in a new offense for the 2014 season, even if the Giants’ 6-10 record doesn’t reflect that.

In Ben McAdoo’s west coast offense, Eli looked like the Eli of old, with excellent velocity on his passes. While his gunslinger mistakes were many, Eli was also screwed by dropped passes out of the get-go, witnessing his receivers drop 30 of his passes (6^th most in 2014). An injury to an ineffective Victor Cruz also ended his season early.

While rookie sensation Odell Beckham Jr certainly helped, Eli looked fresh before Beckham took off, stretching the field with solid intermediate passes and a few deep bombs. I counted at least 4 dropped passes that resulted in interceptions from the Giants’ first 4 games.

The one reason Eli doesn’t rank a lot higher than he should is because he a solid run after the Giants were eliminated from the playoffs during a 7 game losing streak. While the talk will be mostly that of Beckham’s sensational season, and while the 70.0 completion percentage goal was ludicrous, the Giants should be very pleased that Eli has been revived.

Best Game: Week 4 Against The Washington Redskins: Eli Manning was perfect in this game, controlling the tempo of the Giants offense and contributing in a number of ways, including a perfect 3^rd and 15 pass with 6 seconds left in the 2^nd quarter to Victor Cruz, who got out of bounds with a second to spare. This gave the Giants a field goal to end the first half. Eli went 28/39 for 300 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception (that should’ve been a touchdown), a rushing touchdown, a 117.5 rate, and a 97.5 Total QBR.

10. Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens

 

Stats: 344/555 (62.0 CMP%), 6.65 ANY/A, 3,986 yards, 27 TD, 12 INT, 90.9 Passer Rating, 67.27 Total QBR

 

By far the best season of his career, Joe Flacco bounced back from a miserable 2013 season and did just enough to bring the Baltimore Ravens back to the playoffs.

As per usual, Flacco benefitted from better field position from pass interference calls, getting 14 DPI calls for 283 yards (most in the NFL in 2014). However, with the addition of Steve Smith Sr, as well as the help of Torrey Smith and an improved offensive line, Flacco’s deep ball game was revived, giving the Smiths loads of ability to make plays where only they could catch it.

Gary Kubiak’s play action offense was a perfect fit for Flacco as well, and the addition of runningback Justin Forsett opened up a bunch of space for Flacco to make plays. This allowed the decision making of Flacco to skyrocket in improvement from 2013.

While anything but elite, Joe Flacco was very good in 2014, one to rely on with his new targets and run game.

Best Game: Week 6 Against The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Throwing 5 touchdowns in the first half, Flacco’s connectivity with his receivers was absolutely spot on, and his deep ball game helped lift Baltimore to an easy 48-17 victory. He finished 21/29 for 306 yards, 5 TD, 0 INT, a 146.0 Rate, and a 99.8 Total QBR.

 

 

9. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)

 

Stats: 456/659 (69.2 CMP%), 6.77 ANY/A, 4,952 yards, 33 TD, 17 INT, 97.0 Rate, 71.56 Total QBR

 

While I disagree completely with the idea that Drew Brees is no longer an elite quarterback, his 2014 season was sloppier than previous seasons. Even in this case, a sloppy Drew Brees season is still a career year for most quarterbacks.

What we saw from Brees was the standard in his game. He was still one of the top passers in accuracy. The main problem came from the turnovers, which happened often times in critical moments. Of course, it didn’t help that Jimmy Graham wasn’t as dominant in the tight end position as he’s shown in recent years past, and the yards after catch were severely limited for Brees’ receivers.

Nonetheless, the 35-years-old quarterback advanced the ball with high volume passing in ways few other quarterbacks could have ever done. Brees played very well for most of the season, and kept the Saints in playoff contention until week 16 in a terrible NFC South.

We’ll see how many years Brees has left in him, but if it’s of any indication, he is the least of New Orleans problems (re: defense). New Orleans was a huge disappointment in 2014, but the future hall of famer still has a few tricks up his sleeve.

Best Game: Week 13 Against The Pittsburgh Steelers: Brees was masterful on the deep ball, finding Kenny Stills 5 times for 162 yards, a touchdown, and 32.4 yards per reception. This helped Brees distribute the ball for touchdowns to 5 different receivers, none of them being Jimmy Graham. He finished 19/27 for 257 yards, 5 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, a 140.0 passer rating, and a 95.3 Total QBR.

8. Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)

 

Stats: 285/452 (63.1 CMP%), 6.72 ANY/A, 3,475 yards, 20 TD, 7 INT, 95.0 Passer Rating, 62.45 Total QBR

 

Without a true deep ball threat to help advance the ball, Russell Wilson wasn’t as top notch of a young quarterback as he was in 2012 and 2013, but I’d be lying if I said what he did in 2014 was under par.

Wilson’s athleticism was at its best in 2014, as he lessoned the passing to open up a passion of scrambling, running for 849 yards and 6 touchdowns, while leading the NFL in yards per attempt (7.2). The stat sheets don’t say it, but Wilson’s mobility and scrambling were of top notch, and even his screen passes had me saying “how on earth was he able to complete that pass?!?!”

Russ has always been a perfect fit in the read option play action system of the Seahawks, and while he had a number of games with overthrown/underthrown passes getting sacked 42 times won’t help change things (the scrambling is a contributor to that though). One might suggest Wilson benefits from the #1 defense in the league. While this is sort of true, his reliability has increased as his age continues to go up, and more often times than not he used his legs to help carry Seattle’s offense.

A deep ball threat combined with an improved offense would make a huge difference in Russell Wilson’s play. Talent-wise, he might be the best QB, but there’s still some progress to be made before he can become an elite quarterback. That said, plenty of love for Russ. (Fun fact: Wilson has the most game winning drives in a QB’s first 3 seasons in NFL history)

Best Game: Week 16 Against The Arizona Cardinals: This was the golden standard of what Russell Wilson should be: a deadly accurate deep ball passer combined with a dangerous threat in the run game with his legs. Wilson finished 20/31 for 339 yards, 2 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 1 rushing touchdown and 88 yards, a 122.9 passer rating, and a 96.0 Total QBR.

7. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)

 

Stats: 379/570 (66.5 CMP%), 6.45 ANY/A, 4,286 yards, 31 TD, 18 INT, 93.8 Passer Rating, 66.83 Total QBR

 

Note: The main reason Philip Rivers isn’t lower than 7^th on this list is because of his terrific first half of the season, where he was the frontrunning MVP.

Rivers mostly resembles Dan Marino, able to deliver huge throws, quick passes and side step to avoid pressure. Heck, he just might have the quickest release in today’s NFL. During Rivers’ remarkable first half, he set an NFL record for most consecutive games with a passer rating of at least 120.0 (4). Many of his “trust the receiver and lead them” throws were some of the best I’ve ever seen. Dimes, if you would.

Unfortunately, it was clear Rivers was playing the 2^nd half of the season unhealthy, and combined with possibly the worst offensive line in the NFL and a terrible run game, Rivers’ play in the last 8 games mostly struggled. Even so, he did enough to keep the Chargers in playoff contention until the last week of the regular season, even if it wasn’t pretty.

2013 was easily Rivers’ best season, but considering what he went through in 2014, it wasn’t a bad follow-up at all (much better than what 2011 and 2012 offered). A healthy Rivers could be a potential MVP winner in 2015.

Best Game: Week 16 Against The San Francisco 49ers: It was an extremely ugly game for Rivers, as he had a 52.3 QBR and 3 interceptions, but his 4^th quarter comeback was gut wrenching and down to the wire. Twice on the Chargers’ final drive of regulation he converted on 4^th down, and the standard beautiful Rivers TD throws helped give San Diego a miraculous 38-35-overtime victory. Rivers finished 33/54 for 356 yards, 4 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and an 82.0 passer rating on the road.

6. Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts)

 

Stats: 380/616 (61.7 CMP%), 7.28 ANY/A, 4,761 yards, 40 TD, 16 INT, 96.5 Passer Rating, 63.79 Total QBR

 

Along with Russell Wilson, Andrew Luck has been an absolute joy to watch as he progresses in his 3^rd season. The improvement he’s shown has been incredible, and few 3^rd year seasons have been this good.

You can say all you want about the turnovers, and they’re the reason Luck doesn’t rank any higher on this list. He still has the gunslinger mistakes, with 2-3 “WTF WAS HE THINKING” throws every game. This progressed during the final few games of the season in addition. And yes, playing in the AFC South won’t turn any heads.

But when Andrew Luck was on target, he was on fire. Combined with a rising superstar receiver in T.Y. Hilton, Luck torched defenses downfield and was able to avoid pressure with his legs, and went on a 8 game streak of 300-yards passing, a Colts franchise record. He even delivered in his ugliest games, such as the comeback victory in Cleveland.

Luck did this despite playing behind a terrible offensive line and Trent Richardson. And while a number of his passes were dropped interceptions, his receivers dropped 40 of his passes (most in 2014). That’s awful. There’s obvious room to improve (the turnovers), but it’s refreshing to see a newer quarterback throw for 30+ touchdowns in a season. One day when Peyton Manning and Tom Brady both retire, the AFC is his to control.

Best Game: Week 4 Against The Tennessee Titans: Luck was terrific with his feet, arm strength, and passing under pressure, as he was the spark in a 41-17 victory. He finished 29/41 for 393 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 interception, a 123.3 passer rating, and a 96.7 Total QBR.

5. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

 

Stats: 373/582 (64.1 CMP%), 7.01 ANY/A, 4,109 yards, 33 TD, 9 INT, 97.4 Passer Rating, 74.32 Total QBR

 

Through the first four games of the season, the 37-year-old Tom Brady looked completely washed up only throwing for 4 touchdowns and not intimidating any defenses. His accuracy was at a career low as he was overthrowing and underthrowing his receivers, he had zero trust in his offensive line, and critics everywhere were wondering if Brady had declined. This was apparent in Week 4 against the Chiefs, where Brady looked awful.

Then, the Patriots moved onto Cincinnati. With the help of Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, as well as an improved offensive line, Brady sparked a 10-game streak of at least 2 touchdown passes, as he returned to his top 5 form. Though his style of play has never been spectacular, at his best, Brady delivers the ball quickly with solid 10-20 yard passes with receivers that can explode for yards after the catch, which was what happened in 2014.

Brady’s decision making in the pocket was noticeably improved over 2013, electing for QB runs and a few side steps in the pocket, something we haven’t seen as much from him in the past. His dominant streak helped secure the #1 seed for the Patriots.

Brady is one of the 5 greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and this season has continued his terrific and competitive legacy.

Best Game: Week 9 Against The Chicago Bears: Brady and company absolutely embarrassed the Chicago Bears in Foxboro, as his connectivity with Rob Gronkowski was 2^nd to none. He finished 30/35 for 354 yards, 5 touchdowns, zero interceptions, a 148.4 passer rating, and a 98.8 Total QBR.

4. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)

 

Stats: 408/608 (67.1 CMP%), 7.82 ANY/A, 4,952 yards, 32 TD, 9 INT, 103.3 Passer Rating, 72.48 Total QBR

 

Long under the shadows of the big 4 quarterbacks (Peyton/Brady/Brees/Rodgers), Big Ben made clear he was still one of the league’s top quarterbacks and had his greatest season yet in 2014.

With a disposal of weapons at his display in Antonio Brown, Le’veon Bell, Heath Miller, and the terrific rookie deep ball/intermediate threat Martavis Bryant, Ben Roethlisberger advanced the ball in ways never seen with the modern day John Elway. In addition to his unique backyard football style of play, where he’s famously bought time to extend plays, Ben was the heart of perhaps the best offense of 2014.

Big Ben’s efficiency and accuracy were at an all-time high, and if there’s anyone asking why he’s as high as #4, he passed for 6 touchdowns in TWO STRAIGHT GAMES (an NFL record), and became the only quarterback in NFL history to have 2 500+ yard games. Roethlisberger was also consistent down the road in December, leading the Steelers to their first playoff spot since 2011. He also tied with Drew Brees for the most passing yards of 2014, with 4,952 (yes, tied).

In my opinion, Ben Roethlisberger is a hall of fame quarterback, and if that wasn’t clear before, his career best 2014 season has confirmed it.

Best Game: Week 8 Against The Indianapolis Colts: What else needs to be said? Go ahead and watch the game highlights. Ben Roethlisberger was flawless in this game, going 40/49 for 522 yards, 6 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, a 150.6 passer rating, and a 99.0 Total QBR. Wow.

3. Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos)

 

Stats: 395/597 (66.2 CMP%), 7.68 ANY/A, 4,727 yards, 39 TD, 15 INT, 101.5 Passer Rating, 77.25 Total QBR

 

The definition of a field general himself, Peyton Manning has always been the premier quarterback of the 2000’s. Look at his numbers again and consider he played one of the roughest schedules of the season.

We all know Peyton’s arm strength isn’t where it used to be, but his decision-making and audibles have aged like wine. The “weapons” don’t matter if you don’t have a quarterback capable of making super quality throws that make his receivers better, which is ultimately what Peyton has continued to possess. And we all know the famous touchdown record Brett Favre once held is in good hands.

An MVP candidate for most of the season, Manning committed several turnovers during a few critical moments which took him out of the MVP race, including an ugly 4 INT performance against the Bengals in week 16, and relied on CJ Anderson and run game as he went on autopilot. However, the talks of a possible decline are pure rubbish, and although his touchdown volume decreased in December, he still possessed the ability to advance the ball in ways no other quarterback can even dream of doing.

In 3 seasons with the Broncos, Manning has thrown 14,863 yards, 131 touchdowns, and 36 interceptions. That’s 33 less touchdowns than Troy Aikman’s entire career. Peyton Manning has once again put together a tremendous season, and is without a doubt the greatest quarterback to play the game of football.

Best Game: Week 7 Against The San Francisco 49ers: It should be obvious that the game where Manning broke Favre’s record is the best game of his 2014 season. Manning connected perfectly with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, as he went 22/26 for 318 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, a 157.2 passer rating, and a 99.4 Total QBR. The Sherriff.

2. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)

 

Stats: 304/435 (69.9 CMP%), 8.06 ANY/A, 3,705 yards, 34 TD, 9 INT, 113.2 Passer Rating, 82.75 Total QBR

 

Everyone loves to hate him, but long as Tony Romo been an underrated quarterback. The team around him in previous years failed to remain stable, and his defenses collapsed historically as Romo fell under the pressure. It looked that way again in week 1 when Romo threw 3 interceptions as the Cowboys lost 28-17 in San Francisco. People were calling for Romo’s benching, and many wondered why Dallas passed on Heisman winning quarterback Johnny Manziel.

That all changed. Starting in week 2, the Cowboys won 12 of their next 15 games to secure the NFC East title and shock the entire NFL nation in Romo’s greatest season. In 2014, Romo finally had a cast comparable to the ones Troy Aikman had in the 90s, as Dallas was built well enough to avoid the 4^th quarter and December collapses that made the more recent teams a laughing stock. Runningback DeMarco Murray also added fuel to the offense as workload.

But make no mistake; Romo wasn’t relegated to a game manager in 2014. In fact, the Cowboys relied on him more than ever before. His accuracy, mobility in the pocket, and extremely fast throws elevated Dallas in a competitive NFC East, and his jukes against Houston and Seattle were absolutely textbook. HE AVOIDED J.J. WATT. HOW MANY QUARTERBACKS CAN SAY THAT? He was a monster in Sunday Night Football games, and led 3 4^th quarter comebacks and 4 game winning drives on the season.

But it was Romo’s December play that really stands out. Throwing 12 touchdowns and only 1 interception (that probably shouldn’t have counted because it was in a week 17 matchup when the Cowboys were already up huge) in a brutal primetime filled schedule, Romo emerged as a huge MVP candidate, going down to the wire with other players. He’s had his best season, and this says a lot because Romo’s best season is better than Aikman’s best season.

It just goes to show that unless he gets a ring, Romo will never get the respect he truly deserves. But his 2014 season has been a season to remember, elevating himself as the 2^nd best quarterback of the year.

Best Game: Week 11 Against The New York Giants: In a Sunday Night thriller against the rival Giants, Romo was perfect in connecting with superstar Dez Bryant, including the game winning touchdown drive, where Romo bought all sorts of time stepping on his toes in the pocket, delivering a beautiful touchdown throw to Dez. He finished 18.26 for 275 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, a 143.4 passer rating, and a 92.2 Total QBR.

1. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)

 

Stats: 341/520 (65.6 CMP%), 8.65 ANY/A, 4,381 yards, 38 TD, 5 INT, 112.2 Passer Rating, 82.64 Total QBR

 

There are few things as fun to watch as seeing Aaron Rodgers play the game of football.

He is the most athletically gifted of the elite quarterbacks, able to make any football field his personal playground with expert defensive reads, mobility, scrambling, and the best deep ball in the business with the one-two punch in Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and a running game threat in Eddie Lacy.

Despite a rough first 3 games of the season, Rodgers RELAXED and went on an incredible run, torching defenses and delivering accurate long balls that no one else in the league could ever accomplish. An awful game aided by 7 dropped passes from his teammates against the Bills put in doubt who between Peyton, Romo, and Rodgers was most deserving of the MVP, but ARod answered the debates in week 17, playing on an injured calf, where he carried the Packers to their 4^th straight NFC North division title, throwing 17/22 for 226 yards, 2 touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, a 139.6 passer rating, and a 97.5 Total QBR, preventing the threat of the Lions from taking away the NFC North for good.

Consider that Rodgers threw 5 interceptions on the season, and threw interceptions in only 3 games. His entire career efficiency numbers are insanely good, and 2014 validated that statement.

People will be debating which between Rodgers’ 2011 and 2014 seasons is his best. I’d take 2011 overall, but only because it’s that damn good. Aaron Rodgers’ 2014 is awfully close, and if there’s one guy that should win the MVP in 2014, it’s him. Few players have ever played as impressively as him, and few players will ever play as impressive as him in the future.

That’s just how Aaron Rodgers has worked his magic, and he is the best quarterback of 2014.

Best Game: Week 10 Against The Chicago Bears: Nothing needs to be said other than Aaron Rodgers threw 6 touchdowns in the first half, going 18/27 for 315 yards, a 145.8 rate, and a 99.8 Total QBR. Watch the highlights for more.

Stats via pro-football-reference.com, espn.com, and hosted.stats.com.