Our run through the top starting quarterbacks in the NFL for 2015 makes it’s first stop in the NFC. The verdict is in for all four divisions in the AFC, as we’ve ranked the top starting signal callers in each division, with Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning all understandably taking the crown in their respective divisions. Which NFC quarterbacks will appear on their conference’s Mount Rushmore? Let’s kick things off in the NFC East to find out:
4. Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins)
Once a supremely hyped rookie sensation, RG3 hasn’t been the same ever since tearing his ACL back in 2012. Since then he’s had issues with pocket presense, timing, mobility and turnovers. The Redskins went from a playoff team to one of the worst teams in the NFC and suddenly Robert Griffin III is facing a make or break season. On the surface he has the talent to be an elite threat, but he needs to be 100% healthy in both mind and body. That hasn’t been the case, and while the reports have been somewhat positive in camp, RG3 may not have enough time to fully rebound from his steep regression. RG3 used to rely on his speed and athleticism, but with that sapped, his pocket presence and awareness may have to rise to an elite level for him to re-establish himself as a dangerous weapon. Until we see that happen, he’s going to be fairly grounded in an increasingly tougher NFC East.
3. Sam Bradford (Philadelphia Eagles)
If there are questions about RG3 there are certainly questions about Bradford, who has missed most of the past two seasons with torn ACL’s and enters 2015 at less than 100% with a new custom football jerseys and team. All of the change could help the former #1 overall pick, though, as he was at the worst a steady pocket passer who showed solid arm strength, good decision-making and enough accuracy to think he could eventually match the hype. Bradford is still fairly young and has some untapped potential, and in a Chip Kelly offense it’s possible he has a career year. He has a lot to prove and simply staying on the field for the entire year will go a long way in helping him do that. He’s only a hair above RG3 at this point, but his only true knock is his health. If he’s good to go, he has a realistic shot at reviving his career.
2. Eli Manning (New York Giants)
Manning has won two Super Bowls and has had a few elite statistical seasons, but what has he really done for the Giants lately? He did drop 30 touchdowns on the league in 2014, but he hasn’t been overly efficient or consistent over the past three years, while the G-Men haven’t been regular participants in the playoffs, either. While things haven’t been great lately, New York seems to be trending upwards with the rise of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last year, while the less predictable offense of coordinator Bob McAdoo seems to have helped Manning get the ball out of his hands faster and more accurately. A second season in that system could be huge for Manning and the Giants, and it just might make for a return trip to post-season play, as well. Manning enters a lame duck year at 34 years old and it’s still totally possible his best days are behind him, but we saw a glimmer of his old self last year. If he still is that guy in 2015, the Giants will be better for it and he’ll have easily earned his #2 spot in these NFC East quarterback rankings.
1. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)
Romo has had his failures in the clutch and in post-season play, but for the most part he’s been taken for granted by Cowboys fans. Romo could easily start to regress in his age 35 season, but if we’re to learn anything from an extremely efficient 2014 season, that probably won’t be happening just yet. Romo benefited immensely from a studly rushing attack led by DeMarco Murray, which helped him pick his spots more than ever and allowed him to limit turnovers and be more efficient (just 9 picks and 69.9% completion rate). Things could change with Murray gone, but Dallas still has a bone-crushing offensive line and if they can continue to run the ball, Romo’s play should remain at a very high level. With at least 28 touchdowns in each of the past four years, Romo is without a doubt the statistical dominator in the NFC East at the quarterback position, while a return to the playoffs (along with a win) in 2014 has pushed him back up over the sluggish Manning. Another (deep) playoff run in 2015 could cement Romo here for good.
Think the order of the NFC East quarterbacks is all wrong? Give us your rankings in the comments below!
