Our trip around the NFL continues as we end the week with a look at the top four signal callers in the NFC North. Aaron Rodgers is probably the easy pick for the NFC North crown for many (if not all), since he is also a clear favorite for the best quarterback in the entire league, as well. That isn’t to say the division doesn’t have it’s fair share of talent, however, while ranking the other three quarterbacks is a chore all on it’s own.
2015 could switch things up considerably, as Teddy Bridgewater enters his second year in the league, Jay Cutler may be on shaky ground with a new regime in Chicago and Matthew Stafford is coming off of a down year. What’s the right order when ranking the four starting NFC North quarterbacks? Let’s find out:
4. Teddy Bridgewater (Minnesota Vikings)
Bridgewater was thought to be a reach by some in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, but it looks like the Vikings knew better than most. Instead of looking like a bust, Bridgewater looked professional, prepared and comfortable. He had some moments with turnovers and decision-making, but even without Adrian Peterson and a band of reliable receiving weapons, he still produced solid numbers and got some wins. Entering year two, it’s not going to take much for him to rise up in these rankings, but he still has to prove what we saw last year both wasn’t a fluke and is only the beginning, and not a plateau.
3. Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears)
Cutler has been an interesting case his entire career, as no one could ever knock his powerful arm and effortless release, nor his confidence, moxie, athleticism or creativity. Consistency, efficiency, work ethic and accuracy have all been tough and go, and despite now being over 30, he’s made it to post-season play just once. He gets the nod over Bridgwater because he’s an established veteran, has put up some great numbers and has even appeared in an NFC title game. But if he’s ever to make it to even #2 in the NFC North, he’ll have to finally realize his potential. So far, he simply hasn’t.
2. Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions)
Despite having a woeful showing on a regular basis against winning teams, Stafford has been to the playoffs more times (twice) than the two guys he’s ranked ahead of. He’s also been the better player from a statistical perspective, as he still owns the towering 41-touchdown and 5,000+ passing yard season of 2011 and also has produced at least 4,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in each of the past four seasons. Once considered a fragile gunslinger thanks to an injury-marred first two seasons, Stafford has rapidly turned into a gamer who can freely connect with Calvin Johnson. He’s benefited from great talent and a nice system, but Stafford has always displayed a cannon arm and a willingness to chase the big play. Reported improvement in his footwork and accuracy this summer cement him right behind Rodgers, although it’s safe to say he’ll never make it to the top spot in this division as long as Rodgers is an active player.
1. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
A-Rod is the best passer in the NFC North, hands down, and he just might be the best quarterback in the NFL, too. While the latter is very arguable either way, the former isn’t. Rodgers is the only quarterback in this division to win a Super Bowl and he’s far and away been the more productive, efficient and consistent performer. He also did everything he’s done under the shadow of a legend in Brett Favre and he’s managed to play turnover free football for much of his career. Rodgers is already a legend in his own way and is only building on that with each successful run. After barely missing out on a trip to his second ever title game a year ago, Rodgers and the Packers are slated to take the NFC North and once again give it a go at a deep playoff run in 2015.
Disagree with our NFC North quarterback rankings? Let us hear your order in the comments below!
