The NFL postseason is upon us and as the league has become more and more pass friendly it is no surprise any team that seriously hopes to win a Super Bowl needs a top tier quarterback. Doe your team have one of those game changers behind center? Take a look at the list ranking the playoff quartebacks, if you don’t see your guy very high on the list you probably do not need to worry about looking for Super Bowl tickets.
1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
The man has not thrown an interception since Week 6, and he has thrown 26 touchdowns in those final 11 games. There was not a better quarterback this season and he may have just moved past Manning as the best quarterback in the 21st century. Brady may even be the best quarterback ever.
2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
This is a quarterback who has dragged his team into the playoffs despite 17 players on the injured reserve, now including beloved tight end Dallas Clark. Any QB who can turn Jacob Tamme into a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver in nine weeks deserves some respect.
3. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles
So what if Vick has thrown all six of his picks in the last five games, he has also thrown 10 touchdown passes and run four in himself in those same games.
4. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Remember when Eminem reminded us we forgot about Dre in 1999, well this postseason someone needs to remind us we forgot about Brees. Sure he threw an uncharacteristic 22 picks in the regular season, but is still a Super Bowl MVP returning to the postseason.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Nor rain, nor snow, nor broken foot, nor broken nose, nor god-awful offensive line can keep Ben Roethlisberger down. This guy thrives under pressure and there is no more demanding time for an NFL quarterback than the playoffs.
6. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Three games with three touchdown passes or more in the last six games he has played (including a four-touchdown performance after returning from a concussion).
7. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Ryan
This guy does not have great statistics and some of his late-season performances have been questionable, but he gets to play at home, where he is at his best, until the Super Bowl
8. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
OK, so this kid has a reputation for coming out for big games and has thrown 15 touchdowns to four interceptions since the bye in Week 8. Still, we expected much more from him with the addition of Anquan Boldin.
9. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
This is not a glowing recommendation for Cutler because of his penchant for throwing off one foot, but he has still had two three-touchdown games in Week’s 15 and 16.
10. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs
He is coming off an appendectomy and has played within himself this season. He is better than a game manager, but not good enough to be called a playmaker. I doubt he can maintain a 93 QB rating if the running game is not rolling.
11. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets
Mark Sanchez has struggled mightily down the stretch, not a good sign heading into the playoffs as the number six seed.
12. Matt Hasselbeck/Charlie Whitehurst, Seattle Seahawks
I think both of these guys are leaving for a stint in the United Football League after this season is done.