Previously, I ranked my bottom third of NFL quarterbacks from 32-22. In this edition, I bring you numbers 21-11 which will lead to the top 10 that will appear next week. Without further ado, number 21 in my NFL Quarterback Rankings is…
21.) Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens)
2016 Stats: 16 GS, 64.9 CMP%, 4317 yards, 20 TD, 15 INT, 83.5 QBR
2016 was Joe Flacco‘s first season throwing for more than 4,000 yards as the focus shifted to the passing game towards late season. Flacco almost helped the Ravens to a division victory but fell short to Pittsburgh on Christmas to lose the AFC North and allow Pittsburgh to take the playoff spot. Flacco has really struggled since leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl championship in 2012 and has only been to the playoffs once. He was able to have his best season since the Super Bowl but even that wasn’t enough to overcome some mediocre losses and performances from “Joe Cool”.
20.) Sam Bradford (Minnesota Vikings)
2016 Stats: 15 GS, 71.6 CMP%, 3877 yards, 20 TD, 5 INT, 99.3 QBR
Sam Bradford had to step in due to an injury to Teddy Bridgewater during practice before week two. After winning their first four games under Bradford, Vikings fans were excited for what the season held. Unfortunately, it got much worse as it got better. Bradford did a very good job keeping the ball out of the opposing secondary’s hands but his own defense couldn’t hold up. His play trailed off towards the middle of the season but he posted his only three touchdown games of 2016 in weeks 16 and 17 to round out the season.
19.) Carson Palmer (Arizona Cardinals)
2016 Stats: 15 GS, 61.0 CMP%, 4233 yards, 26 TD, 14 INT, 87.2 QBR
After considering retirement this off season, Carson Palmer will return for the 2017 season. Palmer played pretty decent this season as he was able to throw a touchdown in all but two games. One of those games was a four interception performance against Buffalo in week 3. Otherwise, Palmer had a good season for the age. He’ll be 37 for the majority of this season. He’ll want one more chance at the playoffs as this will likely be his final season in the NFL.
18.) Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
2016 Stats: 16 GS, 64.7 CMP%, 4219 yards, 21 TD, 11 INT, 92.6 QBR
Russell Wilson threw for 4219 yards this season, good for the best total he’s ever posted. His 21 touchdown’s were one off of a career low. the 11 interceptions were a career high. He had a five interception game against Green Bay late in the season and lost to an NFC Champion Falcons defense during the divisional round. Wilson’s numbers aren’t exactly worthy of such a low ranking, but some quarterbacks in worse situations had better seasons.
17.) Carson Wentz (Philadelphia Eagles)
2016 Stats: 16 GS, 62.4 CMP%, 3782 yards, 16 TD, 14 INT, 79.3 QBR
In his rookie season, Carson Wentz had the Eagles to a 3-0 start which included wins over Cleveland, Chicago, and a 34-3 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wentz displayed some arm strength but lacked the decision making like most rookies do. Not many quarterbacks take the league by storm in year one. Some exceptions can be made for that but Wentz will be expected to put a more significant gap between how many touchdown’s and interceptions he throws this season.
16.) Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals)
2016 Stats: 16 GS, 64.7 CMP%, 4206 yards, 18 TD, 8 INT, 91.8 QBR
Andy Dalton didn’t have the record to back it up, but he gad one of his more solid seasons as an NFL quarterback. He appeared in the pro bowl for a third time. Over the last two seasons, Dalton has cut down on the amount of interceptions he’s thrown. He lost his main target, A.J. Green, due to a hamstring injury for the final six games. Dalton lost a receiver in the midst of potentially his best season in the NFL. A 16-game slate of Green next season with Dalton could spell trouble for the league.
15.) Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)
2016 Stats: 16 GS, 60.4 CMP%, 4386 yards, 33 TD, 21 INT, 87.9 QBR
Philip Rivers tossed 33 touchdowns this season, his most since 2008 (34). He also lead the league in interceptions in 2016 with 21. Since assuming the starter’s role in 2006, Rivers has never thrown less than 21 touchdowns. He does his fair share year in and year out. He may have thrown lots of interceptions but he doesn’t have much help. Rivers is a good NFL quarterback that’s never had any playoff success. That’s what he’ll be judged on. If you look at the raw stats, Rivers puts up hall of fame numbers. He’s a good quarterback and this season was no exception.
14.) Alex Smith (Kansas City Chiefs)
2016 Stats: 15 GS, 67.1 CMP%, 3502 yards, 15 TD, 8 INT, 91.2 QBR
Alex Smith‘s 3502 yards are good enough for the most he’s ever thrown for. Smith has had six season’s where he’s been the starting quarterback. The last four have come with Kansas City. His numbers have never been prolific, but he has always done a great job keeping the ball for his team. He’s a game manager quarterback and he is great at what he does. He led the Chiefs to an AFC West title this season and there isn’t much to complain about. The Chiefs have a solid quarterback in their possession.
13.) Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)
2016 Stats: 14 GS, 64.4 CMP%, 3819 yards, 29 TD, 13 INT, 95.4 QBR
Ben Roethlisberger had a rough season this year. He was able to lead his team to the AFC Championship game and a nine game winning streak, including playoffs, until their loss to New England. Despite his many prolific receiving options, Roethlisberger’s numbers weren’t up to par with what he’s been able to do in recent seasons. This has fans wondering if Roethlisberger is still a top-10 quarterback. He will need better production next season to be back in that conversation again.
12.) Jameis Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
2016 Stats: 16 GS, 60.8 CMP%, 4090 yards, 28 TD, 18 INT, 86.1 QBR
Jameis Winston followed up his rookie campaign with one just as good, if not better in 2016. He tossed 28 touchdowns and looked poised and calm doing it. His first game launched him off to a great start with four touchdowns and one interceptions. He flipped those numbers in week two. Winston’s last few weeks weren’t exactly his best but he was able to help his team finish 9-7 on the year and it seems as though Winston and his team are trending in the right direction.
11.) Marcus Mariota (Tennessee Titans)
2016 Stats: 15 GS, 61.2 CMP%, 3426 yards, 26 TD, 9 INT, 95.6 QBR
Marcus Mariota improved immensely from his rookie season. His rookie season wasn’t bad either. He was very close to leading his team to the playoffs before a leg injury week 16 cost him the vital week 17 game and they fell short. It’s not far-fetched that they could be a playoff team next season and Mariota could be in the running for a top-10 quarterback spot. He is a very efficient signal caller and is one of his own breed. Mariota is just on the cusp of being elite.
