Aaron Rodgers Is Currently The Best Quarterback In The NFL
October 2, 2011 - 10:48 pm by Ryan Phillips
I’m going to preface this post by saying I’m not a Green Bay Packers fan. I have no allegiance to the team whatsoever.
After the first four games of this season, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has proven himself to be the best signal-caller in the NFL.
After a Sunday whipping of the Denver Broncos, the Packers are currently 4-0, making them the only undefeated team other than the Detroit Lions. In Sunday’s game, Rodgers completed 29-of-38 passes for 408 yards, with four touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for two scores and racked up a quarterback rating of 134.5. While those numbers look fantastic, it’s exactly the kind of thing we’ve come to expect from Rodgers over the past few years.
So far this season Rodgers has completed 103-of-141 passes (73 percent) for 1,325 yards, with 12 touchdowns and two interceptions. Those numbers give him an NFL-best quarterback rating of 124.5.
While some argue that quarterback rating is an imperfect statistic, the 27-year-old Rodgers now owns the best rating in NFL history at 100.5. Admit it, that’s impressive.
Rodgers has been a starter for three season (starting in 2008). In that time it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t risen to be the best quarterback in the NFL. If you compare his numbers to those of the other to signal-callers the league has to offer over the past two seasons, things get interesting.
Rodgers: 662-of-1,016 (65.2 percent), 8,356 yards, 58 touchdowns, 18 interceptions. Quarterback rating of 102.3.
Peyton Manning: 843-of-1,250 (67.4 percent), 9,200 yards, 66 touchdowns, 33 interceptions. Quarterback rating of 95.5.
Philip Rivers: 674-of-1,027 (65.6 percent), 8,964 yards, 58 touchdowns, 22 interceptions. Quarterback rating of 103.0.
Tom Brady: 695-of-1,057 (65.8 percent), 8,298 yards, 64 touchdowns, 17 interceptions. Quarterback rating of 103.1.
Drew Brees: 811-of-1,172 (69.2 percent), 9,008 yards, 67 touchdowns, 33 interceptions. Quarterback rating of 99.1.
All of those guys are pretty close statistically, but looking at what Rodgers did in the postseason last year and the ridiculous numbers he has put up this year, the Cal product has separated himself from the pack. On top of everything else, Rodgers has led the Packers to a 29-11 over the past two seasons and the first four games of this year.
If you’ve watched Rodgers play it’s obvious the guy has an insane level of confidence in his abilities. The guy has a grasp of his team’s offense that only Brady and Manning can boast. With Manning sidelined by an injury and Brady throwing five interceptions this season so far, Rodgers has elevated himself to the top of the heap. Brees has also found the opposition four times this season, while Rivers has thrown six picks.
Rodgers has simply been better than anyone else over the past few seasons and seems to only be getting better.
While Brady, Manning and Brees consistently get mentioned as the top quarterbacks in the NFL, it’s hard to argue the Green Bay Packers don’t have the top guy in the NFL under-center right now.
13 Responses to “Aaron Rodgers Is Currently The Best Quarterback In The NFL”
packers is my team.so far they are on their best game.good work boys
By reva rhodes on Oct 3, 2011
Watching Aaron Rogers throw is like a heat seeking missile finding its target,poerty in motion I new he was gonna be good when he got even a few times to fill in for Farve,
By lynyrd on Oct 3, 2011
Article must have been written by a true genious. A-Rod is simply the best in the game. His magic along with the magic of the packers is a perfect combination for success that will continue for the next 10 to 15 years(baring injury). He will possibly be remembered as the best quarter back of all time when its all said and done and after he’s won a whopping 7 Lombardi Trophies
By Robert on Oct 3, 2011
I’ve not seen truer words written since the last time I read my Bible (which is often). Not only is A-Rod a great QB, but a great person as well. At this pace, he is set to becoming “immortalized” as far as Pro Football goes. Here’s hoping to his continued good health and well-being. Good piece of work, Ryan Phillips!
By Tejano2k on Oct 3, 2011
Aaron is simply the best. Brady, Manning, nor brees are as elusive as Rodgers. this alone makes him better considering their throwing abilities are seemingly identical. The 16 yard pass to James Jones, I doubt anyone can make a better throw than that, or the 50 yarder to Jordy. Packers will be 19-0
By Lynwood on Oct 3, 2011
And one of those interceptions was a fluke tipped pass that should have been an interception. Dude has been incredible, and the nice thing is, he has a pretty cakewalk schedule to get through to pad those stats over the next few weeks. The Vikings and the Chiefs are looming. At San Diego could be the biggest threat to losing before Thanksgiving with the way these other teams are playing right now.
By MJenks on Oct 3, 2011
Wasn’t Brady the definitive “best QB in the league” heading into Week 3?
Rodgers is tremendous and has the hardware to prove it. Brady’s done it all too…in multiples.
And last I checked, he’s still playing at a extremely high level. Pretty much right where Rodgers is.
Rodgers mobility is great to have and an asset. But someone’s gonna have to explain to me how a lack of mobility has hindered the Colts or the Patriots this past decade.
By Shecky on Oct 4, 2011
well it’s easy. besides the fans of the colts and patriots or even the steelers, i think everyone else is sick and tired of seeing these teams wins all the time. those 3 teams in the past decade are the only ones anyone has seen win. i dont care who wins but im tired of those 3 teams. easy schedule for the packers or not, aaron’s time has come and everyone better watch out
By jmiller on Oct 4, 2011
I am a Packer fan first, Aaron Rodgers fan second. The question of who is the greatest quarterback playing will only be answered week to week, performance to performance. One week, its Tom Brady, the next its Rodgers, the next its Drew Brees. This year you have to throw in Mathew Stafford. (even if its only until he gets hurt). Yes, he is doing great, and without a doubt the one I would want leading my team, but time will tell, the number of rings will tell.
By Ken on Oct 5, 2011
should i pickup randle coob for my fantasy team
By matt on Oct 6, 2011
I agree that A-Rod is the best right now, but after this past week’s performance, I would put Drew Brees as not only one of the best of his time, but one of the best All time. Brees now occupies the same space as Rodgers, Manning, and Brady.
By Andy on Oct 25, 2011
Brady is better
By Sam on Oct 30, 2011
Aaron Rodgers is the best in the NFL!!!!! i am only in my teens but i am a huge packers fan!!!!
By danielle on Dec 26, 2011