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Top 5 QBs all time? (1 Viewer)

D

Deuce'sWild

Footballguy
1. Montana

2. Brady

3. Manning

4. Marino

5. Favre

This will likely be a heated debate. But I had thoughts of putting Brady #1 here. He's got the rings as we know, and he's on pace to break several records this year. I can't think of a game he's ever missed, so he's durable, and seems to be a great leader.

Thoughts?

 
Im not sure how Id order them but right now Id say the top 5 are

Montana

Elway

Favre

Brady

Manning

and then

Marino

 
Marino

Elway

Favre

Montana

Manning

You give any of those guys the teams that Brady has had around him and they all bring home the hardware.

 
Sabertooth said:
MarinoElwayFavreMontanaManningYou give any of those guys the teams that Brady has had around him and they all bring home the hardware.
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I am a die-hard Fins fan and I wish that Dan had brought home the gold just one time so that a legitimate argument could be made for your rankings. Alas, no ring means no top billing. I do believe that he is very slightly above Favre though and at least for now, above Manning and Brady. I think that sadly, both of those guys will pass him by the end of their respective careers though. I cannot make the argument though that Dan belongs above Elway or Montana. I know he never had a RB or a defense, but whatever the reasons, those guys get the nod due to phenominal careers plus the rings.MontanaElwayMarinoFavreManning/Brady (I cannot decide which goes 1st)
 
Can't even compare. It's a different game. Bradshaw was QB/OC. QBs back then had much more responsibility for the offense.

 
Dont let Moderated see some of these, or he may rant about Elway vs Favre's rankings!!! :wall:

Montana

Elway

Manning

Brady

Marino

Favre

But i reserve the right to change that at any time......

 
B Maverick said:
Dont let Moderated see some of these, or he may rant about Elway vs Favre's rankings!!! :goodposting: MontanaElwayManningBradyMarinoFavreBut i reserve the right to change that at any time......
Click to expand...
I am admittedly biased, but I think that putting Brady and/or Manning above Marino on an "all-time greatest list" at this point in their careers is premature. They may very well get there, but I dont think they are there yet. More Super Bowl rings, yes, but better all-time QB, not yet IMO. You have to accomplish a lot more over a much longer period at a very consistent level to pass Marino IMO.
 
I have no disagreement with any of the names listed, but I always think there are three guys who get short-changed whenever these lists are made:

1. Steve Young has the highest QB rating ever over a career.

2. Troy Aikman is as great a combination of strength and accuracy as I've ever seen.

3. Kurt Warner was only great for a three year period, but during that time he remains the best player IMO that I have watched at QB.

 
On Bryant Gumbel's HBO show last week, they did a feature on some QB coach. Turns out Joe Montana's son is actually one of this guys students. So the reporter was having alot of fun with that- "the greatest QB in NFL history actually has someone else teaching his son" etc and had Montana on for an interview. Anyway, Montana gave a gracious interview.

So at the end of the feature when Gumbel does his little one on one ending with the reporter of the segmant, Gumbel suddenly says to the reporter. "By the way, Marina is the greatest QB ever, not Montana" The reporter kind of gives him a "whatever, that's your opinion" kind of reply.

I thought it was incredibly classless of Gumbel- especially when Montana lets them interview him for their show and Gumbel throws that out. Just no need for it- the way he said it.

Anyway,

1.Montana #1- still marvel at some of the magical moments he pulled off, in spite of revisionist history did it with avg, good, and great players at different times. Made everyone around him better.

2.Brady- until this year kind of thought he was overrated, but he's consistently put up #'s without a great cast, now he is putting up incredible inflated #'s because of it. What seperates Montana and always will, is those moments- the 4 down- last play of the game- throw a TD to win the playoff game- type of stuff Montana pulled. I haven't seen Brady do that yet, and the couple of times I have seen him with a heroic oppurtunity- he's failed (althouth I'm sure he's had some moments I just haven't seen.

3. Marino- consider him a choker- I always thought he failed under pressure, but as a pure passer- incredible.

4. Elway- his comebacks were less impressive than Montana IMO because alot of times it was Elways poor play that got them behind.

5. Unitas- never saw him play, don't know how good he was, but my dad and his friends swear by him....

Manning prob should take the Unitas spot- but I had him one year at my Fantasy QB and followed him closely, same year Edge came back from knee injury- Manning struggled and had alot of last drives that could have won the game where he just fell apart. Since then, I just wonder if he really is that great under pressure. I don't think the Super Bowl really answered that

 
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CrossEyed said:
Can't even compare. It's a different game. Bradshaw was QB/OC. QBs back then had much more responsibility for the offense.
Click to expand...
Agree. Where to put Sammy Baugh, Sid Luckman, Otto Graham (at least someone did mention him), Norm Van Brocklin, Bart Starr, Unitas...
 
First off, haven't we done this just within the past couple of weeks?

Secondly, it is ridiculous that there were more than 10 posts in here without Unitas's name even being mentioned.

Third, as a couple others have noted, you really cannot effectively compare modern era QBs to pre-modern era QBs.

That said, I'd rank Montana and Unitas as the top 2 QBs of all time. I'm really not sure how I'd rank the next group, but I think QBs in the running for the #3 to #9 spots are (in no particular order): Favre, Elway, Graham, Baugh, Peyton Manning, Brady, and Marino.

 
Just Win Baby said:
First off, haven't we done this just within the past couple of weeks?Secondly, it is ridiculous that there were more than 10 posts in here without Unitas's name even being mentioned.Third, as a couple others have noted, you really cannot effectively compare modern era QBs to pre-modern era QBs.That said, I'd rank Montana and Unitas as the top 2 QBs of all time. I'm really not sure how I'd rank the next group, but I think QBs in the running for the #3 to #9 spots are (in no particular order): Favre, Elway, Graham, Baugh, Peyton Manning, Brady, and Marino.
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:confused: and I agree with your top 10, although I do think that Bradshaw is sniffing around there...
 
Deuce said:
1. Montana2. Brady3. Manning4. Marino5. FavreThis will likely be a heated debate. But I had thoughts of putting Brady #1 here. He's got the rings as we know, and he's on pace to break several records this year. I can't think of a game he's ever missed, so he's durable, and seems to be a great leader.Thoughts?
Click to expand...
You said of all time.You not only do not have Unitas even on the list (instant DQ right there imo), but you seem to think all time = from 1980-present.
 
<planttonguefirmlyincheek>

Hard to believe that any discussion of this sort could possibly fail to mention the immortal Babe Laufenberg.

</planttonguefirmlyincheek>

 
The Vision said:
1. Steve Young has the highest QB rating ever over a career.
Click to expand...
Hard to imagine Young not making the top five.
Click to expand...
Not hard for me. He had a great surrounding cast, outstanding coaching, good passing weather for most games and had a shorter peak since he had a late start behind Montana. Oh, did I mention great surrounding cast included the greatest WR ever?If we are talking ALL time, I think Otto Graham - 10 championship games in 10 years, 7 championships, along with Unitas, HAVE to be included.You have three spots left for Montana, Elway, Marino, Brady and Manning. Favre is not there imo, and Manning might not quite make it but will, with another championship - Id like to see Brady without the Belicheck machine around him.
 
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KingEl said:
On Bryant Gumbel's HBO show last week, they did a feature on some QB coach. Turns out Joe Montana's son is actually one of this guys students. So the reporter was having alot of fun with that- "the greatest QB in NFL history actually has someone else teaching his son" etc and had Montana on for an interview. Anyway, Montana gave a gracious interview.

So at the end of the feature when Gumbel does his little one on one ending with the reporter of the segmant, Gumbel suddenly says to the reporter. "By the way, Marina is the greatest QB ever, not Montana" The reporter kind of gives him a "whatever, that's your opinion" kind of reply.

I thought it was incredibly classless of Gumbel- especially when Montana lets them interview him for their show and Gumbel throws that out. Just no need for it- the way he said it.

Anyway,

1.Montana #1- still marvel at some of the magical moments he pulled off, in spite of revisionist history did it with avg, good, and great players at different times. Made everyone around him better.

2.Brady- until this year kind of thought he was overrated, but he's consistently put up #'s without a great cast, now he is putting up incredible inflated #'s because of it. What seperates Montana and always will, is those moments- the 4 down- last play of the game- throw a TD to win the playoff game- type of stuff Montana pulled. I haven't seen Brady do that yet, and the couple of times I have seen him with a heroic oppurtunity- he's failed (althouth I'm sure he's had some moments I just haven't seen.

3. Marino- consider him a choker- I always thought he failed under pressure, but as a pure passer- incredible.

4. Elway- his comebacks were less impressive than Montana IMO because alot of times it was Elways poor play that got them behind.

5. Unitas- never saw him play, don't know how good he was, but my dad and his friends swear by him....

Manning prob should take the Unitas spot- but I had him one year at my Fantasy QB and followed him closely, same year Edge came back from knee injury- Manning struggled and had alot of last drives that could have won the game where he just fell apart. Since then, I just wonder if he really is that great under pressure. I don't think the Super Bowl really answered that
Click to expand...
:no:
 
I realize some people may laugh at me, but:

in addition to Manning and Brady, I believe there is a third QB playing right now who by the time his career is over will be considered one of the greatest of all time: he starts for the Steelers...

 
timschochet said:
I realize some people may laugh at me, but:in addition to Manning and Brady, I believe there is a third QB playing right now who by the time his career is over will be considered one of the greatest of all time: he starts for the Steelers...
Click to expand...
You're right - some people will laugh at you.
 
Consider myself very lucky to be witnessing 3 of the 5 best QBs of all time (IMO) playing.

So hard to compare current players to older ones, but I think that defenses, as well as offenses put a lot more scheming into the game now and guys these days have more access to performance enhancement than the players of the 50s, 60s and 70s. I'm talking legal and illegal enhancement...performance enhancing drugs, but also state of the art equipment to build strength and agility, and high tech computer assisted software to break down game films.

Just SEEMS like QBs have a lot more to digest in todays game compared to in the past. But, like I said they've got access to the same stuff.

 
timschochet said:
I realize some people may laugh at me, but:

in addition to Manning and Brady, I believe there is a third QB playing right now who by the time his career is over will be considered one of the greatest of all time: he starts for the Bengals...
Click to expand...
No one else is in Manning and Brady's league, but if I had to name another It'd be Palmer...
 
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timschochet said:
I realize some people may laugh at me, but:

in addition to Manning and Brady, I believe there is a third QB playing right now who by the time his career is over will be considered one of the greatest of all time: he starts for the Steelers...
Click to expand...
I couldn't disagree with you more about Ben, but we all have our own opinions.My list:

Montana

Elway

Unitas

Staubach

Manning

 
1. Dan Marino

.....after that I don't care.

Team accomplishments are always part of this discussion and they shouldn't be. The quickest most accurate release ever belongs to Dan Marino. If I'm picking my all-time team I'm selecting Dan #1.

 
Deuce said:
Consider myself very lucky to be witnessing 3 of the 5 best QBs of all time (IMO) playing.So hard to compare current players to older ones, but I think that defenses, as well as offenses put a lot more scheming into the game now and guys these days have more access to performance enhancement than the players of the 50s, 60s and 70s. I'm talking legal and illegal enhancement...performance enhancing drugs, but also state of the art equipment to build strength and agility, and high tech computer assisted software to break down game films.Just SEEMS like QBs have a lot more to digest in todays game compared to in the past. But, like I said they've got access to the same stuff.
Click to expand...
I do agree with you about the defenses being more complicated. But where I see that evening out is the QB protection from the refs and the fact that the guys who play these days are wealthy employees, and not for the love of the game.
 
ScoobyDoo said:
1. Dan Marino.....after that I don't care.Team accomplishments are always part of this discussion and they shouldn't be. The quickest most accurate release ever belongs to Dan Marino. If I'm picking my all-time team I'm selecting Dan #1.
Click to expand...
Dan is a fine passer, but he doesn't make my top 5. He's immobile. He had zero touch when it came to short passes.If the fins would have surrounded him with a OL and a few Rec's he would have put up numbers that were more obscene then he already has.
 
ScoobyDoo said:
1. Dan Marino

.....after that I don't care.

Team accomplishments are always part of this discussion and they shouldn't be. The quickest most accurate release ever belongs to Dan Marino. If I'm picking my all-time team I'm selecting Dan #1.
Click to expand...
If that is all it took to be the best ever QB, Dan would win hands down. But that isn't the case. :goodposting: IMO, Marino is almost surely not THE best ever, because he did not win the big one. But he might be the best passer ever - hard to think who would be better, though Manning is pretty close.

 
From one of the "old guys" History must not be a subject any longer. However, some notables who are not mentioned or under-mentioned. ( I am not saying that they are necessarily top 5, just that they deserve consideration.)

In no particular order:

Sammy Baugh, Sid Luckman, Otto Graham, Bobby Layne, Y.A. Tittle, Johnny Unitas, Len Dawson, Dan Fouts, Norm Van Brocklin, Ken Stabler & Warren Moon (imagine what his stats would be if he was in the NFL instead of Canada during his prime.) Off the top of my head these deserve at least some consideration. I do not include Bart Starr, as he was an average plus QB on a dominating team.

 
cash n carry said:
From one of the "old guys" History must not be a subject any longer. However, some notables who are not mentioned or under-mentioned. ( I am not saying that they are necessarily top 5, just that they deserve consideration.)In no particular order:Sammy Baugh, Sid Luckman, Otto Graham, Bobby Layne, Y.A. Tittle, Johnny Unitas, Len Dawson, Dan Fouts, Norm Van Brocklin, Ken Stabler & Warren Moon (imagine what his stats would be if he was in the NFL instead of Canada during his prime.) Off the top of my head these deserve at least some consideration. I do not include Bart Starr, as he was an average plus QB on a dominating team.
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Im with ya old man! :goodposting:Im a big Fouts guy. Bert Jones was also a fine QB. Fran Tarkenton was as well.I also agree with you about Bart Starr. Good leader, but not the most accomplished passer.
 
SR388 said:
Deuce said:
Consider myself very lucky to be witnessing 3 of the 5 best QBs of all time (IMO) playing.So hard to compare current players to older ones, but I think that defenses, as well as offenses put a lot more scheming into the game now and guys these days have more access to performance enhancement than the players of the 50s, 60s and 70s. I'm talking legal and illegal enhancement...performance enhancing drugs, but also state of the art equipment to build strength and agility, and high tech computer assisted software to break down game films.Just SEEMS like QBs have a lot more to digest in todays game compared to in the past. But, like I said they've got access to the same stuff.
Click to expand...
I do agree with you about the defenses being more complicated. But where I see that evening out is the QB protection from the refs and the fact that the guys who play these days are wealthy employees, and not for the love of the game.
Click to expand...
:goodposting:
 
Hard for me to judge QBs that played before I started watching football, but since I started watching the NFL (around '84), the best six I have seen are:

Elway

Montana

Young

Favre

Brady

Manning

 
SR388 said:
ScoobyDoo said:
1. Dan Marino

.....after that I don't care.

Team accomplishments are always part of this discussion and they shouldn't be. The quickest most accurate release ever belongs to Dan Marino. If I'm picking my all-time team I'm selecting Dan #1.
Click to expand...
Dan is a fine passer, but he doesn't make my top 5. He's immobile. He had zero touch when it came to short passes.

If the fins would have surrounded him with a OL and a few Rec's he would have put up numbers that were more obscene then he already has.
Click to expand...
I wanted to let that statement go. I even tried to just go right past the post and continue reading the thread and pretend I did not see it. It is just so blatantly false though that I could not allow myself to get past it. The only glaring flaw in Dan's game (aside from his lack of rushing yards) was that he could not sell a play action pass for the life of him. He was fine on short passes, had as much touch as anyone who has ever played the game, and was the best pure passer of my lifetime. He was not immobile either until after his knees failed him. He was not a rushing QB by any means, and he did not gain yards with his legs, but his pocket presence and excellent footwork bought him time in the pocket and helped to make him consistently the least sacked QB in the league.I think people forget how spectacular he was. It was a long time ago already. The guy was amazing to watch.

 
SR388 said:
timschochet said:
I realize some people may laugh at me, but:

in addition to Manning and Brady, I believe there is a third QB playing right now who by the time his career is over will be considered one of the greatest of all time: he starts for the Steelers...
Click to expand...
I couldn't disagree with you more about Ben, but we all have our own opinions.My list:

Montana

Elway

Unitas

Staubach

Manning
Click to expand...
Good list.Anyone who says overhyped Aikman doesn't know how much better Staubach was.

 
Phlash said:
Otto Graham
Click to expand...
Any top five without this guy in it is flawed.His team played for a championship every single year of his 10-year career. I'm not big on judging QBs by team accomplishments, but that one's hard to ignore.His stats were also by far the best of his era. They'd hold up pretty well in this era. Graham and Bobby Layne were the Manning/Brady of the 50's, but compare their numbers side-by-side and it's not even close. It's Graham in a landslide.
 
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