You're Starting a New NFL Franchise Today (1 Viewer)

[JMJ]

Which QB are you building your new franchise around?

I included the option of "Other" in case someone wanted to say Matt Ryan or Joe Flacco or etc. But I don't see how somebody could pick them over the guys above based off of one year while they were slowly fed into being the leaders of their team. I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

So, who do you choose?

 

[Chase Stuart]

Brees stands out as the best choice to me. He's still young and he's had three star years. Rivers was better last year and Ryan projects as well as any QB in a long, long time. But I don't think you can base this choice just on what happened in '08.

 

[Cover2]

Other = Matt Ryan

 

[Uber]

Brees. Almost went Roethlisberger.

 

[DawnBTVS]

I chose Brees for this simple reason...

He's proven he can run an extremely pass heavy offense (600+ attempts) in a year with success. Therefore, he can give me options in how I want to run my offense and the knowledge that if the running game struggles, I can lean on him for 35-40 attempts a game.

 

[CommuterMan]

Brees stands out as the best choice to me. He's still young and he's had three star years. Rivers was better last year and Ryan projects as well as any QB in a long, long time. But I don't think you can base this choice just on what happened in '08.

I would argue that Ryan would be a strong QB to start a franchise based on what he did in '08. If this new franchise were going to be starting fresh like an expansion team why not get a young QB with great talent and a good head on his sholders? The other QBs are solid choices but for me let me start with a blank sheet and no expectations and see where Ryan could take my team. Atanta was considered a team in turmoil prior to the season and no one gave them a shot at succeeding let alone making the playoffs. The same would be true fo a new franchise. Better in my opinion to create a nucleus for the future and Ryan would be perfect for that leadership role.I'll take my lumps for the first few years but I expect Ryan will have Atlanta pushing for the playoffs each year for the next decade and he could do no worse for a new franchise either.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Other = Matt Ryan

Bingo

 

[Chase Stuart]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

 

[Chase Stuart]

Brees stands out as the best choice to me. He's still young and he's had three star years. Rivers was better last year and Ryan projects as well as any QB in a long, long time. But I don't think you can base this choice just on what happened in '08.

I would argue that Ryan would be a strong QB to start a franchise based on what he did in '08. If this new franchise were going to be starting fresh like an expansion team why not get a young QB with great talent and a good head on his sholders? The other QBs are solid choices but for me let me start with a blank sheet and no expectations and see where Ryan could take my team. Atanta was considered a team in turmoil prior to the season and no one gave them a shot at succeeding let alone making the playoffs. The same would be true fo a new franchise. Better in my opinion to create a nucleus for the future and Ryan would be perfect for that leadership role.I'll take my lumps for the first few years but I expect Ryan will have Atlanta pushing for the playoffs each year for the next decade and he could do no worse for a new franchise either.

There hasn't been a bigger Ryan fan than me on this board, and I've argued that he had the best rookie season by any QB ever. That said, some sort of Bayes theorem analysis might be warranted here; while Ryan might project as a better QB than Brees in '09 or '10, Ryan had only 451 drop backs last year. It's a good sample but it's possible that Ryan played over his head all year. I feel a lot more comfortable in Brees than Ryan. For example, if I was told that either Brees or Ryan was a below average QB the next two seasons, I'd be pretty confident that it was Ryan that regressed and not Brees.It's close, though. I'll take something more proven and someone that can help me win right away.

 

[JMJ]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

Rodgers - 4,038 yards - 28 TD - 13 INTRyan - 3,440 yards - 16 TD - 11 INTRyan proved he could be a reliable game manager as a rookie, Rodgers proved you can run an entire high-scoring offense through him.

 

[Two Deep]

1st one in for Rivers. Not the strongest arm but is very competitive and is just a "Football Player".

 

[RBM]

I picked Ben but seriously considered Rivers. Man is that guy underrated. Tony freakin Romo has more votes than Rivers and thats just ridiculous.

 

[Two Deep]

I picked Ben but seriously considered Rivers. Man is that guy underrated. Tony freakin Romo has more votes than Rivers and thats just ridiculous.

The thing that most people don't like is his cocky attitude but personally I like the fire he shows to me it shows he wants it.

 

[jurb26]

It's close between Big Ben, Brees and Rivers but I have to go with Ben.

 

[RBM]

I picked Ben but seriously considered Rivers. Man is that guy underrated. Tony freakin Romo has more votes than Rivers and thats just ridiculous.

The thing that most people don't like is his cocky attitude but personally I like the fire he shows to me it shows he wants it.

I love that in my starting qb.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

Rodgers - 4,038 yards - 28 TD - 13 INTRyan - 3,440 yards - 16 TD - 11 INTRyan proved he could be a reliable game manager as a rookie, Rodgers proved you can run an entire high-scoring offense through him.

Rodgers = 119 more pass attempts. Didn't watch much of Ryan this year...did you?

 

[Native]

I love Rodgers' game - strong arm, very accurate, can make plays with his feet, not prone to excess turnovers. His offense was top five this year in his first season as a starter. He will be very good for a long time.

 

[candymanvandyfan]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.

Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

I'd probably go like this:

Cutler

Rodgers

Ryan

Flacco

Russell

Edwards

Quinn

This assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.

Just one man's opinion.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

Rodgers - 4,038 yards - 28 TD - 13 INTRyan - 3,440 yards - 16 TD - 11 INTRyan proved he could be a reliable game manager as a rookie, Rodgers proved you can run an entire high-scoring offense through him.

Ryan proved he could lead your team to the playoffs. Rodgers proved he can win you at least six games.

 

[JMJ]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

Rodgers - 4,038 yards - 28 TD - 13 INTRyan - 3,440 yards - 16 TD - 11 INTRyan proved he could be a reliable game manager as a rookie, Rodgers proved you can run an entire high-scoring offense through him.

Ryan proved he could lead your team to the playoffs. Rodgers proved he can win you at least six games.

Dude, I don't hate Ryan at all. I love when rookie QBs succeed. It is fun to watch. But to try and say he had a better season than Rogers last year is just silly.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

Rodgers - 4,038 yards - 28 TD - 13 INTRyan - 3,440 yards - 16 TD - 11 INTRyan proved he could be a reliable game manager as a rookie, Rodgers proved you can run an entire high-scoring offense through him.

Ryan proved he could lead your team to the playoffs. Rodgers proved he can win you at least six games.

Dude, I don't hate Ryan at all. I love when rookie QBs succeed. It is fun to watch. But to try and say he had a better season than Rogers last year is just silly.

I like Aaron Rodgers a lot, too, but I'm not going to pretend that his 17 more sacks, 127 more sack yards lost, 102 more attempts, 598 more yards, 12 more TDs and 3 more INTs make him better than Ryan. Rodgers was very good last year, Ryan was excellent.

 

[Bojang0301]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.I'd probably go like this:Cutler RodgersRyanFlaccoRussellEdwardsQuinnThis assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.Just one man's opinion.

27-32 are prime QB years. I would rather have a guy at 28 whose game is slowing down than someone I have to continue to develop for 2-3 years/

 

[Raider Nation]

Russell.

 

[Hoss_Cartwright]

Russell.

I know you're kidding......at least I hope you are.

 

[chris1969]

I almost gave the nod to Ryan, but just like Chase, I couldn't base everything on 1 year. I picked Brees.

 

[FUBAR]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

Rodgers - 4,038 yards - 28 TD - 13 INTRyan - 3,440 yards - 16 TD - 11 INTRyan proved he could be a reliable game manager as a rookie, Rodgers proved you can run an entire high-scoring offense through him.

Ryan proved he could lead your team to the playoffs. Rodgers proved he can win you at least six games.

Dude, I don't hate Ryan at all. I love when rookie QBs succeed. It is fun to watch. But to try and say he had a better season than Rogers last year is just silly.

I like Aaron Rodgers a lot, too, but I'm not going to pretend that his 17 more sacks, 127 more sack yards lost, 102 more attempts, 598 more yards, 12 more TDs and 3 more INTs make him better than Ryan. Rodgers was very good last year, Ryan was excellent.

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

 

[Adebisi]

Russell.

In all seriousness, I would take Matt Ryan, and it really wouldn't even be close for me.

 

[CrossEyed]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.I'd probably go like this:Cutler RodgersRyanFlaccoRussellEdwardsQuinnThis assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.Just one man's opinion.

Flacco, Russell, Edwards and Quinn over Roethlisberger? Are you starting the new Cleveland franchise?

 

[Adebisi]

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

Why? He only has to fit into one system, not "a number" of them. How many different systems are you planning to run, and why couldn't you just build one around your QB?

 

[Chase Stuart]

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Passer rating, TD% and INT% aren't the best measure of a QB. ANY/A is, and Ryan has a good edge there.Ryan averaged more yards per pass attempt and he certainly deserves credit for avoiding sacks -- that's one of the more important jobs for a QB. It's easy to hold onto the ball and boost your QB rating (see Rob Johnson).

 

[LBH]

I did include Aaron Rodgers however because while this was his first year as a starter, he is a 4 year NFL veteran and had stats that blew away the rookies.

Rodgers - 6.1 adjusted net yards per pass attemptRyan - 6.7 ANY/ARodgers took a ton of sacks last year while Ryan ranked in the top five in sack percentage. Ryan also averaged more yards per pass attempt than Rodgers, who averaged only 11.8 yards per completion (compared to Ryan's 13.0 YPC).

Rodgers - 4,038 yards - 28 TD - 13 INTRyan - 3,440 yards - 16 TD - 11 INTRyan proved he could be a reliable game manager as a rookie, Rodgers proved you can run an entire high-scoring offense through him.

Ryan proved he could lead your team to the playoffs. Rodgers proved he can win you at least six games.

Dude, I don't hate Ryan at all. I love when rookie QBs succeed. It is fun to watch. But to try and say he had a better season than Rogers last year is just silly.

I like Aaron Rodgers a lot, too, but I'm not going to pretend that his 17 more sacks, 127 more sack yards lost, 102 more attempts, 598 more yards, 12 more TDs and 3 more INTs make him better than Ryan. Rodgers was very good last year, Ryan was excellent.

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Ryan is a good QB and he had a great season for a rookie, but Rodgers clearly had a better year.

 

[Jason Wood]

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Passer rating, TD% and INT% aren't the best measure of a QB. ANY/A is, and Ryan has a good edge there.Ryan averaged more yards per pass attempt and he certainly deserves credit for avoiding sacks -- that's one of the more important jobs for a QB. It's easy to hold onto the ball and boost your QB rating (see Rob Johnson).

ANY/A is great, but then why not more love for Romo [7.1], Big Ben [6.8], Rivers [6.9]???

 

[candymanvandyfan]

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

Why? He only has to fit into one system, not "a number" of them. How many different systems are you planning to run, and why couldn't you just build one around your QB?

Because I'm "starting a New NFL Franchise Today" and I don't know anything else about my franchise other than the notion that the original poster made me take a quarterback. Given that I don't know jack spit about my franchise, I'm going to want this quarterback guy to be pretty dang versatile.

 

[Chase Stuart]

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Passer rating, TD% and INT% aren't the best measure of a QB. ANY/A is, and Ryan has a good edge there.Ryan averaged more yards per pass attempt and he certainly deserves credit for avoiding sacks -- that's one of the more important jobs for a QB. It's easy to hold onto the ball and boost your QB rating (see Rob Johnson).

ANY/A is great, but then why not more love for Romo [7.1], Big Ben [6.8], Rivers [6.9]???

Those are their career AY/A not ANY/A numbers. Regardless, all three are really good. But I'd take Brees over all of them, I think. It's close.

 

[candymanvandyfan]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.I'd probably go like this:Cutler RodgersRyanFlaccoRussellEdwardsQuinnThis assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.Just one man's opinion.

Flacco, Russell, Edwards and Quinn over Roethlisberger? Are you starting the new Cleveland franchise?

All the players on my list are 25 or younger. If we're just getting this franchise started, I'm looking for a young pup, not a salty dog.

 

[Adebisi]

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

Why? He only has to fit into one system, not "a number" of them. How many different systems are you planning to run, and why couldn't you just build one around your QB?

Because I'm "starting a New NFL Franchise Today" and I don't know anything else about my franchise other than the notion that the original poster made me take a quarterback. Given that I don't know jack spit about my franchise, I'm going to want this quarterback guy to be pretty dang versatile.

You're starting the franchise though. You're calling the shots. No?

 

[Adebisi]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.

Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

I'd probably go like this:

Cutler

Rodgers

Ryan

Flacco

Russell

Edwards

Quinn

This assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.

Just one man's opinion.

Flacco, Russell, Edwards and Quinn over Roethlisberger?

Are you starting the new Cleveland franchise?

All the players on my list are 25 or younger. If we're just getting this franchise started, I'm looking for a young pup, not a salty dog.

Roethlisberger is 26.

 

[candymanvandyfan]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.

Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

I'd probably go like this:

Cutler

Rodgers

Ryan

Flacco

Russell

Edwards

Quinn

This assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.

Just one man's opinion.

Flacco, Russell, Edwards and Quinn over Roethlisberger?

Are you starting the new Cleveland franchise?

All the players on my list are 25 or younger. If we're just getting this franchise started, I'm looking for a young pup, not a salty dog.

Roethlisberger is 26.

Good counting, Adebisi. 26, you will note, is not 25 or younger. Also, maybe I want to add Matt Stafford (Age 20) to my list. I get roughly a decade of additional production out of Stafford when compared with Brees. I get maybe an extra half decade of production out of him compared with old Ben.

Ben will be a hidden pensioner, using a walker, singing "Glory Days" in the NFL assisted living center (aka FedEx Field) when my boy Stafford will still be slinging touchdowns en route to me hoisting my new Lombardi trophy over my head. The trophy is so shiny and the stadium lights are blinding me, Adebisi, as imaginary confetti falls on my pretend field that the taxpayers of The Land of Make Believe purchased on my franchise's behalf. Queen songs capture the ear and the faintest smell of next year's repeat wafts across the winter air.

 

[Uber]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.

Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

I'd probably go like this:

Cutler

Rodgers

Ryan

Flacco

Russell

Edwards

Quinn

This assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.

Just one man's opinion.

Flacco, Russell, Edwards and Quinn over Roethlisberger?

Are you starting the new Cleveland franchise?

All the players on my list are 25 or younger. If we're just getting this franchise started, I'm looking for a young pup, not a salty dog.

Roethlisberger is 26.

Good counting, Adebisi. 26, you will note, is not 25 or younger. Also, maybe I want to add Matt Stafford (Age 20) to my list. I get roughly a decade of additional production out of Stafford when compared with Brees. I get maybe an extra half decade of production out of him compared with old Ben.

Ben will be a hidden pensioner, using a walker, singing "Glory Days" in the NFL assisted living center (aka FedEx Field) when my boy Stafford will still be slinging touchdowns en route to me hoisting my new Lombardi trophy over my head. The trophy is so shiny and the stadium lights are blinding me, Adebisi, as imaginary confetti falls on my pretend field that the taxpayers of The Land of Make Believe purchased on my franchise's behalf. Queen songs capture the ear and the faintest smell of next year's repeat wafts across the winter air.

Congratulations, you're Matt Millen.

 

[FUBAR]

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Passer rating, TD% and INT% aren't the best measure of a QB. ANY/A is, and Ryan has a good edge there.Ryan averaged more yards per pass attempt and he certainly deserves credit for avoiding sacks -- that's one of the more important jobs for a QB. It's easy to hold onto the ball and boost your QB rating (see Rob Johnson).

It's easy to avoid sacks when the D isn't keying on you. You're more the stat guy than I am, but it seems to me that it's easier to get a nice ANY/A if your running back is one of the best workhorses this year. Good edge? 7.2 vs. 7.0? Turner more than makes for that difference. Is Pennington the 2nd best QB this year? Must be if ANY/A is the most important stat. Jeff Garcia is clearly better than Peyton Manning too. Ben must completely suck - worse than Russell and Seneca Wallace anyway.

 

[UW72]

Cutler

IMO Cutler would be the guy to start with.

He is young enough, has the talent and ability to lead the team.

Rivers and Brees are the next ones that are coming into mind

 

[jurb26]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.

Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.

For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.

I'd probably go like this:

Cutler

Rodgers

Ryan

Flacco

Russell

Edwards

Quinn

This assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.

Just one man's opinion.

Flacco, Russell, Edwards and Quinn over Roethlisberger?

Are you starting the new Cleveland franchise?

All the players on my list are 25 or younger. If we're just getting this franchise started, I'm looking for a young pup, not a salty dog.

Roethlisberger is 26.

Good counting, Adebisi. 26, you will note, is not 25 or younger. Also, maybe I want to add Matt Stafford (Age 20) to my list. I get roughly a decade of additional production out of Stafford when compared with Brees. I get maybe an extra half decade of production out of him compared with old Ben.

Ben will be a hidden pensioner, using a walker, singing "Glory Days" in the NFL assisted living center (aka FedEx Field) when my boy Stafford will still be slinging touchdowns en route to me hoisting my new Lombardi trophy over my head. The trophy is so shiny and the stadium lights are blinding me, Adebisi, as imaginary confetti falls on my pretend field that the taxpayers of The Land of Make Believe purchased on my franchise's behalf. Queen songs capture the ear and the faintest smell of next year's repeat wafts across the winter air.

This is a totally laughable argument. Seriously, you are willing to let one year in age override proven success at one of the most difficult positions to project future success in the NFL as well as the most critical position on your team? Edwards, Russell, Quinn and Stafford over Ben? Sure, you very well may get 5 or 6 more years of service out of those guys.... service as a clip-board holder on 5-7 win teams.

 

[Chase Stuart]

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Passer rating, TD% and INT% aren't the best measure of a QB. ANY/A is, and Ryan has a good edge there.Ryan averaged more yards per pass attempt and he certainly deserves credit for avoiding sacks -- that's one of the more important jobs for a QB. It's easy to hold onto the ball and boost your QB rating (see Rob Johnson).

It's easy to avoid sacks when the D isn't keying on you. You're more the stat guy than I am, but it seems to me that it's easier to get a nice ANY/A if your running back is one of the best workhorses this year. Good edge? 7.2 vs. 7.0? Turner more than makes for that difference.

First off, the numbers aren't 7.2 and 7.02. But even still, why would Turner make for that difference? It's not easier to get a nice ANY/A when your RB is a great runner/workhorse RB. It might be easier if he's a good receiver, but ANY/A has everything to do with the passing offense and nothing to do with the rushing offense. It's also not "easy" to avoid sacks when the D isn't keying on you.Ryan had 3440 passing yards and lost 104 yards due to sacks. He had 434 passes and was sacked 17 times. So net, he had 3336 passing yards on 451 dropbacks. Rodgers had 4038 passing yards and lost 231 yards due to sacks; that's a net of 3807 passing yards. He had 536 pass attempts and was sacked 34 times; that's 570 dropbacks. So Ryan averaged 7.4 net yards per pass attempt and Rodgers averaged 6.7 net yards per pass attempt. That's a significant difference; if Ryan had 119 more dropbacks he would need to average just 3.1 net yards per pass attempt -- obviously he could do that. So yes, Ryan was the better passer, at least statistically, last season (Rodgers has the TD advantage but it's not significant enough to overcome the net yards per pass edge; it's not a fluke that Ryan's team won so many games. It's because he was really, really good.)Surely you think sacks and sack yards lost matter. For example, if Rodgers is sacked for a seven yard loss on 1st and ten and then throws for seven yards on 2nd and 17, would you just want to note that he's 1/1 for 7 passing yards? Of course not; it would be as if he was 0/2 for 0 yards.

 

[simey]

I picked Ben but seriously considered Rivers. Man is that guy underrated. Tony freakin Romo has more votes than Rivers and thats just ridiculous.

The thing that most people don't like is his cocky attitude but personally I like the fire he shows to me it shows he wants it.

He is very spirited and emotional, but I don't think he is cocky.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Passer rating, TD% and INT% aren't the best measure of a QB. ANY/A is, and Ryan has a good edge there.Ryan averaged more yards per pass attempt and he certainly deserves credit for avoiding sacks -- that's one of the more important jobs for a QB. It's easy to hold onto the ball and boost your QB rating (see Rob Johnson).

It's easy to avoid sacks when the D isn't keying on you. You're more the stat guy than I am, but it seems to me that it's easier to get a nice ANY/A if your running back is one of the best workhorses this year. Good edge? 7.2 vs. 7.0? Turner more than makes for that difference.

First off, the numbers aren't 7.2 and 7.02. But even still, why would Turner make for that difference? It's not easier to get a nice ANY/A when your RB is a great runner/workhorse RB. It might be easier if he's a good receiver, but ANY/A has everything to do with the passing offense and nothing to do with the rushing offense. It's also not "easy" to avoid sacks when the D isn't keying on you.Ryan had 3440 passing yards and lost 104 yards due to sacks. He had 434 passes and was sacked 17 times. So net, he had 3336 passing yards on 451 dropbacks. Rodgers had 4038 passing yards and lost 231 yards due to sacks; that's a net of 3807 passing yards. He had 536 pass attempts and was sacked 34 times; that's 570 dropbacks. So Ryan averaged 7.4 net yards per pass attempt and Rodgers averaged 6.7 net yards per pass attempt. That's a significant difference; if Ryan had 119 more dropbacks he would need to average just 3.1 net yards per pass attempt -- obviously he could do that. So yes, Ryan was the better passer, at least statistically, last season (Rodgers has the TD advantage but it's not significant enough to overcome the net yards per pass edge; it's not a fluke that Ryan's team won so many games. It's because he was really, really good.)Surely you think sacks and sack yards lost matter. For example, if Rodgers is sacked for a seven yard loss on 1st and ten and then throws for seven yards on 2nd and 17, would you just want to note that he's 1/1 for 7 passing yards? Of course not; it would be as if he was 0/2 for 0 yards.

One other thing to not with regard to the comparison between Rodgers/Ryan. It was noted by the OP that Rodgers was included because even though he was a first year starter, he was a 4 year veteran. For Rodgers, he's had the GB playbook for 3 years. Ryan has had the Atlanta playbook for 9 months. Rodgers had been watching film of NFL defenses for 4 years. Ryan started in May. Rodgers got to watch and learn under one of the greatest QB's in the history of the NFL in Favre. Ryan from the dynamic duo of Chris Redman and Joey Harrington.So even with those advantages, Ryan and Rodgers 1st years grade out fairly similarly on a statistical basis. And then we get into the "how did their teams do" comparison and Ryan's case is cemeted even moreso. Let's not have short memories here folks. The Falcons were expected to be the Detroit Lions in 2008. Ryan was either reason 1A or 1B for the Falcons rise to the playoffs. Rodgers certainly wasn't at fault for the Packers slippage, but at the end of the day his record as a starter is 6-10.

 

[eric rymer]

I think I'd take Cutler here too. Give him a sustained running game and any resemblance of a defense and he leads this discussion. Just my

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'd take Roethlisberger or Cutler. Brees is a worthy pick, too, but he is a bit older than the other two.

 

[JMJ]

wow, agree to disagree on this one. How can you count the sacks against Rodgers while disregarding the difference in the running game? Rodgers had a better TD%, passer rating, and INT%. You have to respect what the kid did as a rookie, but Rodgers had the better season.

Passer rating, TD% and INT% aren't the best measure of a QB. ANY/A is, and Ryan has a good edge there.Ryan averaged more yards per pass attempt and he certainly deserves credit for avoiding sacks -- that's one of the more important jobs for a QB. It's easy to hold onto the ball and boost your QB rating (see Rob Johnson).

It's easy to avoid sacks when the D isn't keying on you. You're more the stat guy than I am, but it seems to me that it's easier to get a nice ANY/A if your running back is one of the best workhorses this year. Good edge? 7.2 vs. 7.0? Turner more than makes for that difference.

First off, the numbers aren't 7.2 and 7.02. But even still, why would Turner make for that difference? It's not easier to get a nice ANY/A when your RB is a great runner/workhorse RB. It might be easier if he's a good receiver, but ANY/A has everything to do with the passing offense and nothing to do with the rushing offense. It's also not "easy" to avoid sacks when the D isn't keying on you.Ryan had 3440 passing yards and lost 104 yards due to sacks. He had 434 passes and was sacked 17 times. So net, he had 3336 passing yards on 451 dropbacks. Rodgers had 4038 passing yards and lost 231 yards due to sacks; that's a net of 3807 passing yards. He had 536 pass attempts and was sacked 34 times; that's 570 dropbacks. So Ryan averaged 7.4 net yards per pass attempt and Rodgers averaged 6.7 net yards per pass attempt. That's a significant difference; if Ryan had 119 more dropbacks he would need to average just 3.1 net yards per pass attempt -- obviously he could do that. So yes, Ryan was the better passer, at least statistically, last season (Rodgers has the TD advantage but it's not significant enough to overcome the net yards per pass edge; it's not a fluke that Ryan's team won so many games. It's because he was really, really good.)Surely you think sacks and sack yards lost matter. For example, if Rodgers is sacked for a seven yard loss on 1st and ten and then throws for seven yards on 2nd and 17, would you just want to note that he's 1/1 for 7 passing yards? Of course not; it would be as if he was 0/2 for 0 yards.

This can go back and forth all day.When an opposing team played ATL this year, Ryan was an after thought to the defense. Stopping Turner, Norwood, and ATL's rushing offense was key 1, 2, and 3 for the opposing defenses. They were willing and daring to make Ryan and the aerial attack beat them.When a team played GB and their pathetic rushing offense, the opposing defenses number one focus was to stop Rogers and the passing game since it was one of the most prolific in all the NFL this past season. Grant was playing injured most the year and their OLine is/was pathetic. Michael Turner and ATL's rushing offense kept opposing defensive coordinators up at night leading up to a game vs. ATL. GB's running game did nothing to help Rogers and made him the focus of the opposition's entire game plan.Even with that, Rogers average a TD pass once every 19 attempts this past season while Ryan only did so once every 27. He also averaged an INT once every 41 attempts to Ryan's 39.Lastly, Ryan played 10 of his 16 games in a dome this year while Rogers only played 3 of his 16 in those cozy confines. And to take this one step further, Matt Ryan played all 4 of his December games in a dome this year. ALL FOUR! And the last game of November when it is already freezing, he played that game in beautiful San Diego.As stated earlier, Rogers only got to play 3 of his 16 games in domes and while Ryan played 4 of his last 5 games in domes and the other in San Diego, Rogers played 3 of his last 5 games in frigid Green Bay, windy and frigid Chicago, and one nice game out of 5 in Jacksonville.Everything considered, Rodgers >>>>>>> Ryan. And this is not a knock on Ryan at all. Again, he was fun and a pleasure to watch. It is just a testament to the fantastic season Rodgers had.**Edited to add**The point of any offense is to score points, correct? Well Matt Ryan played 10 of 16 games in a dome including all 4 December games, and he had the #2 rushing offense in all the NFL. Ryan led the Falcons to 391 points on 1,011 plays from scrimmage.Rodgers playing only 3 of 16 games in a dome, including 4 of his last 5 games outdoors in frigid Green Bay and Chicago, while being supported by the #17 rushing offense in the NFL led the Packers to 419 points on 1,012 plays from scrimmage.That is 2 more points per game in much harsher conditions. How many games in the NFL are decided by 2 points or less?

 

[CrossEyed]

If I were starting a new NFL Franchise, I wouldn't take anyone in their late 20s or beyond. I really like watching Drew Brees play, but that guy is 30. He's already got 8 seasons. Manning and Brady are both in their thirties, too. I wouldn't take them as franchise starters either.Likewise with Romo at 28. Love that guy, but he's too old to be the answer to this question, I think. Heck, Eli Manning just turned 28.For real football, not fantasy football in a dynasty league, I'd look for a versatile player with unusual physical gifts who could fit into a number of offensive systems in a way that made my offensive players (whoever they are) better.I'd probably go like this:Cutler RodgersRyanFlaccoRussellEdwardsQuinnThis assessment attempts to take into account these players' individual talents, not the talents of the players to whom they are currently throwing or marking against them for the fact that they have the current misfortune to play for the Bills or the Raiders.Just one man's opinion.

Flacco, Russell, Edwards and Quinn over Roethlisberger? Are you starting the new Cleveland franchise?

All the players on my list are 25 or younger. If we're just getting this franchise started, I'm looking for a young pup, not a salty dog.

Good idea picking a random number to assign to who you would choose to play the most important position on your team.If you were doing that for RBs I might understand, since 30 seems to be when most RBs start downhill. QBs can be effective well into their 30's. Kurt Warner is a pretty good example.

 

[Adebisi]

Why are people comparing Rodgers and Ryan anyway? Ryan was a rookie who started his first game after being drafted. Rodgers sat on the bench for 3 years before starting; that means he had 3 years to learn, whereas Ryan was thrown right into the fire.