Who's the 6th-best QB in the NFL?
Digest
This podcast challenges the conventional top-five NFL quarterback rankings, arguing that the more compelling debate lies within the second tier (ranks 6-16). The discussion analyzes several quarterbacks, considering their strengths and weaknesses, and contextual factors like the quality of their offensive lines and supporting casts. Matthew Stafford's playoff success is weighed against his age and reliance on a strong offensive line. CJ Stroud and Jordan Love show high potential but inconsistent performance. Jalen Hurts' Super Bowl win is debated in relation to his overall passing ability and team support. Dak Prescott's performance is analyzed considering the pressure and context of playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Brock Purdy's unexpected rise and improvement in 2024, despite a weaker supporting cast, is highlighted, showcasing his potential. Baker Mayfield's resurgence in 2024, marked by improved pressure handling and scrambling, is discussed. Jared Goff's consistent performance within a strong system is contrasted with his limitations outside of it. The impact of recent strong QB drafts and the uncertain rankings of quarterbacks like Gino Smith and Trevor Lawrence are also briefly touched upon. The podcast emphasizes that evaluating quarterbacks requires considering various factors beyond statistics, including consistency, playoff success, and the quality of the supporting cast. Contract extensions for young players like Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner are mentioned as examples of teams investing in their future.
Outlines
Introduction: Re-ranking NFL's Second-Tier Quarterbacks
The podcast introduces the topic of ranking NFL quarterbacks, focusing on the competitive second tier (ranks 6-16) and discusses recent significant contract extensions for young players like Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and Trey Smith.
Analyzing Matthew Stafford and the Challenges of Ranking
The discussion begins with Matthew Stafford, weighing his strengths (playoff performance, statistical achievements) against his weaknesses (age, reliance on offensive line). The inherent difficulty in definitively ranking quarterbacks in this competitive tier is highlighted.
CJ Stroud, Jordan Love, and the High-Potential, Inconsistent Group
CJ Stroud and Jordan Love are analyzed, acknowledging their impressive potential but highlighting their inconsistent rookie seasons. Their strengths (arm talent, aggressiveness) and weaknesses (reliance on offensive line, occasional recklessness) are examined.
Jalen Hurts, Dak Prescott, and the Pursuit of Consistency
Jalen Hurts and Dak Prescott are discussed, acknowledging their talent but emphasizing the need for more consistent performance and playoff success to solidify their rankings. Dak Prescott's performance and the impact of his surrounding team are analyzed.
Re-evaluating Jalen Hurts Post-Super Bowl
The podcast re-evaluates Jalen Hurts' ranking in light of his Super Bowl performance, discussing whether his success is due to his talent or the strength of his supporting cast. His strengths and weaknesses as a passer and runner are analyzed.
Brock Purdy's Unexpected Rise and Aggressive Play Style
Brock Purdy's performance in 2024 compared to 2023 is examined. His improvement despite a weaker supporting cast is highlighted, leading to a reevaluation of his potential and ranking. His aggressive play style is compared to Dak Prescott's.
Baker Mayfield's Resurgence and Jared Goff's System Dependence
Baker Mayfield's improved performance under pressure and increased scrambling ability are discussed, leading to a reassessment of his place among top quarterbacks. Jared Goff's consistent performance within a strong system is contrasted, highlighting his dependence on his surroundings.
The Impact of Recent Drafts and Other Contenders
The hosts discuss how recent strong quarterback drafts have impacted the ranking of veteran quarterbacks like Jared Goff. They briefly touch upon Gino Smith and Trevor Lawrence, acknowledging their potential but suggesting their ranking is still uncertain.
Keywords
Quarterback Ranking
The process of evaluating and ordering NFL quarterbacks based on skill, performance, and potential. Factors considered include statistics, playoff success, and team context.
Second-Tier Quarterbacks
Refers to the group of NFL quarterbacks typically ranked below the top five, characterized by high potential but inconsistent performance. This group often includes young players and veterans with proven talent but lacking consistent elite-level play.
Jalen Hurts
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback; known for his rushing ability and Super Bowl win; debate surrounds his passing consistency and overall ranking among NFL quarterbacks.
Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers quarterback; surprisingly successful despite injuries and a less-talented supporting cast in 2024; known for his aggressive play style and improved pocket presence.
Baker Mayfield
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback; significantly improved performance in 2024, particularly under pressure; his ability to scramble and make high-value throws is highlighted.
Jared Goff
Detroit Lions quarterback; consistently good within a strong system; his dependence on his surroundings and lack of downfield throws are discussed.
Playoff Performance
A quarterback's performance in the NFL playoffs; often used to evaluate a quarterback's ability to perform under pressure.
Contract Extension
An agreement extending a player's contract with a team, often involving significant financial guarantees. These extensions reflect a team's commitment to a player and their perceived value.
EPA (Expected Points Added)
A football statistic measuring the expected change in points based on a play's outcome; used to evaluate quarterback performance beyond simple statistics.
Team Context
The overall quality of a quarterback's supporting cast (offensive line, receivers, coaching staff), which significantly impacts their performance.
Q&A
Who is the sixth-best quarterback in the NFL, and why is this a difficult question to answer?
Determining the sixth-best quarterback is challenging due to the close competition in that tier. Many factors beyond simple statistics must be considered.
What are the key factors to consider when evaluating quarterbacks in the second tier?
Evaluating second-tier quarterbacks requires considering consistency, ability to perform under pressure, playoff success, and the quality of the surrounding team.
Does Jalen Hurts' Super Bowl win automatically place him among the top 6 quarterbacks in the NFL?
No, his Super Bowl win is significant but doesn't negate his limitations as a passer and his reliance on a strong supporting cast.
How has Brock Purdy's performance changed from 2023 to 2024, and what does it say about his potential?
Purdy significantly improved in 2024, showcasing better pocket presence and downfield throws despite a weaker supporting cast, suggesting a higher ceiling.
Why is Baker Mayfield's 2024 season so significant in evaluating his overall talent?
Mayfield's 2024 season showed marked improvement in handling pressure and scrambling, significantly altering his perceived limitations.
How does Jared Goff's performance differ from the other quarterbacks discussed, and what are his limitations?
Goff excels within a structured offense but shows less adaptability and creativity outside of it. His limited downfield throws and dependence on his surroundings suggest a lower ceiling.
Should playoff performance be the primary factor in ranking quarterbacks?
No, while playoff success is important, it shouldn't be the sole determinant. Consistency, ability to access various throws, and the quality of the supporting cast should also be considered.
What makes CJ Stroud and Jordan Love potentially elite quarterbacks despite inconsistent rookie seasons?
Both possess exceptional arm talent and the ability to make difficult throws. Their aggressiveness suggests high potential for future success.
Why is Dak Prescott's ranking so difficult to assess?
Dak Prescott's ranking is complicated by his team context and the pressure associated with playing for the Dallas Cowboys. His lack of consistent playoff success contributes to the difficulty.
Show Notes
Everyone—literally everyone—people would place Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow among the top-five quarterbacks in the NFL. An overwhelming majority would round out that list with Justin Herbert. Ask 10 people who the sixth-best QB is, though, and you could get 10 different answers. Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen and Dave Helman try to pin who that sixth-best QB is on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.
Hosts: Robert Mays and Derrik Klassen
With: Dave Helman
Executive Producer: Michael Beller
Producer: Michael Beller
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Theme song: Haunted
Written by Dylan Slocum, Trevor Dietrich, Ruben Duarte, Kyle McAulay, and Meredith VanWoert / Performed by Spanish Love Songs
Courtesy of Pure Noise / By arrangement with Bank Robber Music, LLC
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