It’s always a conversation/debate starter: who are the top five quarterbacks in the NFL at any given moment? The 2021-22 NFL season is in full swing and the usual big names have stepped up to lead their teams to stardom. A few young gunslingers are making a name for themselves as well, but will any rookie or second-year players crack the top five quarterbacks list? One could think up a pair of guys: one in the queen city and the other out west…
Top Five Quarterbacks after Week 4
5. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
The trade heard ‘round the NFL has resulted in many remembering just how prolific Matthew Stafford is as a passer. Over his nine full seasons at the helm in Detroit (2018 was cut short), Stafford threw for 39,808 yards for an average of 4,423 per year. We are just now getting a taste of what he can do with a seemingly competent organization and offensive-minded coach.
In just four games, Stafford has 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He’s on pace for a career-best 5,194 in the new 17-game season. Even in Detroit, Stafford played at a high level. With McVay calling the plays, Stafford has emerged as one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL.
4. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
After suffering a horrific season-ending injury in 2020, Prescott has more than burst back onto the scene. In the first game of the 2021-22 season, Prescott went toe-to-toe with Brady and his Buccaneers and very nearly won. Week 2 was a step back despite still securing the win, but the following two weeks resulted in seven touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Prescott’s ability to throw the ball while also possessing an ability to take off. He hasn’t used his legs nearly as much this year, perhaps due to lingering uncertainty around his ankle. Regardless, having a trio of Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and Michael Gallup at receiver could turn just about any quarterback into an MVP candidate.
3. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
After taking a massive step forward in his second year, Kyler Murray is already one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. Third in the NFL in passing yards (1,273), fifth in touchdown passes (nine), and eighth in touchdown percentage (6.7%), Murray remains the only unbeaten signal-caller in the NFL.
Despite the fact he looks like a little kid who just stole his older sibling’s phone when he runs, he’s as squirrelly and slippery as any. Former NFL quarterback Doug Flutie, who was way before his time as an under-sized, athletic quarterback, said that Murray being a top pick says a lot about how the NFL has changed and “they’re realizing that, with the offenses today, the athletic guy at quarterback is an asset” and height matters less.
Murray has a real chance at winning the MVP this year thanks to his athletic play. Not to mention the fact DeAndre Hopkins and a seemingly rejuvenated A.J. Green are catching passes.
2. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
At the ripe old age of 43, the GOAT keeps Father Time at arm’s length. He’s the fourth quarterback to beat all 32 teams in the NFL, thanks to his 19-17 win at New England. He’s in uncharted territory playing at such a high level at his age, but he looks as good as ever.
Brady is second in the NFL in passing yards with 1,356 and his 10 touchdowns are good for third. No matter the situation, no matter the team, Brady will always be there to prove someone wrong. Realistically, the only reason the man with the highest football IQ (according to Flutie) isn’t atop this list is that number one is a generational talent and is the only quarterback in the league who looks like they may one day threaten the mantle of GOAT.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Only one quarterback in the league can make 50-yard passes look as easy as a running back screen. Who needs to look at receivers to throw to them? Not Patrick Mahomes. Not to mention the fact that half of his touchdowns in Week 4 came via a non-traditional way of passing the ball.
Hist 1,218 yards through the air is good for fourth in the league, whereas he leads the way with 14 touchdowns already in this young season. One in every ten passes that leave his hand results in touchdowns. Unreal.
The best thing about Mahomes is his natural athletic ability to make any and every throw. Flutie “love[s] watching Patrick Mahomes because he validates all the stuff [he] tried to do.” Both Flutie and Mahomes were shortstops in baseball, so they both could throw the side-arm, jump passes.
No matter the situation, you can’t count out the Chiefs while Mahomes is healthy. He’s easily the most exciting player in the NFL. Hopefully, fans don’t get accustomed to his style of play and get bored because there isn’t another like him.
Just Outside:
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (9-0 TD-INT ratio)
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (can’t ever count out AR12)
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (1,356 total offensive yards, six touchdowns, two come-back wins)
Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders (leads NFL in passing yards)
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