The NFC North has vastly improved its overall quarterback game over the years.
With Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford, Jay Cutler and Christian Ponder atop their respective teams’ depth list, could they be the best group in the league?
The other divisions that might have the best quarterback pool are the NFC South, NFC East, and AFC West.
The NFC North has to be at the top of the list, with the NFC South a very close second.
Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Cam Newton and Josh Freeman are very talented. But do the NFC South and NFC North scare you as much?
Aaron Rodgers is just as good as Drew Brees, if not better, considering where he is in his career. Matthew Stafford showed that he can stay healthy last season and performed on the same level as Matt Ryan.
Jay Cutler has always had talent, he just needs weapons around him. He’s a more elite quarterback than Cam Newton at this point in his career. Lastly, Christian Ponder has added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason and has more potential in my mind than Josh Freeman.
Now let’s dive into the head-to-head NFC North vs. NFC South quarterback comparison.
Aaron Rodgers (Packers) vs. Drew Brees (Saints)
Rodgers stats in 2011: 15 starts, 122.5 QB Rating, 68.3 completion percentage, 4,643 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and three rushing touchdowns.
Brees’ 2011 stats: 16 starts, 110.6 QB rating, 71.2 completion percentage, 5,476 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, 14 interceptions and one rushing touchdown.
Both have won Super Bowls in the last three years. They are the No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks in fantasy football. Both have elite receivers and fleeting-minded coaches around them.
Rodgers gets the nod over Brees in matchup No. 1.
Rodgers > Brees
Matthew Stafford (Lions) vs. Matt Ryan (Hawks)
Stafford stats in 2011: 16 starts, 97.2 QB Rating, 63.5 completion percentage, 5,038 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, 16 interceptions.
Ryan’s stats in 2011: 16 starts, 92.2 QB Rating, 61.3 completion percentage, 4,177 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, two rushing touchdowns.
Stafford finally had a breakout season last year with WR stud Calvin Johnson putting up ridiculous numbers. Whether he can stay healthy from year to year remains to be seen.
Ryan, on the other hand, has been just as consistent since he came to the NFL in 2008 out of Boston College. He’s only going to get better, and his arm is actually stronger this offseason, according to reports in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Based on Ryan’s consistency and early league success, he gets the upper hand in matchup No. 2.
Ryan > Stafford
Jay Cutler (bears) vs. Cam Newton (Panthers)
Cutler stats in 2011: 10 starts, 85.7 QB rating, 58.0 completion percentage, 2,319 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, seven interceptions, one rushing touchdown.
Newton stats in 2011: 16 starts, 84.5 QB Rating, 60.0 completion percentage, 4,051 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 17 interceptions, 14 rushing touchdowns.
Cutler was on fire during the Bears’ five-game winning streak that spanned from Week 6 in Minnesota to Week 11 in San Diego. Unfortunately, Cutler suffered a season-ending thumb injury in a win over San Diego.
Newton took over center from day one in Carolina. He did a solid job for a rookie quarterback with a below-average receiving corps. Look to Newton to take the next step this year.
Cutler gets the advantage here because he has shown more skill as a passer. Plus, having Brandon Marshall reunite with him could propel him up the top 10 quarterback list.
Knife > Newton
Christian Ponder (Vikings) vs. Josh Freeman (Bucs)
Ponder’s 2011 stats: 11 starts, 70.3 QB Rating, 54.3 completion percentage, 1,853 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, 13 interceptions.
Freeman stats in 2011: 15 starts, 74.6 QB Rating, 62.8 completion percentage, 3,592 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 22 interceptions, four rushing touchdowns.
Ponder took over in Week 7 after Donovan McNabb showed he couldn’t lead the Vikings anymore. Ponder posted a QB rating of 70.3 while throwing as many touchdowns as interceptions (13) in 11 starts. Can Ponder take the next step ahead of his second season as Minnesota’s quarterback?
Freeman had a great sophomore season, but he really struggled last season. He needs to relax in the pocket and take his time with the pitches. He’s lost some weight and is looking to get back to his 2010 form. The Bucs may not have enough weapons to help him through his struggles.
Ponder has the advantage over Freeman simply because the Vikings have a better offense and Ponder could play better with a full offseason under his belt.
Reflect > Freeman
Thoughts?