Best NFL Quarterbacks of 2006

Last summer, I compiled a list of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL today, and the list looked a something like this- 1. Peyton Manning, 2. Tom Brady, 3. Carson Palmer, 4. Matt Hasselbeck, 5. Ben Roethlisberger. Well, the 2006 NFL season has already reached it's mid-point, and the preeminent quarterbacks have already surfaced. The top five list has been altered, well, at least 3 through 5 has.

1.Peyton Manning

The Indianapolis Colts Peyton Manning is still the preeminent quarterback in the NFL, and only a severe injury, or complete career meltdown will change that. Once again, Manning has led his Colts to an undefeated record mid-way through the season. After eight games, Manning has thrown an NFL leading 17 touchdown passes, 3 interceptions, 2291 yards, and has a league leading quarterback rating of 106.0. It looks like another Pro Bowl season for the nine year pro out of Tennessee.

And the scary thing is, Manning is regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL right now, imagine how much higher his stock would augment if the Colts could ever win the Super Bowl!

2.Tom Brady

Before the New England Patriots notorious meeting with the Indianapolis Colts, Tom Brady was cruising along in what was another near flawless season. But he was intercepted four times against a mediocre defense. Still, there is quite a gap from Brady to the third best quarterback in the NFL. Brady has the Super Bowl rings, and the cold hard stats to back that up. Many critics were eager to write off the Patriots after they lost a plethora of players from their Super Bowl winning teams, including Brady's two favorite targets David Givens and Deion Branch, but Brady has carried this offense and made them appear much better than they actually are.

3.Donovan McNabb

There were several fans who were miffed that I left off Donovan McNabb from my previous list, and rightfully so. I always doubted McNabb, and after he spent a majority the 2005 season injured, I was more than prepared to write him off. But he has resurfaced among the NFL's top quarterbacks, without the assistance of Terrell Owens. McNabb has already thrown 16 touchdown passes versus 5 interceptions. Only Peyton Manning has thrown more touchdown passes thus far in 2006. No quarterback has thrown for more yards than McNabb, as he has accumulated 2312 yards thrown. The Philadelphia Eagles record has dwindled recently, but McNabb is back to his Pro Bowl form, and could realistically lead the Eagles back to the top of the NFC, however, it will be tough.

4.Marc Bulger

In the past, the name Marc Bulger seldom came up when football enthusiasts were discussing the best quarterbacks in the NFL, unless you live in St. Louis. Bulger was the guy who supplanted Kurt Warner at quarterback for the St. Louis Rams. Warner was a beloved sports figure in St. Louis throughout the late 1990's and early 2000's. He led the St. Louis Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, and one Super Bowl victory. Bulger has yet to match Warner's post-season success, but he has displayed flashes of potential. Every season, he is among the NFL leaders in passing yards. This season, Bulger has thrown for 2300 after eight games, just 12 yards less than NFL leader Donovan McNabb. Bulger has a quarterback rating of 102.1, due in large part to his 13 touchdown passes versus one interception.

5.Brett Favre

This is very debatable, but hey, it's Brett Favre. Favre's stats may not be as imposing as the before mentioned quarterbacks, but after the debacle of a season Favre assembled in 2005, he has rebounded rather well. A lot of critics felt as if Favre should retire, or end his career somewhere other than Green Bay, but the loyal Packers franchise kept the wily veteran, and he has put together a solid season. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes versus 7 interceptions, and has amassed 1948 yards thrown. He has also played a big role in the Green Bay Packers three wins. It's highly unlikely that the Packers will make the NFL playoffs, but it would be pleasing for Favre to end his career with a solid final season in the NFL. Last year, the dejection was radiating from the 16 year veteran.

Biggest Surprise- Damon Huard

Damon Huard stepped in as quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs for the injured Trent Green he suffered a concussion. Huard's quarterback rating of 105.2 is second to only Peyton Manning. He has thrown 11 touchdown passes versus only 1 interception. Green may have to fight for his job after he regains his health.

Worth Mentioning
Drew Brees- Brees is still Mr. Reliable, and should lead the New Orleans Saints into the post-season.

Carson Palmer- Still top five worthy, but he isn't standing out like he did in 2005.

Eli Manning- Still has a ways to go before he can be mentioned in the same sentence as his brother.

Philip Rivers- Rivers is coming along very nicely in San Diego.

Michael Vick- Vick is trying to shed the overrated label as his passing game has improved. Still, he is only a top fifteen quarterback.

Matt Hasselbeck- An injury has impeded his 2006 season

Ben Roethlisberger- His stock has dropped a great deal, but I expect him to regain impetus in 2007.