5 Quarterbacks To Watch
1.) Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Photo by Ed Runyon
Why: Yes Brady is 36 years old, but he can still scare the bejesus out of defenses and defensive coordinators with his accuracy, mind, and preparation. Brady has helped lead the Patriots to a 4-0 record and he doesn’t have a true No.1 receiver to throw to or a big-time running game to complement him.
2.) Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
Why: The Broncos are the hottest team in the NFL right now and a big reason for that is Manning. Manning knows how to distribute his passes (his 32 completions versus the Raiders in Week 3 were distributed among eight pass catchers) and annoy defenses. Manning leads the NFL in passing yards with 1,470 and leads the league in completion percentage (with 100 or more passes thrown) at 75 percent. Making matters worse for opposing defenses, Manning has one of the better offensive lines in the NFL protecting him led by left guard Zane Beedles.
3.) Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
Why: Rivers is the type of quarterback that even if his team gets blown out or he himself has a bad game, the opposing defense will remember something good that he did in the game. Rivers is one of the hottest passers in the league right now even without Malcom Floyd and no big-time receiving option opposite Antonio Gates. Rivers has swagger, he bleeds the navy blue and gold, and it’s hard to go against the Chargers offense when Rivers is in the game.
4.) Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
Why: Kaepernick is not having the season he is capable of, but don’t count him out. Something is brewing within this signal caller and defenses better watch out when the real Kap shows up. And that Kaepernick to Anquan Boldin passing combination can be scary.
5.) Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
Why: First off, running backs Alfred Morris and Roy Helu need to stay healthy and consistent. Because no matter how talented a quarterback is or how talented his receivers are, ALL quarterbacks need a consistent or substantial running game to complement them. Meanwhile, Pierre Garcon and Leonard Hankerson are solid options at receiver, but not too many coordinators or defenses are frightened by them. In the 2014 NFL Draft or in free agency that year, Washington needs to invest in some receiver(s) that can scare and take the top off of defenses.
