muskokas finest © Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d829ebd37/article/matt-schaub-has-best-super-bowl-shot-among-qbs-without-title?module=HP11_cpThere are currently six starting quarterbacks in the NFL who have won a Super Bowl: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers have combined to win 10 championships. And it wouldn't be much of a surprise to see any of those six men hoisting the Lombardi Trophy following the upcoming season.However, just for kicks, let's examine which quarterback is most likely to become the seventh member of that elite club. I've taken the 26-plus eligible candidates and narrowed the list down to the seven quarterbacks who are closest to winning their first Super Bowl.7. Matthew Stafford, Detroit LionsLast season, Stafford helped guide the Lions into the playoffs for the first time since 1999. For Lions fans, there are several reasons to be excited about the future. Jim Schwartz is one of the brightest young coaches in the NFL and the roster is full of young, explosive playmakers on both sides of the ball. Stafford-to-Calvin Johnson has become the most dynamic passing combination in the entire league. Led by Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril, the Lions' defensive front four is one of the most disruptive in the NFL. I think this team will eventually be in position to make a title run, but that time is still a couple of years away.6. Tony Romo, Dallas CowboysThe Cowboys failed to make the playoffs last season, despite Romo having one of his best seasons as a professional. He completed 66 percent of his passes for 4,184 yards, 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. Most importantly, he started all 16 games. The Cowboys have a handful of elite players, but they still have some holes in key areas. Before they can be considered a Super Bowl threat, they need to improve their pass protection, as well as their pass defense.5. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati BengalsDalton is already one of my favorite players in the NFL. All he did during his rookie season was lead the Bengals to the postseason and earn a trip to the Pro Bowl -- not a bad start to a career. Along with Dalton, the Bengals have one of the league's rising stars in WR A.J. Green. For all of the jokes about the Bengals' thin scouting department, they have done a fantastic job of landing impact players in the past few drafts. This team is capable of winning a postseason game or two this season, and I believe they will play in a Super Bowl at some point in the near future.4. Joe Flacco, Baltimore RavensFlacco has led the Ravens to the playoffs in each of his first four NFL seasons. Last year, he had his team in position to advance to the Super Bowl before Lee Evans dropped a go-ahead touchdown late in the AFC Championship Game. Flacco's completion percentage took a dip in 2011, but he passed for more than 3,600 yards for the third straight season. He has plenty of young talent around him on the offensive side of the ball: Ray Rice is a premier running back, Torrey Smith has quickly established himself as one of the NFL's most explosive receivers, and I really like the young tight end combination of Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson. The defense will always be solid, but the injury to Terrell Suggs was a devastating blow. The Ravens don't have anyone on their roster capable of duplicating his sack production.3. Michael Vick, Philadelphia EaglesVick was very inconsistent during the 2011 season and the Eagles fell one game short of making the playoffs. During the first half of the season, Vick really struggled to avoid costly turnovers. On a positive note, his play did drastically improve down the stretch and he helped lead the Eagles to blowout victories in each of their last four games. After a rough start, the defense really began to jell by the end of the 2011 season. The unit gave up more than 10 points only once in its last four contests. If Vick plays like he did at the end of the season, this roster is plenty talented enough to make a push toward the Super Bowl this season.2. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ersSmith revived his career last season by posting solid numbers and making clutch plays during the 49ers' journey to the NFC Championship Game. While I respect the improvements he's made, if Smith is to join the list of Super Bowl-winning QBs, it will largely be the result of the incredible talent base around him. The 49ers have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL. Defensively, they have the top front seven in football with players like Justin Smith, Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and Aldon Smith. Their offensive line is very big and physical, and they have a workhorse running back in Frank Gore. Smith understands his role is to protect the football and make a few plays on third downs. If he can perform those two tasks, this team is definitely poised to challenge for a Super Bowl again in 2012.1. Matt Schaub, Houston TexansIf not for Schaub's injury last season, he might already be a Super Bowl champion. The Texans were playing outstanding football before Schaub suffered a foot injury that forced him to miss the final six games of the regular season and the playoffs. Despite his absence, the Texans won their division and picked up their first playoff win by defeating the Bengals in an AFC wild-card game. In the divisional round, they did something that very few teams have ever done: physically whipping the Ravens on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Arian Foster rushed for 132 yards and the Texans' defense held the Ravens' offense to 227 total yards. Despite three costly interceptions by backup quarterback T.J. Yates, the Texans only lost 20-13. It's hard to imagine the Texans losing that game with a healthy Schaub in the lineup.Despite allowing some big names to depart via free agency, the Texans still have a stacked roster. Foster is one of the top three running backs in the league, Andre Johnson is still a freak and the offensive line is one of the best in the league. On defense, Wade Phillips is one of the top coordinators in the NFL and has a bevy of talented pass rushers at his disposal. Brian Cushing is one of the top three inside linebackers in the league and a big play waiting to happen. Overall, if Schaub can stay healthy, this team is ready to contend for a championship this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Bubba Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I think it'll be Flacco. 4 playoff appearances in 4 years. 5 playoff wins. A couple plays shy of a SB appearance last year. He's knocking at the door and is extremely close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconsfan567 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Well this proves Matt Ryan will never win a Super Bowl because this guy thinks all 7 of these QBs are better than Ryan and will win a Super Bowl. Might as well just cancel the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PSSSHHHRRR87 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 No Matt Ryan, huh? And who the **** makes just a Top 7 list... IDK if this is a stab at MR or they are saying the team around MR isn't good enough... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1989Fan Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 wow, no Cam Newton?and LOL at Dalton being in there already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigSmackDaddy Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 I think it'll be Flacco. 4 playoff appearances in 4 years. 5 playoff wins. A couple plays shy of a SB appearance last year. He's knocking at the door and is extremely close.They should have had a note like Alex Smiths tied to Flacco. You put Matt Ryan on that team last season and they go all the way IMO. Curious to see how they do without Suggs....Ryan put up VERY similar numbers to Romo last season and actually made it to the playoffs but he isn't on the list.... BS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SavvyFalcon89 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 You know, sometimes I just have to ignore NFL.com especially in the offseason. No offense to any of the other quarterbacks on this list, but in my humble opinion, Andy Dalton has a little more to prove to me before I consider him a super bowl caliber QB or even being remotely close to being close to a Super Bowl. Maybe i'm being a bit over a homer but if you look at Matt Ryan and what he has around him, how can you not at least put him in the oddly narrowed list of 7. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackredfellow Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 As much as I agree or disagree, 3 playoff losses in 4 years has pushed the Falcons into the back of everyones mind in terms of who is dangerous.They will stay in the back of peoples minds until they get a playoff win. I for one dont give a sh*t. I'm fine with us flying under the radar until the playoffs. Once we reach the playoffs again, we have a week (or two) of "can Ryan win a game" talk. And Ryan will win one (and more). I'm positive of this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Excuses 4 Failure Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 You know, sometimes I just have to ignore NFL.com especially in the offseason. No offense to any of the other quarterbacks on this list, but in my humble opinion, Andy Dalton has a little more to prove to me before I consider him a super bowl caliber QB or even being remotely close to being close to a Super Bowl. Maybe i'm being a bit over a homer but if you look at Matt Ryan and what he has around him, how can you not at least put him in the oddly narrowed list of 7.Its precisely whats around him that keeps him off the list. ryan would get more respect if he could duplicate his achievements without the silver spoon supporting cast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigSmackDaddy Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 As much as I agree or disagree, 3 playoff losses in 4 years has pushed the Falcons into the back of everyones mind in terms of who is dangerous.They will stay in the back of peoples minds until they get a playoff win. I for one dont give a sh*t. I'm fine with us flying under the radar until the playoffs. Once we reach the playoffs again, we have a week (or two) of "can Ryan win a game" talk. And Ryan will win one (and more). I'm positive of this.Completely agree and I'm absolutely fine with people thinking we don't make the playoffs this season. Gonna be **** sweet getting that 1st playoff win this season Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muskokas finest © Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 The article uses the QB as a focus, but is in fact the writer's assessment of team's with the best chance to win. Leaving Ryan aside, the perception here is that this is a pretty solid talent base in Atlanta. I can't believe they'd be ranked behind Cincy or Detroit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SavvyFalcon89 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Its precisely whats around him that keeps him off the list. ryan would get more respect if he could duplicate his achievements without the silver spoon supporting cast.If that is the case you can make the same argument against Romo and Vick as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigSmackDaddy Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Its precisely whats around him that keeps him off the list. ryan would get more respect if he could duplicate his achievements without the silver spoon supporting cast.Ryan IMO is one of the few QB's in the NFL who doesn't care about stats. I will say the same thing about Flacco but I think he is over rated.I personally don't care of he ever puts up the big numbers that some on here clamor over, Cam is a great example. All that matters is the "w" and Ryan does that. Before anyone says anything about the postseason... He starts doing it there this season as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFalconRises Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Every night when I go to sleep I pray to the football gods that the falcons will bring home a championship. This list means nothing, my gods will not abandon me. I encourage everyone to join Falconism and pray for a championship every night. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconsfan567 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 you can't have respect in league and look like you are afraid to be a play maker in a playoff game and lead a offense with talent to 0 pointsPeyton Manning lost a playoff game 41-0 against the Jets with Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne and Edgerrin James on his offense. So you can say that all you want to about Ryan it doesn't change the fact that the same thing happened to Peyton Manning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SavvyFalcon89 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 (edited) you can't have respect in league and look like you are afraid to be a play maker in a playoff game and lead a offense with talent to 0 pointsIUnfortunately because this is a quarterback driven league, people tend to forget that football is a team sport. I can show you numerous things about that game that contributed to our downfall. Could Ryan have made a few more plays, of course. But to put it sorely on one player for a TEAM game shows me that that is a a concept that you don't understand. Besides Ryan will get his ring soon enough Edited June 19, 2012 by SavvyFalcon89 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Excuses 4 Failure Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 If that is the case you can make the same argument against Romo and Vick as well.No. You cant. philly was rebuilding last year with all their new pieces that you saw come together at the end of the year not to mention no true number 1 receiver near roddy or julio. Nobody wanted them in the playoffs last year. I guarantee they would have scored more than 2 pts vs the giants. And romo. he doesnt have an elite running game to Back him up along with the fact that austin and bryant arent near as good as julio and roddy. You can argue all u want but the facts remain facts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Master Exploder Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 No. You cant. philly was rebuilding last year with all their new pieces that you saw come together at the end of the year not to mention no true number 1 receiver near roddy or julio. Nobody wanted them in the playoffs last year. I guarantee they would have scored more than 2 pts vs the giants. And romo. he doesnt have an elite running game to Back him up along with the fact that austin and bryant arent near as good as julio and roddy. You can argue all u want but the facts remain facts.Philly's "Dream Team" was a rebuilding phase? You act like Maclin/Jackson or Bryant/Austin aren't among the top WR tandems in the NFL. Some people would probably argue that both of those tandems are better than ours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SavvyFalcon89 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Philly's "Dream Team" was a rebuilding phase? You act like Maclin/Jackson or Bryant/Austin aren't among the top WR tandems in the NFL. Some people would probably argue that both of those tandems are better than ours.Beat me to it but THANK YOU!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Excuses 4 Failure Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 you would be laughed at suggesting that djax and maclin are on par with julio and roddy. Would you make the trade straight up? If not what kind of picks would you have to throw in? If this was a best wR tandem thread youd be laughing at anyone suggesting they are even or better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falconsfan567 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 IUnfortunately because this is a quarterback driven league, people tend to forget that football is a team sport. I can show you numerous things about that game that contributed to our downfall. Could Ryan have made a few more plays, of course. But to put it sorely on one player for a TEAM game shows me that that is a a concept that you don't understand. Besides Ryan will get his ring soon enoughI was just looking at the PBP and just realized that the Falcons defense while pretty good for most of the Giants was so bad in the 4th quarter that the Falcons had just 2 possessions in the 4th quarter and one of those was a 3 plays and out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atl/0 Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 This list, much like the NFL top 100 list, should be named differently. This one in particular should be "which qbs have a better chance to win a Super Bowl". I see some here like usual are putting on the cape for no reason. This is not about who is the better qb but whose team has a better chance....although you can make a case for some of them to say they are better than Ryan.The top 100 is pretty much a popularity/respect list between players. I was just listening to the 2 live stews/bell n archer roundtable show a few minutes ago and they brought up the fact that nationally nobody really has much respect for Ryan. That's just the way it is outside of this board. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No More Excuses 4 Failure Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 This list, much like the NFL top 100 list, should be named differently. This one in particular should be "which qbs have a better chance to win a Super Bowl". I see some here like usual are putting on the cape for no reason. This is not about who is the better qb but whose team has a better chance....although you can make a case for some of them to say they are better than Ryan.The top 100 is pretty much a popularity/respect list between players. I was just listening to the 2 live stews/bell n archer roundtable show a few minutes ago and they brought up the fact that nationally nobody really has much respect for Ryan. That's just the way it is outside of this board.Some folks fail to realize that cute anecdotal accomplishments like b2b and franchise passing yardage Records arent that spectacular when compared to the rest of the league. For instance ryans passing yardage record isnt even close to top 50 all time yet homers expect folks To see that as a sign of greatness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duff_Man Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 For instance ryans passing yardage record isnt even close to top 50 all time yet homers expect folks To see that as a sign of greatness.63rd all-time. A whopping 150 yards from top 50. How is Neil Lomax at #22?? My god. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulitik Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 Matt Schaub needs to worry about making it through a season, not about winning the Super Bowl 3 months before the season opener.This list is beyond idiotic. Andy Dalton? Please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.