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NFL Nation, ESPNAug 27, 2024, 07:04 AM ET
The Kansas City Chiefs could make historical past this season with the NFL’s first three-peat, an achievement that will thrust quarterback Patrick Mahomes into the dialog of the best of all time.
ESPN requested over 100 NFL gamers to rank quarterbacks in accordance with quite a lot of standards, together with whether or not Mahomes, chasing his fourth Tremendous Bowl title, is able to supplant Tom Brady because the GOAT. Brady gained seven championships, however he did not win his fourth till his fifteenth season. Mahomes is getting into his eighth.
“It is Brady, but when Mahomes three-peats, that is a unique story,” one AFC South participant mentioned.
The survey, which granted anonymity so the gamers might reply candidly, requested them to rank quarterbacks within the following classes:
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High three present quarterbacks
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Rookie QB who could have most profitable profession
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Most overrated quarterback
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Most underrated quarterback
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Largest trash-talking QB
A complete of 103 gamers from 25 groups have been interviewed for this venture, they usually have been allowed to vote for their very own quarterback. Listed here are the outcomes.
Who’s the GOAT, and if it isn’t Mahomes, what does he should do to get there?
If the query have been about expertise degree, Mahomes would win, in accordance with a number of responses. Even when contemplating total greatness, the Chiefs star obtained his due.
“No disrespect to Tom … however I am taking Pat,” mentioned one NFC South participant. “Pat can do every little thing Tom can do, and he is cell.”
The overwhelming majority, nonetheless, selected Brady with the problem that Mahomes has to match or beat his variety of rings.
“Mahomes is on his means, however he isn’t there but,” one other NFC South participant mentioned. “You may’t disrespect Tom Brady. He has seven rings.
“That is a protracted method to go.”
One other AFC South participant who selected Brady mentioned: “Mahomes is on monitor to be the most effective ever. He is simply obtained a few of these abilities you can’t train.”‘
Right here have been the GOAT votes for Brady and Mahomes:
1. Brady: (85)
2. Mahomes: (7)
A number of different gamers acquired votes.
Rank the highest three present quarterbacks
The selection for No. 1 wasn’t unanimous, however a lot of the gamers who did not choose Mahomes with their best choice voted him No. 2. Mahomes acquired 87 first-place votes and 12 for second place. One participant named three gamers however did not rank them.
The highest three spots have been weighted, with No. 1 being price 3 factors, No. 2 being price 2 and No. 3 being price 1.
Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, who’s the reigning MVP, obtained the second-highest level whole. Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow completed third.
Listed here are the QBs ranked as the highest three and their level totals:
1. Mahomes: (291)
2. Jackson: (124)
3. Burrow: (51)
Different prime vote-getters: Buffalo Bills‘ Josh Allen (39) and New York Jets‘ Aaron Rodgers (32)
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Why Jayden Daniels is healthier positioned to succeed than Caleb Williams
The “Get Up” crew discusses how rookies Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels are getting into completely different environments with the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders.
Which rookie QB could have essentially the most profitable profession?
Just one crew options two large receivers who topped 1,000 receiving yards final season. That crew drafted a WR who led the nation in receiving final yr with 1,640 yards.
The abundance of receiving expertise is one purpose Caleb Williams is anticipated to justify the Chicago Bears utilizing the No. 1 decide on him in April.
“His ceiling might be the best, however you’ve got simply obtained to get in the appropriate scenario,” an NFC West participant mentioned.
The Bears haven’t been a quarterback’s “proper scenario” for generations. The truth is, the Bears have not drafted and developed a real franchise QB since Sid Luckman in 1939. Williams’ predecessor, Justin Fields, was drafted with the eleventh decide in 2021 and traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers three years later.
“It is Caleb [with the most promising future], if the Bears work out what they’ve,” an AFC West participant mentioned.
The Washington Commanders took Jayden Daniels with the second decide, and he has impressed throughout coaching camp to the purpose the place he has been named the Week 1 starter.
“Daniels is in a very good scenario,” an NFC South participant mentioned. “It is a new possession group, new teaching employees and quite a lot of that’s going to be constructed round him and what he can do.”
Daniels would be the starter, however expectations for his success will not be as excessive as they’re for Williams.
“Everyone goes to say Caleb, however bro, you understand you’ve got obtained all that strain,” an NFC South participant mentioned. “There is a distinction if you’ve obtained that strain. And he put that strain on himself.
“So, if he would not come out right here like Patrick Mahomes degree, then he is a bust in everyone’s eyes.”
The survey was carried out earlier than the Minnesota Vikings‘ J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury, however the responses converse to what a number of gamers imagine can be a profitable profession.
Right here have been the highest vote-getters for the rookie QB who could have essentially the most profitable profession:
1. Williams (34)
2. Daniels (30)
3. McCarthy (10)
Different prime vote-getters: Atlanta Falcons‘ Michael Penix Jr. (8) and Denver Broncos‘ Bo Nix (8)
Most overrated quarterback
The three prime vote-getters on this class have made 5 Professional Bowls, one Tremendous Bowl and two convention championship video games.
Meaning a profitable QB may also be thought of overrated.
When voting for Allen, one NFC West participant mentioned: “Too many turnovers.”
Because the begin of the 2008 season, Allen’s 102 turnovers lead the NFL. The Detroit Lions‘ Jared Goff is second with 96, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ Baker Mayfield is third with 91, in accordance with ESPN Stats & Info.
Allen has made two Professional Bowls and helped information the Payments to 5 postseason bids, together with an AFC Championship Sport, in his six years.
Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts has gone even additional, serving to lead the Eagles to the Tremendous Bowl two years in the past. But he is also considered by some as not dwelling as much as the hype.
“How exhausting is it to throw bounce balls to A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith?” requested an NFC East participant. “And their tight finish [Dallas Goedert] is basically good.”
The Miami Dolphins are hoping it was a mistake that Tua Tagovailoa was voted into this class after the crew signed him to the richest contract in franchise historical past — 4 years, $212.4 million.
Right here have been the highest vote-getters for essentially the most overrated quarterback:
1. Allen (11)
T2. Hurts (10)
T2. Tagovailoa (10)
Different prime vote-getters: Los Angeles Chargers‘ Justin Herbert (9), Jacksonville Jaguars‘ Trevor Lawrence (8), Cleveland Browns‘ Deshaun Watson (7), Arizona Cardinals‘ Kyler Murray (6) and San Francisco 49ers‘ Brock Purdy (6)
Most underrated quarterback
The primary NFL label connected to Purdy was “Mr. Irrelevant,” for being the final decide of the 2022 draft. The following label was “recreation supervisor,” for not being as flashy as a few of his friends.
Now, Purdy can add no less than a share of one other label: “Most underrated quarterback within the NFL.” He and the Los Angeles Rams‘ Matthew Stafford tied for many votes.
Final yr, Purdy led the 49ers to a Tremendous Bowl and notched the most effective QBR in simply his second season.
The 36-year-old Stafford handed for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and made his second Professional Bowl whereas serving to the Rams return to the playoffs in 2023. He additionally completed sixth in QBR at 63.5.
Stafford is getting into his sixteenth season — after spending his first 12 with the Detroit Lions.
“While you’re on the degree he is been at for thus lengthy, individuals take it without any consideration a bit of bit,” an NFC West participant mentioned of Stafford. “And being in Detroit, perhaps the marketplace for the eye wasn’t actually there.
“Now that he is in L.A. for a number of years, hopefully that market catches up with the expertise that he has.”
Right here have been the highest vote-getters for essentially the most underrated quarterback:
T1. Purdy (14)
T1. Stafford (14)
T3. Atlanta Falcons‘ Kirk Cousins (7)
T3. Lions’ Jared Goff (7)
T3. Green Bay Packers‘ Jordan Love (7)
T3. Carolina Panthers’ Bryce Young (7)
Different prime vote-getters: Herbert (6), Dallas Cowboys‘ Dak Prescott (4), Jackson (4), Hurts (4) and Tagovailoa (4)
Largest trash-talking quarterback
To a few of his friends, Allen is likely one of the prime three quarterbacks within the league. To others, he’s overrated due to what number of turnovers he commits. And to a plurality voting on this class, he is the most important trash-talking QB within the league.
So that you’re telling me, I used to be voted because the #1 … finest trash talker??? Let’s goooooo!!! pic.twitter.com/Tlz8M7g195
— Josh Allen (@JoshAllenQB) August 28, 2024
“He will run you over and speak trash after he runs you over,” one NFC East participant mentioned.
Allen beat Mayfield and Rodgers as the most important trash talkers.
“[Rodgers] is aware of what you are going to do earlier than you do it, so he has these thoughts video games,” an NFC West participant mentioned. “He will get on the market and he’ll simply stare at you, and you do not know what to do. Like, ‘Why are you watching me?’ sort of factor.
“So, extra of an mental trash speak.”
Rodgers would not restrict the taunting to nonverbal means, as Bears followers will attest. In 2021, whereas he was a member of the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers yelled “I nonetheless personal you” on the Soldier Discipline crowd after scoring a landing. And he was identified to make his “low cost double examine” taunt during which he highlighted an imaginary championship belt round his waist.
Right here have been the highest vote-getters for the most important trash-talking QB:
1. Allen (26)
2. Mayfield (17)
3. Rodgers (15)
Different prime vote-getters: Mahomes (11), Burrow (4) and Houston Texans‘ C.J. Stroud (4)
