Peyton Manning, one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history, recently shared his insights on the current crop of elite quarterbacks, offering a fascinating look at the players dominating the league.
The Top Five Quarterbacks
Manning's top five quarterbacks list is headlined by Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. Each of these signal-callers has showcased unique talents that have earned them this distinction.
Patrick Mahomes has become an emblem of versatility and explosive playmaking. With Andy Reid at the helm of the Kansas City Chiefs, Mahomes has been able to translate his on-field versatility into consistent success. "Quarterbacks need to be coached hard. Andy Reid coaches Patrick Mahomes hard. That's good for Patrick, but that's bad for NFL defenses," Manning remarked. Mahomes has already led the Chiefs to multiple playoff runs and secured a Super Bowl victory, cementing his legacy early in his career.
Joe Burrow, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, is continually praised for his unflappable demeanor. Manning praises Burrow for his calm and collected nature on the field. "I'm a big fan of Joe Burrow. Glad to see him back healthy. I like the way he carries himself. I like his demeanor out there. He doesn't sweat. He doesn't flinch. He's just kind of calm and cool the whole time," Manning shared. Burrow’s ability to maintain composure under pressure is a critical component of his game, and it has paid dividends for the Bengals.
Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers has been turning heads for his impressive performances, breaking multiple records, including Manning's record for the most passing yards through four NFL seasons. Manning has high praise for Herbert, noting, "This Justin Herbert is as talented as anybody. He can throw it a mile. The Broncos' division is gonna be tough."
Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, is known for his extraordinary dual-threat ability. Manning acknowledged Jackson’s unique skill set, saying, "Lamar Jackson does things that just don't seem possible with the football in his hands. He makes throws, he runs, and he protects himself too. I never could run, so I never had that problem." Jackson’s prowess as both a thrower and a runner has earned him two MVP awards, and he remains a constant threat to defenses.
Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills has shown remarkable productivity since 2019. Manning's admiration for Allen is evident: "Josh Allen is a total stud. Tough. I saw him this summer. He is so motivated to bring a championship to Buffalo." Allen’s combination of toughness and motivation has turned the Bills into perennial contenders.
Missing Notables
While Manning's list includes the cream of the crop, several other notable quarterbacks were mentioned as not making the cut, including Dak Prescott, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love. Each of these quarterbacks has demonstrated potential, and it will be interesting to see how they develop in the coming seasons.
Coaching and Development
Manning’s emphasis on the importance of coaching is particularly noteworthy. His endorsement of Andy Reid’s coaching style reflects how critical a good coach can be to a quarterback's success. The relationship between a quarterback and their coach can often be the difference between a good and a great career.
Conclusion
Peyton Manning's insights provide a captivating glimpse into the current landscape of NFL quarterbacks. With Mahomes, Burrow, Herbert, Jackson, and Allen leading the charge, the future of the league looks bright. Each of these players brings something unique to the table, promising fans an exciting few years ahead in professional football. Manning's admiration for these quarterbacks, coupled with his deep understanding of the game, makes his list not just a ranking but a testament to the evolving brilliance at the quarterback position.