That brings Trent Dilfer and Brad Johnson into the conversation. If you want to have one qualifying line on the resume', it should be an MVP.
I agree. I'm pretty sure Bradshaw has the most interceptions in NFL history, he was fortunate to have all those nasty Steeler's defenses. He played big when it mattered too so I guess that counts for something. I never thought Favre was that great. The only thing he has is longevity and that's why he's in the record books. In his prime, he would still be behind Brees, Brady, Manning, and Rodgers. The next few years will be big for Drew Brees. He's nearing the end of his prime soon and still can do more damage to some record books. But until then, he shouldn't be on the list.
I thought I read him saying something like that in his book but I guess I misread. He had 212 TDs to 210 INTs in his career which still supports my point.
Info for the discussion. Here are the numbers for guys who we've put in this discussion: Brees, Manning, Brady, Rodgers, Montana, Marino, Favre, Moon, Elway, Young, Aikman, Bradshaw, Starr and Unitas. Ranked by career passer rating (actual rankings, compared to all QBs): 1. Rodgers 2. (tie) Young 4. Brady 6. Manning 8. Brees 9. Montana 17. Marino 19. (tie) Favre 45. (tie) Aikman 51. Moon 54. (tie) Starr 61. Elway 72. (tie) Unitas 150. (tie) Bradshaw Passing yardage 1. Favre 2. Marino 3. Manning 4. Elway 5. Moon 11. Montana 12. Brees 13. Unitas 14. Brady 24. Young 26. Aikman 46. Bradshaw 64. Starr 111. Rodgers TDs 1. Favre 2. Marino 3. Manning 5. Elway 6. Brady 7. Moon 8. Unitas 9. Brees 11. Montana 23. Young 25. Bradshaw 58. Aikman 75. (tie) Starr 88. Rodgers Pass Completion percentage 2. Brees 4. Rodgers 5. Manning 6. (tie) Young 9. Brady 11. Montana 17. Favre 22. Aikman 44. Marino 60. Moon 78. Starr 92. Elway 136. Unitas 177. Bradshaw +....AP MVP's Manning - 4 Favre, Unitas - 3 Brady, Young, Montana - 2 Elway, Marino, Bradshaw, Starr - 1 Moon, Brees, Aikman, Rodgers - 0 Super Bowl rings (as starter) Bradshaw, Montana - 4 Aikman, Brady -3 Elway, Starr - 2 Rodgers, Brees, Manning, Favre, Young, Unitas - 1 Moon, Marino - 0 Super Bowl MVPs Montana - 3 Brady, Starr, Bradshaw - 2 Rodgers, Brees, Manning, Aikman, Young - 1 Favre, Moon, Marino, Unitas - 0
On First Take this morning, Lomas Brown picks Brees for NFL MVP. Steven A. Smith votes for Rodgers, though "I can't argue against Brees." Bayless chooses Brady, re-affirming the fact that he is an idiot.
I really hope Brees can finish his career strong with a 2nd Lombardi trophy added to his resume. Given his career stats today along with another few years of high level play, I think he has a chance to get into the top 5 discussion. With so many QBs from different eras of the NFL (including today's league with pass happy rules), it will always be a subjective list. Montana was "the guy" growing up for me but I never liked him much (always beating the Saints). When you consider the system that he was in along with the greatest WR of all-time in his prime, maybe he's a bit overrated. I think the last minute drive to beat the Bengals in that SB cemented his legacy. However, I think Steve Young would've done just as well (or better) during those early 49ers years. One name that I didn't notice in the thread was Big Ben. If he can add another Lombardi or two to his resume and continue playing for 5-8 more years at a high level, he may get into the conversation. Aaron Rodgers has a long way to go but appears to be on the right track. With as much pocket scrambling as he does on a regular basis, I think he's due for a somewhat significant injury (within next year or two).
