Originally posted by fortyninerglory:
When their careers are over the top 10 rankings will be:
1. Joe Montana
2. Johnny Unitas
3. Bart Starr
4. Steve Young
5. Brett Favre
6. John Elway
7. Peyton Manning
8. Dan Marino
9. Jim Kelly
10. Tom Brady (because of spygate)
Nice list. Certainly contains the Top 10. I'll add my comments.
I agree with your top two. Older observers might list Unitas ahead of Montana but, being a 49er fan, I won't.
Bart Starr is top 10 but not #3. He benefitted from a GREAT running game and strong defense. I would put him about 7 or 8.
I put Manning in the top four. Few quarterbacks have ever done what he does in terms of calling plays and doing it well, plus he has all the tools and uses them very well.
I also put Steve Young in the top four. His completion percentage/QB rating along with his overall ability to scramble and move put him above guys like Favre and Marino. His touch in short to mid-range put him above Elway's cannon.
Elway and Brady come next, mostly because they don't do what Manning does in terms of play calls. Elway gets the edge here because he was more mobile.
Marino and Starr are next - pick 'em. Marino was a great thrower but that doesn't make him a better QB than any of the others. Starr just seems to fit in here behind the others. He never had to win games by himself. Too bad because he enjoyed great success on a classic team, but that doesn't make him a Top Five, IMO.
Favre because of his int rate, and Kelly round out the group. Favre doesn't get bonus points for longevity. Kelly was very good but not better than any of the others.