When people say someone has got all the physical tools over another QB, they are talking about athleticism and arm strength. But there's so much more to the position of QB. Like a quick release. Like accuracy. Like reading defenses and making quick decisions. Like moving around the pocket and avoiding the rush. Like having the guts to keep your eyes downfield when mayhem is going on all around you. Like making short throws that put your slot guys and backs in maximal position to gain yards. Like refusing to lose and being a leader.
When I look at those criteria, I actually put Dan Marino at #3, because he only failed at the last criteria, and it was a big one. He was the Philip Rivers of his day, getting angry and constantly chewing out teammates. But Marino could do everything else incredibly well. I think he was a better thrower than Rodgers too.
1. Brady (all the criteria except running outside the pocket).
2. Montana (all the criteria except a strong arm)
3. Marino (a hothead)
4. Manning (sometimes gutless)
5. Brees (all the criteria except a strong arm, like Montana without the wins)
6. Young (great accuracy, very mobile, did not command the pocket, got hurt often)
7. Rodgers (he can do everything, but even at the age of 34, legacy is skimpy)
Those are my 7. After that, you can bring up Staubach, Bradshaw, etc., but I think they are just behind the top 7. Bradshaw had an Aikman like career, Staubach was steady and a winner, but not spectacular. As for Elway, it took him until the age of 37 to look like one of the best, and I'm not going to credit him for 2 fantastic seasons only, because before that Elway was one of the most inaccurate QBs in the league. He used to frequently drive the ball into the ground on regular flareouts. He may be in my top 10, but just barely
Notice that I did not highlight victories as one of the key criteria. If I had, Marino would not be #3.
