Ranking quarterbacks can sometimes feel a bit tedious. As someone who put together the Top 10 lists this summer, I can say that sorting these players is often a grateful task in the NFL, particularly since, outside of the top four, things can change rapidly. QB5 might suddenly find himself at QB11 after just a few weeks, and then there’s that QB15 who starts playing like the QB6. It’s a bit of a mess, honestly, but we’ve done our part and ranked them anyway.
Interestingly, this year, we’re also categorizing quarterbacks using a Dungeon & Dragons alignment system! We tried this last year, and it adds a quirky twist. For those unfamiliar, D&D alignment is essentially a framework for character behavior. When you craft a legal character, it often exemplifies heroic traits, prioritizing the greater good. Think along the lines of Captain America or Ned Stark from “Game of Thrones.” But, there are also some characters with more ambiguous motives, like the Joker, who revels in chaos.
So, how does this D&D alignment concept apply to NFL quarterbacks? Well, we’ve placed QBs in various categories based on a few indicators:
- Movie: I used film as a backdrop to determine placement, merging statistics with individual performances.
- PFF’s metrics — especially big-time throws — reveal a lot about a QB’s willingness to take risks. They help illustrate whether a QB is more of a chaotic figure or maintains some control.
- Press scenarios: How a QB handles pressure might give the clearest indication of their moral alignment. Those who make wise decisions under duress typically land in the good category.
- Passing out of the pocket: Rolling out can complicate the game. Many young QBs are thrust into this chaotic environment due to their college experiences, but analyzing their frequency of success outside the pocket could shed light on their potential.
- As for rookies, they often start in a chaotic neutral since most university QBs navigate a whirlwind of confusion.
Now that we’ve clarified the rules, let’s dive into the actual chart!
Neutral Spectrum and NFL QBs
It seems like most quarterbacks in the NFL exist in a state of neutrality, which, honestly, makes some degree of sense. The fluidity among the elite QBs is really fascinating. So, let’s explore that a bit:
The line between confusing goodness and legal neutrality isn’t too complicated. “Good” QBs tend to hover closer to average in their stats, particularly in terms of sack rates, while legally neutral ones might often fall just below average in specific areas. Take Jordan Love, for example. His play style embodies the chaotic yet good archetype, but some of the advanced stats suggest he’s not exactly performing at a stellar level. His low sack rate is notable, but he’s not really making plays outside the pocket. Conversely, Sam Darnold embodies a more chaotic approach. He can evade pressure but often ends up throwing the ball wildly. It’s interesting to tally these stats against how they play on the field, as perceptions of neutrality in the NFL feel quite fitting.
The Elite Quarterbacks
When discussing elite QBs in the NFL, three names often come up: Patrick Mahomes of Kansas City, Josh Allen from Buffalo, and Lamar Jackson of Baltimore. We could also mention Joe Burrow, but let’s focus on these three for now. They operate in a gray area between lawful and chaotic. What’s neat about this neutrality is that these QBs can turn the game around with their scrambling ability, yet they also possess the skill to make precise throws like a top-tier QB should. Allen, in particular, is a unique case — a player who seems to straddle that line between good and chaotic.
Kyler Murray’s Dilemma
Who would have thought that the quarterbacks of the Arizona Cardinals would add more complexity? Kyler Murray seems like he would fall more into a neutral category, given his mix of chaotic play. However, advanced statistics tell a different story, showing he leans more towards the chaotic end. Watching him, it’s clear he has the tools to be a good, chaotic quarterback, sometimes drifting into a totally chaotic neutral territory. His height might impact his vision and play, but he certainly has the potential to shift the alignment criteria going forward.
