Peyton Manning Sizes Up Today's Elite NFL Quarterbacks
As one of the most legendary quarterbacks to ever grace the gridiron, Peyton Manning's insights into the current roster of NFL talents carry significant weight. Manning recently listed his top five quarterbacks currently dominating the league, and his choices offer a glimpse into the minds of the best in the game today: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen.
Patrick Mahomes: The Versatile Playmaker
It's no surprise that Patrick Mahomes tops Manning's list. Known for his versatility and explosive playmaking abilities, Mahomes has been indispensable to the Kansas City Chiefs under the tutelage of head coach Andy Reid. "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 pointed out.
Mahomes has led the Chiefs to several playoff runs and a Super Bowl victory, marking him as a formidable force on the field. His ability to adapt and the relentless coaching by Reid make him a challenging opponent for any team.
Joe Burrow: The Calm and Collected Leader
Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals has consistently impressed both fans and analysts alike with his unflappable demeanor. Manning has a lot of praise for Burrow, stating, "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."
Burrow's resilient composure and leadership qualities make him an essential asset for the Bengals, solidifying his place among the NFL's elite quarterbacks.
Justin Herbert: The Record Breaker
Justin Herbert, the dynamic quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers, has made waves by breaking Manning's own record for the most passing yards through four NFL seasons. Manning remarked on Herbert's potential, saying, "This Justin Herbert is as talented as anybody. He can throw it a mile. The Broncos' division is gonna be tough."
Herbert's powerful arm and exceptional field vision have set him apart as a star to watch, especially as he continues to develop and elevate his game.
Lamar Jackson: The Dual-Threat Dynamo
Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, has earned his place in Manning's top five through his extraordinary combination of passing and rushing abilities. "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," commented Manning.
Jackson's unique skill set includes two MVP awards, emphasizing his status as one of the most electrifying and versatile quarterbacks in the league.
Josh Allen: The Motivated Champion
Finally, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills rounds out Manning's esteemed list. Since 2019, Allen has been one of the most productive quarterbacks, showcasing immense talent and a fierce competitive spirit. Manning praised Allen by saying, "Josh Allen is a total stud. Tough. I saw him this summer. He is so motivated to bring a championship to Buffalo."
Allen's relentless drive and exceptional ability make him a key player for the Bills and a constant threat to adversaries.
Noteworthy Mentions
While Manning's top five highlight the cream of the crop, several other notable quarterbacks were mentioned but did not make the list. These include Dak Prescott, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love. Each of these signal-callers has demonstrated moments of brilliance and holds the potential to climb the ranks as they continue to evolve their game.
Manning's insights provide a compelling snapshot of the current landscape of NFL quarterbacks. His observations on Mahomes, Burrow, Herbert, Jackson, and Allen offer fans and analysts alike a deeper understanding of what makes these players special and why they are at the forefront of today's NFL action.