There have been more successful QBs, and I am slightly biased by watching his entire career and only some of most of the guys on this list, but I think Peyton Manning is the best QB to play the game. His "fantasy" numbers speak for themselves. His playoff record is a huge mark against him. His ability to serve as the quarterback and playcaller is something that most QBs only dream of doing. He is now at the end of his career, but he is the QB i'd want playing for me.
I voted for Brady 4-2 in SuperBowls with a great chance to win another before he retires. He has turned dogshit into gold and you can't punish him for losing twice the SuperBowl.. I think that argument is dumb. It isn't better to lose in the AFCCG opposed to losing in the SuperBowl
Otto Graham played in the NFL Championship Game every season in his career, winning 7 and losing 3 including winning the NFL Championship for the first 5 years straight. Graham was the All-Pro QB for 7 seasons in his 10 in the NFL. He's the GOAT at QB.
I was actually having a hard time deciding whether or not to add Otto. The problem with him is that virtually none of us saw him play and I just think the game is SO different than it was pre-merger. I ultimately decided to not include anyone whose entire career was defined before the Superbowl era even began. It's obviously as arbitrary a line as any other would be. I'm glad people are bringing him up, though. His accomplishments are legendary. (Btw, I also think a similar case can be made for why Johnny U should not be compared to modern NFL quarterbacks, but I decided to include him because of how iconic he is)
Everything you say is correct with one minor exception. He only played in the NFL 6 years. His first 4 championships, '46-49, were in the AAFC and not the NFL. Brown's Browns (sorry, couldn't resist) dominated the AAFC but were only 3-3 in his 6 seasons in the NFL. Still a HOF QB either way.
Yep, that's all true. Graham was still the best player on the Browns in both leagues and he still holds the NFL's career record for yards per pass attempt at 8.62. Sid Luckman is second at 8.4, then Aaron Rodgers at 8.2.
I VOTED OTHER. Bart Star Do I think he is the best, maybe not, but he was Super Bowl 1 and 2 MVP. Highest playoff passer rating in NFL history (many seem to rely heavily on this stat). He played QB in an entirely different era and this is why I think polls like this are meaningless. MVP during a specific decade or period, maybe...for the entire history of ANY sport - can't do it. The methods of player evaluation, defenses, offenses, and rules of the game constantly change.
Since 1980 (taking players like Otto Graham and Unitas out of the discussion), the only two that are debatable are Montana and Peyton Manning, imo. Personally, I think Montana was the best, but it's difficult to compare the two eras because the rules have been changed so dramatically to favor quarterbacks over the last 15 years. Manning never played with the quality of personnel Montana had and he called his own plays (in an era where nobody else does).
It's possible, he's certainly the best of the QB's in this era. However he needs to win another couple of rings to go down as the best of all time. At least 3 for that to work. Right now I'd put Graham, Montana and arguably Brady over him.
