Part 7 of 8 of the QB Rankings series. In this article we will be focusing on the NFC South.
*This is my opinion and solely based off of 2019 performances*
1st – Drew Brees | 3rd overall
2019 Stats – 2,979 yards | 74.3 pct | 27 pass TD – 1 rush TD | 4 INT | 0 FUM
The most accurate quarterback in NFL history surged at the end of the year after sitting 5 games due to an injured thumb. Once he got back on the field, you forgot about the injury because he looked like it didn’t affect him one bit. The 40-year-old quarterback is back for another year with New Orleans, and after two disappointing exits from the playoffs, Brees is definitely ready for another Super Bowl. In his 11 games, Brees threw for just under 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns. If it wasn’t for the injury, Brees definitely could’ve hit the 4,000 mark. He also threw just 4 interceptions which is another reason why he is the most accurate quarterback in NFL history.
2nd – Matt Ryan | 11th overall
2019 Stats – 4,466 yards | 66.2 pct | 26 pass TD – 1 rush TD | 14 INT | 5 FUM
Yes, the Falcons have not been the same since losing to the Patriots in the Super Bowl up 28-3, but Ryan hasn’t really stepped down from being the elite quarterback he is. The team just needs a boost and then they will be back in contention. Ryan threw for just under 4,500 yards and a total of 26 touchdowns. He also completed 66% of his passes. The 34-year-old looks to get back to the postseason as soon as possible. I do think Ryan does have one more Super Bowl run left in him. His reputation really hasn’t taken much of a hit, but he could definitely use a winning season and even a division title to get his name back on top.
3rd – Jameis Winston | 20th overall
2019 Stats – 5,109 yards | 60.7 pct | 33 pass TD – 1 rush TD | 30 INT | 5 FUM
Well…what a season for Jameis Winston, let’s just put it that way. Winston threw for over 5,000 yards and over 30 touchdowns. Those are MVP numbers, right? Wrong. Winston is the first player in NFL history to throw for over 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in one season. Sure he looked good at times, but his career has been overshadowed by his consistent interceptions. Jamies is a free agent this offseason and is looking for a fresh start in the NFL. If he can fix the turnovers, Winston has the potential to be a solid starter for any team. Some say he was robbed of the Defensive Player of the Year Award because of the 30 INT’s, but that award belongs to a defensive player, not a quarterback.
4th – Kyle Allen | 32nd overall
2019 Stats – 3,322 yards | 62.0 pct | 17 pass TD – 2 rush TD | 16 INT | 7 FUM
Allen took over for injured Cam Newton and looked really good in his first four starts under center. But then, the momentum started to fade and he never got back to being the same. Ball security was the biggest issue for Allen after fumbling the football 7 times in his 13 games. His below-average play led to Will Grier taking over the Panthers and that wasn’t any better for them. Despite all the criticism and lack of wins, Allen did throw for over 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. He got the job done and kept Carolina somewhat competitive for parts of the season, but never got over the hump of being sacked 7 times against San Francisco.