NFL Playoffs Divisional Round 2014: Elite Quarterbacks Will Be On Display
By John Starba
When you look at the Saints the name Drew Brees is the first name that pops up in basically everyone’s mind. A great leader, teammate and also quarterback he has shown the fans what elite truly means. His stats speak for themselves and also when you watch him you never know what he’s capable of as Drew is always impressing. Any GM/coach would love to have him on their team simply because of the pure skill. It definitely will be interesting to see how he fairs against the top defense.
On the other side of the ball we have Russell Wilson. Wilson taken in the third round back in 2012 may be one of the biggest steals in recent memory. This guy has done nothing but come in and be great. An all-around player is always a threat as defenses never know if he will be attacking them in the air or with his feet. He has shown he’s going to be a top player in this league for some years and looking back again it’s amazing that so many passed up on him.
The next game will feature two quarterbacks that are likely to put on a show. Tom Brady and Andrew Luck are ready to do battle and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Tom Brady like him or hate him he’s going to go down as one of the best to ever play the game. The stats may not compare to others but it’s how he has been winning with basically no good/great players for a long period of time. I mean he has had some good ones but their stay wasn’t long and Brady then had to learn his new player’s tendencies. This year he has been great with basically no star power at all. It would’ve been interesting to see what this team would’ve done without him this year.
His opponent right now I don’t think could be on any higher high. Andrew Luck coming off his comeback win last week has showed the world why he indeed was the first overall pick. His determination and attitude really shows as he never quits and always seems to know how to get the most from his guys. Reuniting with a former college teammate Coby Fleener and also building that chemistry with his new favorite target in T.Y Hilton has certainly helped him progress. Let’s see if he has any more tricks up his sleeve or can the Colts start early and gain control to move on in these playoffs.
Sunday’s games will feature a game where the future of the league in the quarterback position will square off and two guys that already have made their mark but always looking to add to their careers.
The one o’clock kickoff will have Cam Newton of the Panthers taking on Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers. Both quarterbacks are absolutely the leaders in the new QB generation class. They have the arm to beat you but if you’re not careful their feet could really hurt you in a big way. Both have had very good rushing days and it just requires the opposing defenses needing to plan for it. Many say you have to be careful when it comes to guys like this because injuries are a higher possibility but these guys so far haven’t had to deal with that. As this game gets going their feet for sure will be something to keep an eye on.
The last game of the weekend will have two guys on display that have been around this league a little while now and are well respected.
Starting for the Broncos will be Peyton Manning who may just be the face of the NFL. A class act that always delivers and this year he did just that. Breaking records, overcoming injuries and racking up the wins has been his season in a nut shell but now his eyes are on the prize. Knowing he has the guys to compete and be in any game it will be exciting to see if he can put his team over the top. It may be the last season he has with this group of guys as some may hit the open market come this offseason.
Lastly is a guy that I don’t think gets enough attention or satisfaction. Phillip Rivers I believe is a guy that could put any team over the top if they only needed a quarterback. He always seems to rack up the stats but is on a team that may lack in other areas. Rivers does have his troubles at times but the majority of the time he to me belongs in that top QB talk throughout the league. As in past games I believe this game will be a shootout and what better for the fans then two guys that are very good at their position to put up the points.
I think the rest of the teams in this league that don’t have a great or even good quarterback are finally realizing that one is needed. The teams that are playing this weekend have that position covered and will be on display for everyone to see.