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NFL Rankings: Top 10 seasons by a rookie QB

By Phil Watson

Dan Marino might have been the last of the first round picks in the famous 1983 quarterback draft, but he was the first to shine in the NFL.
Dan Marino might have been the last of the first round picks in the famous 1983 quarterback draft, but he was the first to shine in the NFL. /
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Dan Marino's 1983 season is still the NFL's gold standard for rookie quarterbacks.
Dan Marino’s 1983 season is still the NFL’s gold standard for rookie quarterbacks. /

1. Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins, 1983

Dan Marino was not happy he lasted until the 27th overall pick in the 1983 draft, but the Dolphins were thrilled he was there.

The Dolphins had been to the Super Bowl the previous year, but after three games, Marino took over the starting job from David Woodley, who never got it back.

Marino started nine games—sitting out the final two with a sprained knee—and threw for 2,210 yards and 20 touchdowns with six interceptions, completing 58.4 percent of his passes.

Marino came back from his knee sprain to face the Seahawks in the Divisional Playoffs and was rusty, completing 15-of-25 for 193 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions as the Dolphins were stunned 27-20.

Marino threw for a season-high 322 yards in a 38-35 loss to the Bills in his first start on Oct. 9. In a 21-7 win at the Baltimore Colts on Oct. 23, Marino was 11-for-18 for 157 yards and two touchdowns.

Marino’s passer rating of 96.0 compared to a league collective mark in 1983 of 75.7.

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