Each week, we are going to rank the NFL quarterbacks based solely on their 2015 performance. Forget about the past. Which quarterbacks are going to rise up and take their teams deep into the playoffs this year, while others are absolutely rancid. It is just the way it goes.
We will break them into tiers a la Bill Simmons style, and write a blurb about the most intriguing signal-callers.
Jack Trudeau Division
32. Matt McGloin
McGloin is one of those players who Oakland Raiders fans will mention in 25 years when they talk about the dark periods of the franchise. McGloin really is not an NFL quarterback, but is clinging to a roster spot behind Derek Carr. Now, he might have to start Week 2.
31. Blake Bortles
30. Jameis Winston
Winston was supposed to be the more NFL-ready quarterback between him and Marcus Mariota. Instead, he looked like a kid with no chance in 2015. Winston completed less than 50 percent of his throws against the Tennessee Titans and tossed two picks. Yikes.
29. Joe Flacco
28. Kirk Cousins
27. Cam Newton
26. Johnny Manziel
Steve Beuerlein Division
25. Peyton Manning
At this point, there is no question that Manning has lost major arm strength. He was utterly horrid against the Baltimore Ravens, partly because he was under duress, and partly because he can’t throw with any zip. Manning will need his great defense to carry the day going forward.
24. Ryan Fitzpatrick
23. Brian Hoyer
Hoyer threw for 236 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he also tossed an interception on the first throw of his season and fumbled in his red zone. It was ugly, and it led to Ryan Mallett replacing him in the fourth quarter.
22. Jay Cutler
21. Colin Kaepernick
20. Eli Manning
Next: Movin' on up...