NFL all-time quarterback rankings: Who is the best?

Moon might be the greatest player to never go to a Super Bowl. Dan Marino is the greatest to never win one. Dan Fouts and Y.A. Tittle are certainly in the conversation, and Jim Kelly’s four-peat heartbreak is the worst moment in sports.

None compare to Marino’s talent and what his upside was down in South Beach. To this day, Miami is still looking for the reincarnation of him to lead the way back to the postseason and eventually to a Lombardi Trophy.

Marino was Mahomes-esque before Mahomes was even an afterthought. One of the best pure arms, great accuracy and strong vision, Marino made every throw look as if was easier than the last. It’s what led him to eight All-Pro honors and an MVP in 1984.

The Pittsburgh legend ranks in the top 10 of near every quarterback category. Outside of the 1972 Dolphins, he alone might be the most decorated player in franchise history. If he had a ring, Marino would likely be the second-greatest quarterback of the 1980s and 90s.

Why is Drew Brees higher than a talent like Marino? Simple, one more ring. On top of everything that Brees has done for the city of New Orleans, the records play in the 41-year-old’s favor in his career. Seriously, what record doesn’t he own?

Brees is calculating while names like Rodgers and Favre were dynamic. He’s relied on a career of quick-passing for intermediate gains and moving the clock in his favor. As an athlete, he’s pretty average, but it plays in his advantage to force the Saints in building around him.

Then there’s the records. Brees owns the most passing yards all-time entering 2021. He also is second in touchdown passes (571), but was the top guy before suffering two injured-ridden seasons. Of the 11 5,000-yard passing seasons in NFL history, Brees has five of them.

The production, poise and overall demeanor of Brees makes him a legend. When drafted, many considered him too small to play the position. Instead, he may hold a record that only one person might ever break.