by P.L. Hubble

Created on: January 24, 2009

The best quarterback of the 2008-2009 season.

Wow. It seems like the competition among teams get closer every year, and so it is with quarterbacks this season. In past years this choice was normally easy to make. This year saw season ending injuries early on (Tom Brady, Brody Croyle), rookie quarterbacks carrying their teams, starters benched, and old quarterbacks seemingly revived.Several quaterbacks had outstanding seasons, and the competion was fierce.

Any talk of quarterbacks in the NFL is sure to bring up one name, Peyton Manning. But he did not have his usual stellar year, struggling at times. Still, with over 4000 yards passing, he has to be considered. The downside is that his team was ousted from the playoffs quickly this year. Drew Brees is another candidate. Playing for the mediocre New Orleans Saints, he racked up an incredible 5069 yards in the air, narrowly missing Dan Marino's record for most yards in a season. Unfortunately, the Saints didn't even make it into post season play. Phillip Rivers held the highest rating at season's end, and passed for over 4000 yards. His team was too inconsistent to seriously ponder him as the best though. Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers could be considered, as he proved that he is a legitimate starting quarterback. Chad Pennington seemingly had new life playing for the previously hapless Dolphins, turning a team around that suffered through last season. Rookie Joe Flacco gave the Ravens a legitimate air threat for the first time in years, but his rating wasn't much to brag about. Matt Ryan of the Falcons passed for 3400 yards in his rookie season, but again his rating keeps him out of contention.

Kurt Warner seems to be the logical, and maybe sentimental, choice for greatest quarterback of the season. At 37, Warner reminds one of Rich Gannon playing for the Raiders at the end of his carreer. With receivers Fitzgerald and Boldin leading his receiving corps, Warner passed for over 4500 yards with a 96.9 rating. With 30 Tds to 14 interceptions, who wouldn't want him on the team. His Cardinals have been inconsistent this season, but his leadership has pulled the team together for the playoffs. Underdogs in every game, somehow this team overcame all obstacles. Still with a good arm, Warner has matured into a patient, accurate passer. Having led this team to the Super Bowl despite themselves, he is the overwhelming choice as best of 2009.

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