3 of 17

Write now Article Tools

Every season in the National Football League there are teams that expect to contend for the playoffs and every season there will teams that both surprise and disappoint. Quite often the performance of the team's quarterback is almost always directly related to that of his team's performance.

As we wait in anticipation for the 2008 Super Bowl, it's a great time to reflect on the top 5 quarterbacks that made the greatest positive impact during the 2007 season.

Tom Brady- New England
50 touchdowns, only 8 interceptions and a perfect 16-0 regular season record. What else really needs to be said? Brady will most likely be named the Most Valuable Player in the NFL. He leads the undefeated Patriots in search for their 4th Super Bowl Championship in the last 7 years and the first perfect season since 1972. If Brady isn't already a lock for the Hall of Fame, a win on February 3rd should guarantee him to be a first ballot selection.

Brett Favre- Green Bay
If Brady didn't have one of the all-time finest seasons for a quarterback, Favre could arguably received the top choice. Favre extended his streak of consecutive starts to 16 seasons (yes, that is correct- seasons!) Favre led the youngest team in the NFL to a 13-3 record, winning the NFC North title. Along the way, Brett set all-time NFL records for most touchdown passes and most passing yards. His 28 touchdowns is usually a mediocre season for the certain first ballot HOFer. Behind Favre's steadiness at QB, the Packers far exceeded expectations for the 2007 season.

David Garrard- Jacksonville
When Byron Leftwich was released just before the 2007 season opened, the Jaguars took a big chance naming Garrard it's opening day starter. David rewarded the franchise with a stellar season, throwing 18 touchdown passes versus only 3 interceptions. Garrard is often compared to Michael Vick because of his scrambling and running ability. Unlike Vick, Garrard is a punishing runner and he has an accurate arm. There is a great deal of upside with Garrard and he may have only scratched the surface of his potential this season.

Tony Romo- Dallas
Romo had a superb season, leading his Dallas Cowboys to the NFC's best record. His stats are a bit misleading. He threw 36 touchdown passes despite missing his #2 receiver for the first 15 games of the season (Terry Glenn did play for a few series in the final game) and Terrell Owens missed the final few games due to an injury. His 19 interceptions reminded many of a younger Brett Favre, but with a full season under his belt, Romo will be leading the Cowboys back to the playoffs for many years to come.

Eli Manning- New York Giants
The "other" Manning has led his team to the Super Bowl by winning three straight playoff games. Incredibly, all three games have come on the road! His stats this season aren't very impressive... 23 touchdowns versus 20 interceptions. Eli stepped-up his play near the end of the season, playing flawlessly at quarterback and his playoff performances have been exceptional. The Giants have borrowed from the Bill Parcells game-plan of winning with a great defense and a quarterback that makes very few mistakes. Manning looks much like a young Phil Simms and I suspect Manning will give the Giants every opportunity to win next weekend.

While I may be criticized for including Eli over his brother Peyton, the play of Eli indicates he has stepped up his game. I believe Eli Manning is finally playing up to his potential and his performance in the playoffs has been outstanding. Manning will be tested in the Super Bowl and we will see if he is worthy of this lofty ranking.

The honorable mention quarterbacks for the 2007 season are- Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Derek Anderson and Phillip Rivers.

Learn more about this author, Robin Steffens.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Best NFL quarterbacks of the 2007-2008 season?
We want to hear your view. Write now!