Looking Forward to the 2019 AFC North

I've been accused of it for years, here, despite the fact that I've been a Browns supporter for my entire football-relevant life. If you don't agree with the zealot homers, you must hate the team...

 

Obviously, my first attempt didn't work. I even fell into the trap and got personal. So I'll try again.

I'm asking everyone to put their peckers back in their pants, stop the pissing contests and just go back to discussing football without criticizing how individuals choose to look at things. Is that too difficult to try?

 

No. But it's boring.

And I am discussing football. Specifically, Baker Mayfield and how he isn't yet a top 3 QB in the NFL.

 

Fair enough. Just so I don't misquote you again (and I'll make it easier for you), name your top 5 QB's in the NFL right now.

 

Well, honestly I'd rank them three ways. The first list is not taking into account age or expected gas left in the tank. If I needed to win a game today and was only concerned about today...these are my top 5 QBs...

1. Tom Brady
2. Aaron Rodgers
3. Drew Brees
4. Russell Wilson
5. Andrew Luck

Now a top 5 based on if I were starting a team today and wanted to run a dynasty...

1. Patrick Mahomes
2. Carson Wentz
3. Baker Mayfield
4. Dak Prescott
5. Mitch Trubisky/Derek Carr tied

And if I were to consider all stats, games played, accomplishments, and so on of all current players with contracts....

1. Tom Brady
2. Drew Brees
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Ben Roethlisberger
5. Phillip Rivers

 

That's an interesting way to look at it. Also interesting is that no one appears on all three rankings. Only three (Brady, Brees and Rodgers) appear on two of the three but none of those three are on your "start a dynasty" list. (I'm assuming because of their age and projected longevity.)

 

The only person on the first list I'd consider to start a dynasty today is Luck. But he's 29 and has an injury history. So it made me remove him from contention. I have Wentz at #2 there and his injuries made me consider dropping him but his ability mixed with his age of 26 keeps him there for me. Physically speaking....I think Wentz is as good as any QB in football.

 

Maybe it's just me but I sense a bit of a disconnect here. You remove Andrew Luck from your "dynasty list" at age 29 because of his injury history, but, instead, add Wentz at age 26 who also has a history of injury?

 

Luck injured the AC joint on his throwing shoulder. He recovered and played really well this season but I wonder how that plays on him long term. He's also lacerated a kidney and had at least 1 concussion. And....he's 29.

Wentz had a grade 3 tear of ACL and LCL and more recently has had some back trouble. The knee should be a non-factor moving forward...his back concerns me and almost led me to drop him down or off the list. But he's 26. He probably hasn't reached his actual prime yet where Luck has.

All things considered...Luck probably belongs on that dynasty list too. Because at 29 he might just have 10 years of football in him based on how some other guys have fared late into their career.

 

What about Russell Wilson? He's only 30 (young by today's QB standards) and, to my knowledge, has never had a serious injury.

 

The honey-do list is calling my name. I'll be back later.

 

For the record, this conversation is far more productive and enjoyable than the prior one. Much appreciated.

 

That was probably my unconscious brain and it’s hate for all things Seahawks/Wilson/Carroll at work.

I think I actually ruled out all 30 and above QBs...but you’re right on Wilson.

 

Revised....

1. Mahomes
2. Luck
3. Wentz
4. Mayfield
5. Wilson

 

Draining and cleaning the garden pond and needed to get away from the stench of rotten leaves and algae.

 

In keeping with the spirit of the 1st two words of this thread's title . . . I suggest we focus on this ranking. Agreed?

 

Agreed.

 

I don't believe you could find anyone in disagreement with Mahomes at #1 if you're looking to build a team moving forward. The only caveat that goes with that statement is that he was surrounded by a tremendous supporting cast in Hill, Hunt and Kelce, had a more than adequate O-line and had a consistent coaching staff. The effects of the off field baggage with Hunt and now Hill will bear watching how well he performs in his 2nd season as the undisputed starter in KC. I personally think he and Andy Reed are good enough to overcome that.

 

I would find that much more agreeable than the previous one, even given those passer's ages. I might pick a different order, but I'd say that's my top 5 as well.

 

I totally agree. I honestly think there are guys in the league that are more physically talented than Mahomes and would perform similar in that same setting.

Mahomes has just been a perfect fit in a perfect situation. Got to sit and learn and study and practice for a year. And is surrounded by talent.

Few QBs ever fall into that sort of a situation.

His offensive numbers, regardless of the situation, make it damn near impossible to rank him anywhere but #1.