Each Tuesday, Broncos/NFL reporter Mike Klis ranks the league’s quarterbacks. The rankings will weigh “what have you done for me lately?” as much as what the quarterback has accomplished overall. Here are the rankings after Week 8:
Big Ben, Vick, Stafford make their move; Brees and Brady tumble …
WEEK 8 RANKINGS:
(Previous ranking in parentheses)
1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (1)
And after the 7th game, the undisputed top quarterback rests.
2. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (4)
Outdueled Brady with ball-control passing game, completing 36 of 50 (72 percent) for 365 yards.
3. Michael Vick, Eagles (10)
There are a couple games a year when Vick is the greatest player who ever lived. The game Sunday night against Cowboys was one of those games.
4. Eli Manning, Giants (5)
Four years after final-minute drive to win a Super Bowl, he?s having a breakout, comeback-filled season.
5 Matthew Stafford, Lions (9)
Huge week for him in he showed he can play hurt. And he played very well against Broncos.
6. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills (7)
Threw two TDs and engineered impressive win hours after signing $59 million contract extension.
7. Matt Schaub, Texans (6)
Played mistake free and made just enough plays to earn tough win in Jacksonville.
8. Tom Brady, Patriots (3)
Little more than checkdown game against the Steelers: A mere 8.25 yards per completion.
9. Drew Brees, Saints (2)
Threw two more picks in upset loss at St. Louis. Now tied with Josh Freeman for second-most interceptions with 10.
10. Joe Flacco, Ravens (19)
After miserable week in Jacksonville, then hearing home-town boos while falling behind 24-3 against Arizona, comeback win was extraordinary.
11. Cam Newton, Panthers (8)
Had first 3 TD, 0 pick game of his career — and his team still lost. Has raised receiver Steve Smith back to league?s elite.
12. Alex Smith, 49ers (14)
Might be no more than a game manager, but he?s becoming a terrific game manager for team that already has a 4-game lead in NFC West.
13. Andy Dalton, Bengals (15)
Impressive rookie QB win on road against Seattle and “12th man.” Built 17-3 lead before two long passes to A.J. Green were intercepted.
14. Matt Ryan, Falcons (11)
Bye week. Up next is certain victory at Indy
15. Mark Sanchez, Jets (13)
Bye week. Up next is AFC East showdown with Fitzpatrick in Buffalo.
16. Jay Cutler, Bears (16)
Bye week. Up next is tough Monday night game against improving Eagles in Philly.
17. Matt Hasselbeck, Titans (14)
No better elixir for a two-game slump than playing the Indy Colts.
18. Matt Cassel, Chiefs (20)
Thrown 4 picks in last two games, but has led Chiefs to four consecutive wins.
19. Tony Romo, Cowboys (12)
Converted just one third down against Eagles until final meaningless drive in 34-7 loss.
20. Philip Rivers, Chargers (17)
Biggest QB disappointment of the season as he?s become a turnover machine. Leads the NFL with 11 picks and his fumbled snap from center in final seconds blew game at K.C.
21. Christian Ponder, Vikings (24)
What a concept for developing a rookie QB: A running game with Adrian Peterson and defense with Jared Allen.
22. A.J. Feeley, Rams (23)
He’s always been an effective backup. Converted just enough third-down passes to build shocking 24-0 lead against the Saints.
23. Josh Freeman, Bucs (25)
Bye week. The embarrassed Saints in New Orleans is next.
24. Tarvaris Jackson, Seahawks (NR)
Returned from pectoral injury to pass for 323 yards in 2 1/2 quarters but struggled to finish drives.
25. Colt McCoy, Browns (21)
Fumbled four times, losing one, and threw a pick in another below-average performance in loss to San Francisco.
26. Kevin Kolb, Cardinals (29)
Completed just 10 of 21 for 153 yards and shared in blame for team blowing 24-3 lead to Baltimore.
27. Carson Palmer, Raiders (30)
Took his sorry 3 pick second half against Chiefs into bye week. His first start with Raiders is Sunday against Broncos.
28. Curtis Painter, Colts (31)
Passed for 250 and rushed for 79 but the more playbook they give him, the more mistakes he makes.
29. Tim Tebow, (22)
A fumble for six, pick for six and 13 sacks in last two games. 46.1 completion percentage ranks 32nd in league.
30. Matt Moore, Dolphins (28)
Knows how to run an offense, but can?t make any plays. Threw for just 138 yards with no TDs and one pick while falling short of upset bid against Giants.
31. Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars (29)
Keeps getting worse. Completed just 10 of 30 for 97 yards and two picks against Houston. NFL-worst 45.7 completion percentage. Benching might be short-term answer.
32. Charlie Whitehurst, Seahawks (34)
Pulled after one second-quarter possession. Generated 6 points in 5 1/2 quarters over his two starts.
33. John Beck, Redskins (27)
0-6 as a starter with two shutouts. Bills had NFL-low 4 sacks entering game Sunday. They had nine sacks against Beck.
