As the NFL season progresses, fans and analysts alike eagerly debate the cream of the crop among the league’s quarterbacks. Recently, Peyton Manning, a Hall of Fame quarterback and one of the most respected voices in football, weighed in with his list of the top five quarterbacks currently dominating the NFL: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen.
Mahomes: A Force to be Reckoned With
At the top of many lists, including Manning's, is Patrick Mahomes. Known for his versatility and explosive playmaking abilities, Mahomes has quickly set the standard for modern quarterbacks. Manning highlighted a crucial factor behind Mahomes’ success: "Quarterbacks need to be coached hard. Andy Reid coaches Patrick Mahomes hard. That's good for Patrick, but that's bad for NFL defenses." This relationship has borne fruit, with Mahomes leading the Kansas City Chiefs to multiple playoff runs and a memorable Super Bowl victory, solidifying him as a mainstay in the conversation for league MVP year after year.
Burrow’s Unflappable Nature
Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals' signal-caller, continues to impress not just with his skills but with his demeanor. Manning is an avid admirer, stating, "I'm a big fan of Joe Burrow. Glad to see him back healthy. I like the way he carries himself. I like his demeanor out there. He doesn't sweat. He doesn't flinch. He's just kind of calm and cool the whole time." This unflappability has become Burrow’s trademark, making him a consistent threat and a leader to watch as the Bengals strive to reach new heights.
Herbert’s Record-Breaking Talent
On the West Coast, Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers has rapidly ascended into elite territory. His ability to make jaw-dropping plays has drawn comparisons to the all-time greats, even surpassing one of Manning’s own records. Herbert has broken the record for the most passing yards through his first four NFL seasons, a feat Manning is quick to acknowledge: "This Justin Herbert is as talented as anybody. He can throw it a mile. The Broncos' division is gonna be tough." Indeed, Herbert’s talent makes every AFC West matchup a must-watch.
Jackson’s Unique Skill Set
Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens is a unique dual-threat quarterback who continues to defy conventional wisdom about the position. Manning, who carved out a Hall of Fame career primarily from the pocket, expressed his admiration for Jackson’s dynamic play: "Lamar Jackson does things that just don't seem possible with the football in his hands. He makes throws, he runs, and he protects himself too. I never could run, so I never had that problem." Jackson’s versatility on the field has already earned him two MVP awards, underscoring his importance to the Ravens and his impact on the NFL.
Allen’s Quest for Glory
Finally, Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills rounds out Manning’s top five. Since 2019, Allen has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league, thanks to his combination of physicality and football IQ. Manning, who had the chance to observe Allen up close, had nothing but praise: "Josh Allen is a total stud. Tough. I saw him this summer. He is so motivated to bring a championship to Buffalo." Allen's leadership and dedication continue to fuel the Bills' aspirations for a Super Bowl victory, making them one of the top contenders each season.
While Manning’s list highlights some of the most exciting talent in the league, he acknowledges that there are other notable quarterbacks who didn’t make the cut, including Dak Prescott, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love. Each of these players has shown the potential to join the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks, further emphasizing the depth of talent in today’s NFL.
Manning’s insights, drawn from his extensive experience and keen understanding of the game, provide a valuable perspective on the players who are shaping the league’s future. As we watch these athletes compete week in and week out, it’s clear that we are witnessing a golden era of quarterback play, defined by a mix of time-tested fundamentals and innovative athletic prowess.