With NFL Cut Day Approaching, Brady and Manning Rate Top QBs
As the NFL faces the annual drama of Cut Day, with teams mandated to trim their active rosters from 90 to 53 players by next Tuesday, two legendary quarterbacks have weighed in on this season's top talent. At Fanatics Fest, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning shared their rankings of the current top quarterbacks in the league. Interestingly, both former players agreed on several key spots.
Mahomes Tops the List
Unsurprisingly, Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes finds himself at the pinnacle of both Brady's and Manning's lists. Mahomes continues to set the standard for excellence at the quarterback position with his unparalleled combination of arm strength, mobility, and football IQ.
Joining Mahomes in Brady and Manning's top five are Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson, and Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen. Burrow's calm under pressure and precision, Jackson's electrifying playmaking ability, and Allen's cannon arm and agility make them standout picks.
Justin Herbert and Aaron Rodgers Earn Recognition
Peyton Manning's top quarterbacks list also includes Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert. Herbert's ascension in the league has been rapid, marked by his strong arm and poised leadership on the field. Meanwhile, Tom Brady highlighted veteran Aaron Rodgers, now leading the New York Jets. Rodgers, with his four MVP titles, continues to impress with his ability to command an offense and make critical plays, even as he enters a new chapter with the Jets.
Noteworthy Preseason Performances
While the spotlight often falls on the quarterbacks, several other players have had standout moments in the preseason. Buffalo Bills' defensive end Greg Rousseau made a significant impact, recording 2.5 sacks over just 11 snaps in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kansas City's Xavier Worthy also turned heads, catching three of six targets for 62 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions.
The New York Giants saw mixed results from their quarterbacks. Daniel Jones completed 11 of 18 passes for 138 yards but threw two interceptions against the Houston Texans. On the other hand, San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy struggled, completing only two of six passes for 11 yards and suffering a sack against the New Orleans Saints.
Upcoming Season Prospects
As franchises gear up for the regular season, notable decisions and moves are shaping their rosters. Jayden Daniels played for the Washington Commanders against the Miami Dolphins in a 13-6 loss and was subsequently named the Commanders' starting quarterback. Malik Nabers made notable receptions for the Giants in their game against the Texans, while Dallas Turner saw limited productivity over 13 snaps for the Minnesota Vikings in their win over the Cleveland Browns.
Trades, Returns, and Predictions
Off the field, significant moves have been made. Matthew Judon chose a trade to the Atlanta Falcons over the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert made a return to practice after dealing with plantar fascia in his right foot since July 31. Herbert's return is closely watched, given his influence on the Chargers' performance.
In Seattle, Geno Smith signed a three-year, $75 million extension with the Seahawks, securing $40 million in guaranteed money. Smith's deal reflects the confidence the Seahawks have in his continued development and leadership.
As the season looms, pundits are making their predictions. Will Brinson has placed his MVP bet on Buffalo's Josh Allen with +850 odds, while also marking Los Angeles Rams’ Matthew Stafford as a mid-tier MVP contender with 30-to-1 odds. These predictions underscore the high expectations placed on these quarterbacks as they head into the regular season.
Player Perspectives
Player morale and mental resilience play a critical role in performance. Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa has openly shared his thoughts on dealing with criticism: “To put it in the simplest terms, if you woke up every morning and I told you that you suck at what you did, that you don't belong doing what you do, that you shouldn't be here, that this guy should be here, that you haven't earned this.” He added, “You hear it and you hear it — regardless of what is, the good or the bad — and you hear it more and more and you start to actually believe that... it's basically been two years of training that out.”
Meanwhile, Minnesota Vikings' head coach, Kevin O'Connell, commented on the relationships players have with coaches, stating, “I don't particularly have a comment on something that took place with another team or I don't like to comment on comments of other players on other teams, but I can just tell you I know that the players Flo works with, he's got great relationships here.”
As the dust settles from Cut Day and preseason performances, teams and players alike will look to solidify their standing and make their mark in the upcoming season. With a combination of seasoned veterans and rising stars, the NFL promises another year of riveting football.