NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2016: Catchphrases, Cousins Shine
NFL Quarterback Power Rankings for Week 11 of the 2016 season
In Week 10 of the 2016 season, the Cleveland Browns had two quarterbacks taking snaps for them again, failing to even come close to winning—again. Even my 2-8 fantasy football team, which is last in my league, has done better. At this point, could they just be trolling us? I mean, they can’t seriously be THIS bad, right?
Honestly, I did not think the running joke about the Browns playing multiple quarterbacks a game and not winning would still be going after Week 10, but then again, it is the Browns.
Week 10 had four teams on their bye (Oakland Raiders, Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills). So, that meant there were 28 starting quarterbacks. And since there were no ties this week, 14 quarterbacks won and 14 quarterbacks lost.
The 28 starting quarterbacks did not do too well in Week 10, only throwing for 6,849 yards, which was 51 fewer yards than the 26 staters in Week 9. To make matters worse, they threw for 44 touchdowns, which was two fewer than last week. They also threw 24 interceptions, five more than last week. Along with the passing numbers being poor, they were sacked 62 times, which was four more than last week.
It may have been a boring week for stats, but the NFL Quarterback Power Rankings are heating up as we only have seven more weeks of regular season football. So, with that in mind, lets see where all 32 starting quarterbacks stand after 10 weeks.
Nov 13, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) throws in the second half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Case Keenum
QB, Los Angles Rams
Previous Rank: 32 (NC)
Week 10 Statistics: 17-30 (56.7%), 165 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 9-6 (W)
Season Statistics: 191-313 (61%), 2,169 yards, 9 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 4-5
After losing four-straight games, the Los Angeles Rams got back into the win column in Week 10. It was a much needed victory, but it was a victory that still left a bad taste in your mouth. Why? Their quarterback, Case Keenum.
More from NFL Spin Zone
In the game, Keenum completed only 56.7 percent of his passes for 165 yards. He failed to throw for a touchdown, and to make that worse; Keenum failed to lead his team to a touchdown the entire game. They relied on their field goal kicker Greg Zuerlin to make three field goals, and yet they somehow still managed to win the game.
All the credit goes to their defense, who played a great game other than giving up a touchdown pass on a trick play. But that bad taste is even worse when you think about how well their defense played because this game should’ve never been close.
However, breathe easy Rams fans. 2016 No. 1-overall pick, quarterback Jared Goff, will start in Week 11. Truthfully, I will miss putting Keenum as my No. 32 ranked quarterback, but I can’t wait to see what Goff has to offer.
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Colin Kaepernick
QB, San Francisco 49ers
Previous Rank: 30 (-1)
Week 10 Statistics: 17-30 (56.7%), 210 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 20-23 (L)
Season Statistics: 70-132 (53%), 938 yards, 5 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 0-4
If you need a quarterback to help you in fantasy football, go out and pick up San Francisco 49ers starter Colin Kaepernick. For fantasy purposes, he is actually an intriguing player to have because he runs the ball a ton and even ran one in for a touchdown on Sunday. But, if you need a franchise quarterback to help lead your team to victories, stay far, far away from Kaepernick because he isn’t good.
For the fourth time this year, Kaepernick failed to win a game, taking him to 0-4 on the season as a starter. One of the big reasons, outside of the 49ers being a bad football team, is that Kaepernick is a bad quarterback.
He completed 56.7 percent of his passes on Sunday, and that actually increased his season completion percentage to 53 percent (yuck). Watching him play quarterback this season has been consistently straining on the eyes as he’s been just that bad.
Nov 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) celebrates after a touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Broncos defeated the Saints 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Siemian
QB, Denver Broncos
Previous Rank: 29 (-1)
Week 10 Statistics: 25-40 (62.5%), 258 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 25-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 175-291 (60.1%), 2,028 yards, 12 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 7-2
One of the biggest misconceptions in football is that, if a quarterback has a good win-loss record, he is a good quarterback. Look no further than one of my favorite people in sports, Tim Tebow. It pains me to admit that he isn’t a good quarterback, but as I always say and live bye, “The eye in the sky doesn’t lie.”
The same could be said for Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian. In Week 10, the Broncos won the game. Outside of the controversial ending, there is no controversy about how bad Siemian was. He threw two interceptions and the first one was about as bad as they get. He locked on his target and the defensive back just read his eyes and picked it off easily. I have seen high school quarterbacks make a better read than Siemian did on that play.
His second pick of the day was about as easy as it gets for a defensive back. Siemian was pressured and threw the ball frantically, right to the defender. He may have had two touchdowns in the game, but he did not help them win. If the Broncos had a different quarterback, one that wasn’t mediocre-at-best, they would’ve dominated this game.
Nov 13, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws the ball in the second half against the Houston Texans at EverBank Field. Houston Texans won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles
QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Rank: 28 (-1)
Week 10 Statistics: 32-49 (65.3%), 265 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 21-24 (W)
Season Statistics: 228-380 (60%), 2,421 yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 2-7
Just like Siemian, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles has been terrible. A lot of his struggles go back to the basics of throwing. His mechanics are atrocious and I have no clue how NFL coaches allowed him to get this bad.
On his fourth pass attempt of the day, Bortles wound up, and threw a terrible ball. It was easily picked off and returned for a touchdown. Bortles had a shot at making the tackle, but you could see his frustrations as he got shook out of his shoes and gave up on the play.
Jacksonville took him with the third-overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, but Bortles just hasn’t been a guy that has the makings of a franchise guy. His first year, he threw 17 interceptions and then followed that up with 18 in his second season. Through nine games, he has thrown 11 interceptions and is on pace for 20 interceptions this season.
55 interceptions in three seasons isn’t ideal and it is a real reason for concern in Jacksonville. If he continues to play poorly, don’t rule out the Jaguars drafting a quarterback early in the 2017 NFL Draft. And personally, I think they should cut their losses and move on.
Nov 13, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;
New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) waits for the snap in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Bryce Petty
QB, New York Jets
Previous Rank: NR
Week 10 Statistics: 19-32 (59.4%), 163 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 6-9 (L)
Season Statistics: 21-34 (61.8%), 182 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Season Record: 0-1
Last week, the New York Jets started Ryan Fitzpatrick and he played poorly. He’s been a bottom feeder all season in the NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, but I ended last week by saying, “Start Bryce Petty!”
Fitzpatrick has been terrible all year and the Jets have been a mess because of it. They actually benched him once this season, for Geno Smith, but Smith tore his ACL in that game. That allowed Fitzpatrick to play again and they lost. I would rather see Smith taking snaps before Petty. However, that isn’t a possibility any more, so I called for Petty.
Well, Petty was just as bad as Fitzpatrick, if not worse. Had it not been for a trick play, I do not know if Petty would have even thrown for a score. The trick play worked to perfection, but Petty was far from perfect the entire day.
He only completed 59.4 percent of his passes for 182 yards. He had the one touchdown, but he also threw an interception. Outside of the touchdown, the Jets did not score the rest of the day. They do have second-round pick Christian Hackenberg on their roster, but I think he’s among the worst quarterback prospects I have ever scouted. It’s ugly in New York and it looks like Petty wont help fix that.
Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) sacked by Baltimore Ravens linebacker CJ Mosley (57) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Cody Kessler
QB, Cleveland Browns
Previous Rank: NC
Week 10 Statistics: 11-18 (61.1%), 91 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 7-28 (L)
Season Statistics: 119-178 (66.9%), 1,241 yards, 6 TDs, 1 INT
Season Record: 0-7
My “Donald Trump has won the same amount of games as a Cleveland Browns starter” joke still lives, and so does the imminent phrase, “With the first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select (insert quarterbacks name).”
As much as I want to praise Cody Kessler, I just can’t. Yeah, I know, his roster is terrible. At times, the offensive line looks terrible and wouldn’t help even Tom Brady. But at the same time, Kessler just isn’t a franchise quarterback. And if you dont agree with me, that is fine because his team is on my side.
In Week 10, on Thursday Night Football, Kessler started okay. He threw for 91 yards and a touchdown, but the Browns decided to pull him from the game and put Josh McCown in. McCown threw an interception on his first throw, but they rolled with him the rest of the night. Who knows which quarterback they will roll with in Week 11, but I do know they will be ranked very low in the power rankings.
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) passes during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Tannehill
QB, Miami Dolphins
Previous Rank: 26 (NC)
Week 10 Statistics: 17-24 (70.8%), 240 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 31-24 (W)
Season Statistics: 173-265 (65.3%), 2,117 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 5-4
I have no clue how the Miami Dolphins are 5-4 right now, but they are. They have won four games in a row, yet their quarterback has only thrown four touchdowns in those four games. To make that worse, their quarterback isn’t a rookie; he is a fifth-year pro that should be taking a leap, but isn’t.
Ryan Tannehill is the culprit and the current starter in Miami. He has thrown 10 touchdowns on the season, but has also thrown seven interceptions. I have been very critical of his play and will continue to be critical because I do not think he is the answer for the Dolphins. However, in Week 10, he made the best throw of his career on a 39-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Stills.
He put the ball where only his receiver could catch it and dropped it perfectly in the bucket. There were tow defenders near the pass, but neither had a shot at making a play on it. It was refreshing to see him make that throw, because honestly, he hasn’t made many big time throws this year.
This week he will go up against rookie quarterback Jared Goff, so Tannehill better show the front office he has more talent. Or else they may think it is time to find better talent in the draft.
Nov 13, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws a pass during the second quarter of a football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Brock Osweiler
QB, Houston Texans
Previous Rank: 21 (-4)
Week 10 Statistics: 14-27 (51.9%), 99 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 24-21 (W)
Season Statistics: 190-324 (58.6%), 1,818 yards, 11 TDs, 9 INTs
Season Record: 6-3
My lame, yet funny joke about Brock Osweiler being a defending Super Bowl champion has reached a new level of hilarious. No, it isn’t because he ended a full game with only 99 yards passing on Sunday. It is because his Pro Football Reference profile has “1xSB Champ” listed on his page. How great is that?
But back to his 99 yards passing in a game. That is embarrassing on so many levels, but what makes it worse is that he threw two touchdown passes that had no difficulty at all. They were all play design and were throws a middle school football player could make.
It has been ugly for Osweiler, but his Week 10 performance is on another level of ugly. People have been critiquing him all season and there is no way to defend him at this point. If he doesn’t start playing better, it will be that much uglier for him. And to make it worse, the Houston Texans won despite his terrible game, showing the team they don’t even really need him.
I don’t feel bad for the Texans because they did not need to sign him, but I do feel bad for DeAndre Hopkins. He has all the talent in the world, but hasn’t had a quarterback to get him the ball.
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Palmer
QB, Arizona Cardinals
Previous Rank: 22 (-2)
Week 10 Statistics: 30-49 (61.2%), 376 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 23-20 (W)
Season Statistics: 207-331 (62.5%), 2,444 yards, 11 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 3-4-1
Over his last six starts, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has committed 11 turnovers. Eight of those turnovers are interceptions and two of them came in Week 10 against the San Francisco 49ers. Now, if you haven’t watched much football this season, the 49ers defense is terrible. So that puts how bad Palmer has been into perspective this season.
Luckily the Cardinals rallied to win 23-20, but the game should have never been close. Palmer just hasn’t been close to the player he was last season and it has impacted their record this season. They stand at 4-4-1, so the year isn’t over. But if Palmer keeps up this terrible play, then it is.
Along with his two interceptions this week, he also had a really bad fumble in the red zone. The protection broke down, but he should have thrown the ball away or ran for positive yards. Instead, he allowed the defender to come up behind him and strip him. Also, on his first interception he had a wide-open touchdown down the field, but tried to force a throw. His second interception of the day was just as bad if not worse. He locked on his target and the linebacker just read his eyes and made the play. Palmer needs to improve of the Cardinals season will suffer because of his play.
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) on the field before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bradford
QB, Minnesota Vikings
Previous Rank: 23 (NC)
Week 10 Statistics: 31-40 (77.5%), 307 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 20-26 (L)
Season Statistics: 197-283 (69.6%), 2,022 yards, 11 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 4-4
The Sam Bradford honeymoon is over for Minnesota Vikings fans as Bradford started 4-0, but has now lost four straight games. In the four losses, Bradford has only thrown five touchdown passes, with two of them coming this week. However he also threw a costly interception that allowed the Redskins to take a six-point lead.
On the interception, Bradford had one read and one read only. It was a slant and he locked on his target, but the linebacker saw what was happening and made the play. The interception came with under six minutes left while the Vikings were down three. They were about 10-15 yards away from field goal range, so the interception really hurt. The Vikings still had a chance to win at the end. With the ball on the opponents 26-yard line, Bradford turned into the Bradford we are used to seeing.
He missed an open target that would have resulted in about a 10-or-more-yard gain, threw another incomplete pass, and then got sacked because he panicked in the pocket. But his tight end was wide open in the middle of the field.
When the Vikings gave up a first-round pick for Bradford, I thought it was crazy. Watching him play more in their terrible offense, the Philadelphia Eagles should be ashamed for ripping the Vikings off.
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) runs off the field after Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Robert Ayers (91) gets a safety during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Chicago Bears 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler
QB, Chicago Bears
Previous Rank: 15 (-7)
Week 10 Statistics: 16-30 (53.3%), 182 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 10-36 (L)
Season Statistics: 64-107 (59.8%), 807 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record: 1-3
After an impressive Week 9 performance where Jay Cutler led his Chicago Bears to a big win over the Vikings, Cutler followed that up with an embarrassing performance in Week 10. I have been trying to say maybe Cutler will do better elsewhere in 2017. But at this point, how could he start again in the NFL?
Cutler has been known to be a gunslinger, but now he is just a mediocre quarterback who used to be a gunslinger. He threw two interceptions on Sunday and just did nothing to help his team win, hence why they got crushed 10-36. On his first interception, Cutler threw the ball right to the cornerback. It was almost like the defensive back was the one who was supposed to catch the pass—that’s how bad Cutler’s decision was.
After the interception, you would think Cutler would be cautious with the football, but on his very next throw; Cutler threw a terrible pick-six. I mean, this throw was one that should never be thrown, but Cutler just didn’t seem to care.
The defensive back caught the ball and could have walked into the end zone. Cutler needs to improve his decision-making, but I think his attitude is something that can’t be fixed. I also think he will continue to fall in the power rankings.
Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks for his receiver against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. The Chiefs won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Smith
QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Rank: NR
Week 10 Statistics: 25-38 (65.8%), 178 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 20-17 (W)
Season Statistics: 179-271 (66.1%), 1,816 yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 6-2
I have always said you need to look at Alex Smith differently when evaluating quarterbacks. Honestly, if they ever invented the title, “game-manager,” Smith would be one of the best to ever do it.
He is currently 6-2 as the starter on the year, but honestly, what has Smith done to make you say, “Wow, Alex Smith is really leading the Kansas City Chiefs?” To answer that question, nothing. Smith is great at managing the game and making sure his offense does just enough to win, but he doesn’t win games. Many times in his career, the defense is the reason for the victory and that was the case on Sunday.
Smith ended with no touchdowns, yet his team won the game 20-17. He also threw an interception on the first drive of the game. If he had more arm strength, it would have been a touchdown. Instead, he under threw the ball and it was picked off.
If you know what you’re getting with Smith, then it is okay. But if you think he is going to be this great quarterback who dominates every week, you’ll be disappointed like you were this week.
Nov 10, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Flacco
QB, Baltimore Ravens
Previous Rank: 25 (+5)
Week 10 Statistics: 30-41 (73.2%), 296 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 28-7 (W)
Season Statistics: 237-379 (62.5%), 2,374 yards, 9 TDs, 9 INTs
Season Record: 5-4
After starting 3-0, and then losing four-straight games, Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens are on a two-game winning streak. As they sit at 5-4, they can thank Flacco for having a short memory and battling in their Week 10 game.
It may have been against the Cleveland Browns, but the game was a big one for Baltimore and Flacco. It was on Thursday Night Football, so they were the only game to watch. It seemed as if Flacco was going to continue his struggles in 2016, but he started to dial in and had a solid game.
He threw two bad interceptions, but his three touchdowns trump the poor throws and decisions. Flacco and Mike Wallace have had a great connection all year and Flacco was throwing with elite accuracy on his underneath routes, allowing Wallace to break away for big gains.
Little aspects of the game are important and that was a big part of why Baltimore was so successful. If the Ravens are going to win the division, they need fewer interceptions from Flacco and more accurate, dominant throws.
Nov 14, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Bengals 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Dalton
QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Rank: 17 (-2)
Week 10 Statistics: 16-29 (55.2%), 204 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 20-21 (L)
Season Statistics: 209-317 (65.9%), 2,553 yards, 10 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record: 3-5-1
If you watched the Monday Night Football game between the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals, you probably thought there wouldn’t be much defense the entire game. Both teams opened up fast and score touchdowns on their opening drives. For the Bengals, quarterback Andy Dalton is the big reason they started so hot.
He started with a one-yard pass to his star wide receiver, A.J. Green, but then on the next play he threw and absolute dime to his tight end for a 71-yard gain. The throw was on the money and it almost went for a touchdown. After a run play that gained three, Dalton put his arm to work again and threw a strike to Green for a touchdown.
That drive gave Bengals fans hope they would dominate the game, but it was the last time Dalton would throw for a score, which is obviously a problem. Dalton didn’t do much the rest of the game until the fourth quarter when he threw an interception. The ball sailed on him, but it was a bad interception. In Dalton’s defense, the Bengals offensive line played terrible in the fourth quarter, helping them lose the game 20-21.
Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter in a game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrod Taylor
QB, Buffalo Bills
Previous Rank: 18 (BYE WEEK)
Week 10 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 10 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 162-268 (60.4%), 1,769 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 4-5
After losing three-straight games, the Buffalo Bills needed help and their bye week may be the answer. The three-game losing streak came after they went on an impressive four-game winning streak, but they started the year 0-2, so they are currently 4-5.
They signed their quarterback Tyrod Taylor to a contract extension this offseason, but he hasn’t been giving them what they need. He has only thrown for 1,769 yards through nine games, putting him on pace for only 3,145 yards.
The Bills can run all over teams, but they haven’t been able to show that they can throw all over them. Taylor hasn’t been great, but neither have his wide receivers. He lost Sammy Watkins to his foot injury and has been waiting for someone to be a true No. 1, but no one has been.
Hopefully the bye week has helped them recuperate because they need to start going. And that all starts with the quarterback, so Taylor needs to improve.
Nov 14, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Eli Manning
QB, New York Giants
Previous Rank: 19 (+2)
Week 10 Statistics: 28-44 (63.6%), 240 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 21-20 (W)
Season Statistics: 225-350 (64.3%), 2,481 yards, 15 TDs, 10 INTs
Season Record: 5-4
The New York Giants won on Monday Night, but their quarterback Eli Manning made it harder than it had to be.
Manning has had a really down year and it continued Monday. He ended the game with three touchdown passes, but his first touchdown pass was a great play design. The tight end snuck in the line, bouncing outside for an easy catch and score. The second was an easy throw to Odell Beckham Jr., who ran a great route and found the space to score. And the third was a great play call, as the Bengals double covered Beckham Jr., leaving single coverage for the other targets. They motioned the tight end and had rookie Sterling Shepard one-on-one with the middle linebacker.
Obviously Manning needed to make the throws and he did. But he also threw two terrible interceptions in the game. The first one was a late comeback that was easily intercepted by the cornerback. It led to three points for the Bengals because the defense stood strong with the short field. The second one was right after the defense picked of Dalton. He threw a deep ball, that wasn’t deep enough and was too far right. Luckily it did not lead to points, because it was a one-point game in the fourth quarter.
Nov 13, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is forced out of the pocket by New England Patriots outside linebacker Rob Ninkovich (50) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson
QB, Seattle Seahawks
Previous Rank: 20 (+4)
Week 10 Statistics: 25-37 (67.6%), 348 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 31-24 (W)
Season Statistics: 203-304 (66.8%), 2,442 yards, 10 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 6-2-1
I am always very critical of Russell Wilson, mainly because his fans are worse than Tim Tebow fans. I talked about it a lot during this season, but they actually think Wilson is already better than Tom Brady. Stop that nonsense, please.
Although, I am sure their Sunday Night game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks did not help me for the next time they go crazy on Twitter. Wilson has struggled all season, but he shined in Week 10. He played the best game of his season and looked awesome throwing the football.
He ended the day with 348 yards passes and three touchdowns. But more importantly, his team got a huge win against the best team in football. On Wilson’s first touchdown, he delivered a beautiful back-shoulder throw for a score. It was an elite throw and you can’t cover it when it is thrown that well.
His second touchdown pass was classic Russell Wilson. He ran around in the pocket, rolled left, and threw back across the field to find a wide open target for the score. It was a great play and there is no defense for something like that. That was also with 13 seconds left before halftime.
After two solid touchdown plays, his third score was the best. He put perfect touch on the ball and dropped it perfectly into his receivers hands for a touchdown. It was an elite throw and Wilson capped of an exceptional day in the office. He will need more like it if he wants to continue to climb in the power rankings.
Nov 13, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after his rushing touchdown in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton
QB, Carolina Panthers
Previous Rank: 9 (-6)
Week 10 Statistics: 23-38 (60.5%), 261 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 17-20 (L)
Season Statistics: 161-277 (58.1%), 1,994 yards, 10 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 3-5
The Carolina Panthers looked like they were on their way to a victory on Sunday. They started the game solid and went into halftime up 17-3. A big part of their early success was the early success of their quarterback, Cam Newton.
Newton won the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 2015, but hasn’t played anywhere close to that same level this season. He has had much to be desired with his play in 2016, but he started to get a little fire on Sunday. He had a four-yard touchdown run, which may not sound like a lot, but the run was awesome. Newton got stuffed four yards out, but powered his way into the end zone. It was a beautiful play and one that Newton has made so easily in his career.
He even hit the dab after it, so it looked like maybe Newton was back to form. He later hit a 38-yard bomb to his wide receiver for a score. It was a perfect read and ball, as he waited patiently for the route to develop. Newton and the Panthers were pounding, but there was another half of football left to play.
Up 17-6 in the fourth, it seemed like the Panthers would win the game. However, Newton made a critical error. He lobbed a pass up off of his back foot and it was intercepted. To make that worse, that interception was returned for a touchdown and then the Chiefs went for two and got it, making it a 17-14 game. Kansas City would add two more field goals and win the game by three, so Newton’s pick-six really hurt his team.
Nov 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Luck
QB, Indianapolis Colts
Previous Rank: 14 (BYE WEEK)
Week 10 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 10 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 221-347 (63.7%), 2,565 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-5
After a big win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, the Indianapolis Colts had their bye in Week 10. It was needed in my opinion because their quarterback, Andrew Luck has been playing okay as of late.
He did have a solid three touchdown outing in Week 7, but outside of that he hasn’t been all that. Luck was regarded by many, including myself, as the top quarterback prospect in a very long time. He had everything you looked for in a quarterback and he proved that in his first year. However, it is now Year 5 and the questions still remains: will he ever be an elite quarterback in the NFL?
That is a hard question to answer, because Luck has regressed a little from where he was at. He is on pace to end the year with 4,560 yards, 30 touchdown passes, and 12 interceptions. Those numbers look solid. But in today’s NFL, with some quarterbacks throwing for 5,000 and almost 40 touchdowns; that is where you want to see Luck.
Maybe they are unfair expectations, but Luck has all the talent to be that good. He just need to get there and figure out how was in the league. Maybe the bye week will help out and Luck will come out of it slinging.
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) reacts to a touchdown scored by running back Doug Martin (not pictured) against the Chicago Bears in the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston
QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Rank: 16 (+3)
Week 10 Statistics: 23-33 (69.7%), 312 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 36-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 204-339 (60.2%), 2,349 yards, 19 TDs, 10 INTs
Season Record: 4-5
In Week 10, Jameis Winston had an interesting game. He started cold, not really doing much until the end of the first quarter. However, what he did wasn’t good. He threw behind his target, but his receiver got his hands on the ball so he should have caught it. Instead, it was intercepted by the defensive back. It was a great play by the defender and wasn’t really Winston’s fault. However, he should try to throw the ball with a little more accuracy.
He started to warm up towards the end of the second quarter when he threw his first touchdown. His tight end was wide open, but Winston delivered an accurate, quick pass to the end zone that was caught for a score. It put the Tampa Bay Buccaneers up 14-3.
The Bucs got the ball to start the second half and Winston went to work right away. He threw a strike to Mike Evans for 39 yards, well that is what it say in the box score. Winston scrambled round and looked like he was playing backyard football before he threw a beautiful pass to Evans.
On the next play, Winston threw a bomb for a 43-yard touchdown. It highlighted an impressive second half and the Bucs dominated the game, 36-10. Winston has been up and down all year, but this was definitely an up.
Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) reacts after throwing his fourth interception of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Philip Rivers
QB, San Diego Chargers
Previous Rank: 8 (-4)
Week 10 Statistics: 23-44 (52.3%), 326 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 24-31 (L)
Season Statistics: 229-369 (62.1%), 2,886 yards, 20 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 4-6
I have been defending Philip Rivers all season long in the NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, but this week, there is no way I can defend him. Again, he is playing with no No. 1 wide receiver and his best pass-catching running back is out for the year with a torn ACL. But receivers weren’t the problem on Sunday.
Rivers was the problem, though only in the fourth quarter of the game. After playing a great first three quarters, throwing for two scores and looking like his team had a real chance to win, Rivers imploded in the fourth.
He threw four interceptions in the fourth quarter, yes FOUR! That is terrible for a game, but throwing four in one quarter is embarrassing. The first one was in the end zone on a ball he should have never threw. At the very least, he cost his team three points with his poor decision. The second interception was picked off inside the 20-yard line, so he once again costed his team three points. His third interception did not cost his team points, but it gave the Miami Dolphins seven as it was returned for a touchdown. Rivers locked on his target and the linebacker made an easy read.
The fourth one was on the final drive of the game and looked as if Rivers had given up on the game. He did not put much arm into it and it was an easy pick for the cornerback. You can’t throw four interceptions in a quarter without dropping in the power rankings.
Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts after missing an attempt on fourth down during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. The Titans won 47-25. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers
QB, Green Bay Packers
Previous Rank: 7 (-4)
Week 10 Statistics: 31-51 (60.8%), 371 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 25-47 (L)
Season Statistics: 233-369 (63.1%), 2,410 yards, 22 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-5
I picked the Green Bay Packers to win the Super Bowl at the start of the year, but it looks like I wasn’t thinking straight when I decided to do that. The Packers have lost three-straight games and the loss this Sunday was an embarrassing performance. It was a 22-point blowout loss to a team that isn’t that great, but looked like they could win the Super Bowl the way the Packers played.
Their quarterback Aaron Rodgers even had a rough game, throwing two interceptions. However, the first quarter could have been the worst part of his game. The Packers started with the ball, but punted after their three-and-out. Tennessee scored quickly and the Packers gave the ball up just as quickly. Then the Titans scored again and already led 21-0 in the first quarter. Rodgers needed to help stop the bleeding and lead his team down the field for points, but failed to.
He did lead his team to 17 points in the second quarter, but it was too late as the Titans kept scoring too. He threw one of his interceptions late at the end of half, so that doesn’t really count in my eyes. However, his fourth-quarter interception was ugly and it did not seem like he cared too much when he made a terrible throw.
Rodgers needs to be the reason this team wins, not one of the reasons they lose.
Nov 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Falcons, 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Wentz
QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Rank: 13 (+3)
Week 10 Statistics: 25-36 (69.4%), 231 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 24-15 (W)
Season Statistics: 202-311 (65%), 2,121 yards, 9 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 5-4
If you looked at Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz’s final stat line, you would think he had an okay game, but did not do much. That is exactly why you never go off of stats, and you rely on the eye in the sky.
The eye in the sky showed that the rookie was playing like a seasoned veteran and making big time NFL throws throughout the game. The Falcons played a ton of Cover-3, so Wentz did not take many shots in the game. However, he was completing his shorter and medium passes with ease. His receivers dropped another three passes on Sunday, and two of them were big ones.
The first one was a bad drop by Jordan Matthews that would’ve resulted in a gain of at least 25 yards. That drop also negated what would’ve been three points before half with 21 seconds left. That wasn’t even the worst drop, though, as Nelson Agholor dropped an easy first down on third and two with four minutes left. Had he caught the ball, the Eagles would’ve been able to put the game on ice for sure and walk away with an easy victory.
In the game, Wentz completed 69.4 percent of his passes and helped navigate the Eagles to big victory. He moves up in the power rankings and deservedly so.
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dak Prescott
QB, Dallas Cowboys
Previous Rank: 10 (+1)
Week 10 Statistics: 22-32 (68.8%), 319 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 35-30 (W)
Season Statistics: 187-280 (66.8%), 2,339 yards, 14 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 8-1
Even though I still believe Tony Romo gives the Dallas Cowboys the best chance of winning the Super Bowl this season, it is official: Dak Prescott is your starter, Cowboy fans.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Prescott is currently 8-1. But to be honest, how could you say it is a good thing? This roster is stacked with talent on offense, lead by an elite offense line and a rookie running back, Ezekiel Elliott, that has a chance at not just Rookie of the Year, but MVP. Add in the veteran tight end Jason Witten and dominant wide receiver Dez Bryant, and you can see the weapons are endless.
Prescott has struggled at times, but he hasn’t struggled like a legitimate rookie yet. As great as that sounds, it also means that the possibility of him struggling like a rookie still lingers. If the Cowboys believe he won’t go through those normal growing pains, then it makes sense. Hopefully he doesn’t, because this team is a real contender.
In Week 10, Prescott struggled early on making easy throws and reads. Then, at the end of the game, he allowed the Steelers to come back and take the lead. On the final drive, though, he completed a couple of passes, got helped by a facemask penalty, and then Elliott ran through a wide-open hole to win the game. Yeah, the Cowboys got the win, but Prescott was the weak spot on the offense. He did have the best throw of his young and promising career when he hit Bryant in stride for a 50-yard touchdown.
He sits at No. 9 because there is no denying he is doing enough to help his team win. But like I always said (and I still believe it), the Cowboys are winning with Prescott, Prescott isn’t winning for the Cowboys.
Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a touchdown pass during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota
QB, Tennessee Titans
Previous Rank: 11 (+3)
Week 10 Statistics: 19-26 (73.1%), 295 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 47-25 (W)
Season Statistics: 203-317 (64%), 2,282 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 5-5
When you score 47 points in a game, you know the offense is booming and that was exactly the case for the Tennessee Titans in Week 10 against the Green Bay Packers. Aaron Rodgers is looked at as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but Marcus Mariota looked like the real star on the field on Sunday.
Mariota threw for 295 yards and an impressive four touchdowns as his team dominated the Packers the entire game. Even their running back, DeMarco Murray, threw for a score Sunday. Unfortunately, Murray didn’t rank in these power rankings.
Tennessee’s signal-caller did not throw an interception and looked phenomenal the entire game. The first touchdown pass he threw was all play design, but Mariota still put nice touch on the ball for the score.
His second touchdown was where he showed off his arm talent, hitting a beautiful 32-yard slot-fade in stride. It was a perfectly timed throw and Mariota put it on the money. The third touchdown pass of the day for Mariota was a solid six-yard out route on the goal line, but his fourth was an awesome play. Ha rolled right and forced a throw in a tight window, but it worked out as his receiver secured the catch and scored a 33-yard touchdown.
The young quarterback has taken a step forward in 2016 and it has been beautiful to watch. He has also taken a climb up the power rankings and deserves to be in the top 10 after a performance like that.
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Roethlisberger
QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Rank: 12 (+5)
Week 10 Statistics: 37-46 (80.4%), 408 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 30-35 (L)
Season Statistics: 205-317 (64.7%), 2,357 yards, 20 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-4
After losing two three straight games, the Pittsburgh Steelers needed their quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, to play an elite football game if they were going to win in Week 10. Roethlisberger delivered and then some.
He ended the night with 408 yards passing and three touchdowns, while not throwing an interception. When you see numbers like that, you expect that his team won. However, the Steelers defense did not help out at all. They gave up a game-winning touchdown to rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott and Roethlisberger’s big game was wasted.
Making that worse, the Steelers lost their fourth game in a row and are now 4-5 on the season. However, I am not going to knock Roethlisberger at all because he played awesome. He had a fake spike that should have been for the game-winning touchdown, but his defense didn’t do their job.
Nov 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks to throw against the Denver Broncos in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Broncos won, 25-23. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Brees
QB, New Orleans Saints
Previous Rank: 4 (-2)
Week 10 Statistics: 21-29 (72.4%), 303 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 23-25 (L)
Season Statistics: 263-376 (69.9%), 2,992 yards, 24 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-5
The New Orleans Saints lost their game on Sunday, but there was a ton of controversy. Sadly, it came down to a blocked extra point, which came right after Drew Brees threw his third touchdown of the day.
Brees survived two early interceptions to come back and play a dominant game. He ended the day with 303 yards passing, completing 72.4 percent of his passes, and throwing for three scores. His first touchdown pass was an easy one, as his wide receiver got wide open in the end zone, but Brees found him for the score.
His second touchdown pass came on a play-action pass from the 5-yard line. Brees showed off his elite accuracy and thew the ball perfect to his wide receiver to allow him to make the catch and score. The third and final touchdown was the biggest one, as Brees took a shot with a 1:30 on the clock. He stepped up and delivered a perfect ball to his wide receiver. And the Saints were an extra point away from winning the game.
Sadly, it was blocked and returned for two points, so they lost. However, Brees did everything he had to do in the game. The two interceptions knock him down, but Brees is still a top quarterback in the power rankings.
Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions won 22-16 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Stafford
QB, Detroit Lions
Previous Rank: 5 (BYE WEEK)
Week 10 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 10 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 214-318 (67.3%), 2,373 yards, 18 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 5-4
Five wins in 2016 and all five have come by way of game-winning drives. That is how the Detroit Lions season has gone so far through Week 10. But I think they are okay with it because their quarterback Matthew Stafford has been willing this team to victories.
It was a nice time for a bye week for the Lions because they needed a break from all of the tough close games they have played in so far this season. Stafford has been spectacular and leads the NFL with his five game-winning drives. More importantly, his team leads the NFC North with their five wins.
A bye week couldn’t go any better than it did for the Lions as all three other divisional opponents lost, putting the Lions in first without even playing. Stafford deserved that after the ridiculous year he has been having. He is on pace for his sixth 4,000 yards passing season in a row and 32 touchdown passes.
They take on Jacksonville coming out of their bye, so moving to 6-4 and having a secure lock on the division should be the goal for Stafford and company. If they can do that and if Stafford plays well, he has a chance to be even higher in the rankings.
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) rolls out against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at FedEx Field. The Washington Redskins won 26 – 20. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Kirk Cousins
QB, Washington Redskins
Previous Rank: 6 (+2)
Week 10 Statistics: 22-33 (66.7%), 262 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 10 Final Score: 26-20 (W)
Season Statistics: 237-354 (66.9%), 2,716 yards, 14 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 5-3-1
Coming into Week 10, the Minnesota Vikings defense has been solid all season. No one has been able to dominate against them and their defense hasn’t been the reason for their losses. Well, they may not have been the full reason for their loss this week, but they played a part in it.
The Washington Redskins won a huge NFC matchup in Week 10 and their quarterback, Kirk Cousins, continued his hot streak in the process. On the opening drive, Cousins drove his team down the field and capped it off with his first passing touchdown. He ended that drive 3-of-5 for 41 yards and a score.
On his next drive, Cousins went 6-of-6 for 84 yards and an awesome strike for a 38-yard touchdown. That put the Redskins up 14-0 on the Vikings and the game was already over. The Vikings aren’t made to play from behind so the way to beat them is to get up on them early and that is exactly what Cousins and the Redskins did.
He ended the game with those two scores, but did not throw an interception. He also completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 262 yards and showed that he is becoming a legitimate franchise quarterback. Washington better get out their checkbook, because Cousins is the real deal and he is here to stay.
Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after the Raiders rushed for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr
QB, Oakland Raiders
Previous Rank: 3 (BYE WEEK)
Week 10 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 10 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 234-354 (66.1%), 2,505 yards, 17 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 7-2
I am sure the Oakland Raiders are enjoying their bye week, but I am also sure they would’ve liked to keep playing because they have been so hot. They are one of the best teams in the AFC and in the NFL. A big part of that is because they have an elite quarterback, Derek Carr.
Carr has been spectacular in 2016 and Raiders fans can breathe easy knowing the future of their favorite team is in great hands. Through nine games, Carr has thrown 17 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Those are legitimate MVP numbers and his 2,505 yards also help, too.
Heading into Week 11, saying the Raiders are 7-2 doesn’t even seem real, but it is. Who knows how the rest of their season will turn out. But if Carr keeps playing at an elite level, don’t rule out the Raiders making a Super Bowl run.
Nov 13, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) is sacked by Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin (98) during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan
QB, Atlanta Falcons
Previous Rank: 2 (NC)
Week 10 Statistics: 18-33 (54.5%), 267 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 15-24 (L)
Season Statistics: 236-346 (68.2%), 3,257 yards, 24 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 6-4
Before Week 10, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has been in the conversation for MVP. He has earned that talk, as he has been playing lights out and elite football. He was No. 2 in the power rankings entering the week and he remains there, even though he played his worst game of the season.
Ryan entered hostile territory, playing the Eagles in Philly. The Eagles defense has been spectacular at home and they kept that up on Sunday. Ryan only completed 54.5 percent of his passes for 267 yards on Sunday, while only throwing one touchdown. The touchdown was a big one, a 76-yard score, but his receiver was wide-open.
He threw a bad interception at the end of the game, but it was already over and the Falcons weren’t going to win. People may ask and argue why he is still at No. 2. My reasoning is simple, yet surprising: Julio Jones.
Jones had a great game, but the Falcons had a chance to drive down the field and take the lead, but it ended because Jones dropped a wide-open pass. If he caught that ball, who knows how the game would’ve ended.
Nov 13, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes off his helmet after failing to score on the last play of possession during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Gillette Stadium. The Seattle Seahawks won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Tom Brady
QB, New England Patriots
Previous Rank: 1 (NC)
Week 10 Statistics: 23-32 (71.9%), 316 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
Week 10 Final Score: 24-31 (L)
Season Statistics: 121-166 (72.9%), 1,635 yards, 12 TDs, 1 INT
Season Record: 4-1
You didn’t really think the New England Patriots wouldn’t lose again this season, did you? And you didn’t really think their quarterback Tom Brady would play elite, dominant football every game this season, did you?
In Week 10, we found out the Patriots aren’t from outer space, but they are actually humans! Taking that further, Brady isn’t immortal as he actually throws interceptions too. It may have been his first this season, but it was an ugly one. Brady may have felt that he was immortal the way he has been playing, but he tried to throw deep way too late in the play and make something crazy happen. It turned into an interception and one Brady will be made he threw.
Luckily it didn’t lead to points, but Brady also failed to throw for a touchdown for the first time all year. In the first four games he has played this season, the fewest number of touchdowns he threw in a game was two. So he has thrown for three or more scores three times out of those four games. People love to knock Brady, but guess what? He stays at No. 1 even after his worst game of the season. But he will need to get back on track in Week 11 if he is going to remain No. 1.
This article originally appeared on 
