Peyton Manning’s Take on Today’s Top NFL Quarterbacks
Peyton Manning, a future first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the sharpest minds in the game, recently shared his insights on the current crop of NFL quarterbacks who are setting the league alight. Manning's list highlights Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen as the quarterbacks who are truly dominating the NFL today.
Patrick Mahomes: The Playmaking Maestro
Leading the pack is Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. Known for his versatility and explosive playmaking abilities, Mahomes has transformed the Chiefs into perennial Super Bowl contenders under the guidance of head coach Andy Reid. Manning emphasizes the beneficial relationship between Mahomes and Reid, stating, "Quarterbacks need to be coached hard. Andy Reid coaches Patrick Mahomes hard. That's good for Patrick, but that's bad for NFL defenses." With multiple playoff runs and a Super Bowl victory to his name, Mahomes continues to stand as a beacon of what modern quarterbacking excellence looks like.
Joe Burrow: The Unflappable Leader
Next on Manning's list is Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow's calm and collected demeanor has consistently impressed Manning, who notes, "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 unflappable attitude has made Burrow a cornerstone for the Bengals, further solidifying his status as one of the league's elite players.
Justin Herbert: The Record-Breaking Arm
Playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert is another quarterback that has caught Manning's eye. With a cannon for an arm and an ability to break records, he’s already eclipsed one of Manning’s own records for most passing yards through four NFL seasons. Manning commented on Herbert's immense talent, stating, "This Justin Herbert is as talented as anybody. He can throw it a mile. The Broncos' division is gonna be tough." Indeed, with Herbert at the helm, the Chargers have a potent threat in a highly competitive division.
Lamar Jackson: The Dual-Threat Dynamo
Manning also heaped praise on Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens. Known for his exceptional dual-threat capabilities, Jackson has left many defenses bewildered. Manning underscores Jackson's unique skill set, saying, "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." With two MVP awards already to his name, Jackson continues to redefine the quarterback position.
Josh Allen: The Buffalo Bulldog
Rounding out Manning's top five is Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Since entering the league in 2019, Allen has demonstrated a rare blend of toughness and productivity. "Josh Allen is a total stud. Tough. I saw him this summer. He is so motivated to bring a championship to Buffalo," Manning remarked. Allen's impressive skill set and relentless drive make him a formidable presence, and a championship in Buffalo seems like a distinct possibility with Allen at the helm.
Noteworthy Mentions
While Manning’s list focuses on these five star quarterbacks, it's important to acknowledge other notable players making their mark in the league. Dak Prescott, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love are among those who continue to show promise and capability. However, for now, it's Mahomes, Burrow, Herbert, Jackson, and Allen who sit at the pinnacle of NFL quarterbacking, according to Manning.
In a league constantly evolving with fresh talent and shifting dynamics, Peyton Manning’s insights provide a valuable perspective on the players who are currently shaping the future of the NFL. His selections reflect not just statistics and accolades, but the intangible qualities of leadership, resilience, and poise that define greatness in the modern era of professional football.