Former NFL star Peyton Manning recently shared his thoughts on the top quarterbacks currently making waves in the league. Manning, known for his deep understanding of the game, did not hold back in naming his top five quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. His insights into each player offer a compelling look at why these athletes are at the pinnacle of their profession.
Patrick Mahomes: The Versatile Playmaker
Patrick Mahomes, the dynamic quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, is renowned for his versatility and explosive playmaking abilities. Under the astute guidance of head coach Andy Reid, Mahomes has not only led the Chiefs to multiple playoff runs but also secured a Super Bowl victory. Manning highlights Reid's coaching style as a crucial element in Mahomes' success, 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."
Joe Burrow: The Ice Man
Next on Manning's list is Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals. Known for his unflappable demeanor and cool composure, Burrow continues to impress both fans and critics alike. "I'm a big fan of Joe Burrow," Manning shares. "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." These qualities, combined with his on-field performance, make Burrow a formidable opponent and a true leader for the Bengals.
Justin Herbert: The Record Breaker
Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers has also caught Manning's eye. Herbert, who recently broke Manning's record for the most passing yards through four NFL seasons, is a testament to raw talent and hard work. Manning's admiration for Herbert is evident: "This Justin Herbert is as talented as anybody. He can throw it a mile. The Broncos' division is gonna be tough." With such a strong endorsement from one of the game's all-time greats, Herbert's future in the NFL looks exceedingly bright.
Lamar Jackson: The MVP Performer
Lamar Jackson, the electrifying quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, rounds out Manning's top five. Jackson's ability to make seemingly impossible plays with both his arm and legs has earned him the MVP award twice. "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," remarks Manning. Jackson's unique skill set and versatility continue to be a significant asset for the Ravens.
Josh Allen: The Total Stud
Finally, Manning points to Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills as a key quarterback to watch. Allen's productivity since 2019 has been nothing short of phenomenal, and his drive to bring a championship to Buffalo is as strong as ever. "Josh Allen is a total stud. Tough. I saw him this summer. He is so motivated to bring a championship to Buffalo," Manning asserts. With this kind of determination, Allen is poised to lead the Bills to new heights.
While Manning's list focuses on these five luminaries, he also acknowledges other notable quarterbacks making their mark in the NFL, including Dak Prescott, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love. Each of these players is contributing to a highly competitive and exciting era of professional football.
Peyton Manning's insights are a valuable reminder of the remarkable talent and dedication required to excel at the quarterback position. As the NFL season progresses, fans will be eager to see how these players continue to shape the future of the game, solidifying their places in NFL history.