The era of quarterback-centric football began in the 2000s when prominent passing became the most surefire way to consistently win. Here are my top 10 QBs from that era (2000-2010).
10. Eli Manning, NYG
Manning didn’t have the most productive career statistically, and most of his best seasons came in the 2010s. But his coolness in the clutch helped him win two Super Bowls – both against Tom Brady – and become a Giants legend.
9. Steve McNair, TEN
Air McNair emerged as one of the league’s best dual-threat QBs in the late 1990s, and challenged defenses to stop him both in the air and on the ground. His 2003 MVP season – 24 passing TDs to 7 interceptions with a 100.4 quarterback rating – proved that mobile quarterbacks can thrive in the NFL.
8. Philip Rivers, SD
Rivers had the difficult task of replacing Drew Brees in San Diego and was mostly successful. Although the Chargers failed to make a Super Bowl during his time with the team, he consistently produced good numbers; he threw twice as many TDs as interceptions in his career and completed nearly 65% of his passes.
7. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
Roethlisberger found success extremely early in his career and rode that momentum into the 2010s. Although he improved statistically in the 2010s, he was a consistent winner and clutch playmaker, winning two Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 2000s.
6. Kurt Warner, STL/ARI
Warner captured a Super Bowl with the Rams in 1999, and although he did not win another, he continued to have great success. Warner used his great football IQ and big arm to win two NFL MVPs and four Pro Bowls with the Rams and Cardinals, helping both teams to become offensive powerhouses.
5. Brett Favre, GB/NYJ/MIN
Favre was a true gambler at the QB position – for every big play he made, it seemed like a costly turnover was just around the corner. However, despite his streaky playstyle, Favre was a massive talent and had a special career: he made 11 Pro Bowls and won NFL MVP three times.
4. Donovan McNabb, PHI
After being drafted No. 2 overall in 1999, McNabb lived up to the hype. He was exactly what the doctor ordered for Philly: a playmaker who limited turnovers. He led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl in the 2000s, making six Pro Bowls in the process.
3. Drew Brees, SD/NO
Although his San Diego tenure was solid, Brees really hit the ground running in New Orleans, becoming one of the most prolific passers in NFL history. Despite his smaller frame and limited arm talent, Brees’ intelligence and accuracy helped him make 13 Pro Bowls and win the Saints a Super Bowl.
2. Peyton Manning, IND
Although it was a struggle to win the big one at first for Manning, there was no doubting his greatness once he got his Super Bowl ring in 2007. His magical anticipation and ability to read a defense made him an all-time great; his 14 Pro Bowls and five MVP awards speak for themselves.
1. Tom Brady, NE
The greatest QB of all time had to be first on this list. His achievements just in the 2000s are jaw-dropping: Five Pro Bowls, one NFL MVP, and three Super Bowl wins in five appearances. His consistent ability to seemingly always make the right play is a trait that every quarterback seeks to emulate.
