Peyton Manning has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions on current NFL quarterbacks. In a recent discussion, the legendary quarterback revealed his list of the top five QBs currently making waves in the league: Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. Each player on this list has demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, making them standout stars in the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes: The Game Changer
Leading the pack is Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes. Known for his versatility and explosive playmaking abilities, Mahomes has been instrumental in the Chiefs' success, driving them to multiple playoff runs and a Super Bowl victory under the leadership of head coach Andy Reid. Manning lauded the dynamic 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."
Joe Burrow: The Calm Conqueror
Next on Manning's list is Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star who continues to impress with his unflappable demeanor on the field. Despite facing significant challenges early in his career, Burrow has emerged as a formidable presence under center. Manning praised his composure, saying, "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."
Justin Herbert: The Rising Star
Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers has quickly become one of the NFL’s most exciting young talents. His arm strength and accuracy have set him apart, as he has already broken Manning's own record for most passing yards through four NFL seasons. Highlighting Herbert's potential, Manning remarked, "This Justin Herbert is as talented as anybody. He can throw it a mile. The Broncos' division is gonna be tough."
Lamar Jackson: The Dual Threat
The Baltimore Ravens’ Lamar Jackson has consistently mesmerized fans and analysts alike with his extraordinary athleticism and on-field wizardry. As a two-time MVP award winner, Jackson has redefined the quarterback role through his dual-threat capabilities, both passing and running the ball. Manning expressed his admiration: "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."
Josh Allen: The Determined Leader
Rounding out Manning's top five is Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen. Known for his toughness and determination, Allen has become one of the league's most productive quarterbacks since 2019. His steadfast quest to bring a championship to Buffalo has been evident in his performance and attitude. Manning noted, "Josh Allen is a total stud. Tough. I saw him this summer. He is so motivated to bring a championship to Buffalo."
While Manning's list focuses on these five quarterbacks, he also acknowledged other notable talents who did not make his cut, mentioning Dak Prescott, C.J. Stroud, Brock Purdy, and Jordan Love as quarterbacks worth watching. These players, though not included in his top five, continue to make significant contributions to their respective teams and the league as a whole.
As the NFL season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these quarterbacks live up to the high praise from one of the game's greatest signal-callers. Manning's insights not only offer a glimpse into what makes these players exceptional but also set the stage for an exciting year of football ahead. Each week, fans will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on these standout quarterbacks, eager to witness more of the extraordinary talent that has captivated Peyton Manning and the NFL community.