This is part one of a series ranking the players of the NFC East. For the other entries, click here.
1. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles
Experts tend to downgrade McNabb because other QBs have had success in his spot when he’s been injured, but he remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league. But for the 1st time in a while, McNabb reign atop the NFC East QB rankings is in doubt. A couple of young passers sprung onto the scene last year, but it is injury questions that are the biggest concern for McNabb. His 2005 season ending with a Sports Hernia and he’s working his way back from a torn ACL that ended his 2006 season in November. McNabb hasn’t always been in the best physical condition and when one hits the wrong side of 30, that can catch up to you. The Eagles have already started to plan for the post-McNabb era by spending a high draft choice on a passer. If he can’t stay healthy again this year, big questions will be raised about McNabb’s long term role with Philly.
2. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
For four weeks in November, it looked like Tony Romo was set to become the next great NFL quarterback. In his four starts that month Romo completed 72.6% of his passes and had 9 touchdowns against only a single interception. But just as the NFC East braced for a Cowboys run, Romo fell apart. In December he threw 8 interceptions and fumbled 7 times (3 lost). He went from cocky gunslinger to undisciplined wild man overnight. Late season struggles combined with his playoff gaffe while holding for a kick and we can’t be certain how Romo will react in 2007. Still he’s shown that he can be successful in the NFL and that’s enough to earn the number 2 ranking in the NFC East.
3. Eli Manning, New York Giants
If Eli Manning’s last name was Carr or Harrington, he’d be out of a job by now. People will point to his career high 57.7% completion rate as a sign of improvement, but after a hot start to the season, Eli was back to being Eli in November and December. Over the last 8 games of the season, Manning had a completion percentage below 50% in half of them. Unless Manning shows huge improvement this year, this could be an ugly season for the Giants. Considering he has lost his security blanket in Tiki Barber, its pretty safe to assume Manning may struggle to keep his job this year.
4. Jason Campbell, Washington Redskins
If this was a listing of what QB NFL teams would rather have or predict the 2007 stats of these quarterbacks, I’d have put Campbell ahead of Manning, but for now he still has to prove his he can be an NFL starter. The early indications are fairly optimistic. Campbell finished with more touchdowns than interceptions and was over 53% in his completion percentage, respectful numbers for a 1st year starter. Football Outsiders also had projected him out to be a very effective NFL QB using his college stats. The jury is still out on Campbell, but he has a chance to be a good one.