Contrary to the words of the immortal Ricky Bobby, if you’re not always first, you’re not always last. In fact, when you’re an NFL quarterback, you’re one of 32 individuals holding what is the most renowned — and most difficult — position in all of professional sports. So when you’re the best among this select group of 32 individuals, it’s definitely noteworthy.
But when you’re the worst? It’s also pretty noteworthy, considering you couldn’t beat out any of the other 31 guys who have the exact same job you do. That’s why we wanted to compile this list: to identify the worst quarterback in the NFL, in each and every season since the turn of the century.
Without further delay, here are the worst NFL quarterbacks every year since 2000.
Honorable Mention: Peyton Manning (2015)
In 2015, just two years after putting together arguably the greatest season a quarterback ever had, Peyton Manning was arguably the worst in the game. Part of the problem is that Manning created such high expectations for himself that he’s judged differently from other quarterbacks. But nine touchdowns to 17 interceptions isn’t acceptable for any NFL quarterback. To say he was a shadow of his former self would almost be overstating his performance. Manning didn’t look like himself and didn’t have much left in the tank at this point.
Despite Manning’s poor play, he was able to go out on top with a Super Bowl win. The Broncos went 12-4 behind a historically great defense. They were even good enough to go 5-2 in games Blake Osweiler started. To his credit, Manning did enough, but it was the Denver defense that was largely responsible for beating the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game and the Panthers in the Super Bowl.