The best quarterback divisions in NFL history
With an aim to pinpoint when top talent crossed paths and when new arrivals created considerable depth, here are the Super Bowl era’s best quarterback divisions.
1999 Colts-Dolphins matchup. But this division sent four teams to the playoffs in 1998, with Vinny Testaverde lifting the Jets with a 29-touchdown pass year and Doug Flutie’s comeback transforming the Bills. This all came as Drew Bledsoe remained an upper-echelon QB. Manning’s rapid 1999 growth changed the division’s complexion, as Marino’s descent and Testaverde’s ACL tear lowered its ceiling.
Chiefs-Raiders rivalry at its height. The teams vied for the final AFL crown, a Chiefs road win. Hadl played 16 seasons, mostly with the Chargers, and was a six-time AFL All-Star or Pro Bowler.
Super Bowl XLIII precipice. Romo’s 20s involved three Pro Bowls and a 2007 No. 1 seed. Manning spoiled that, piecing together a career-defining Super Bowl charge. Washington and first-rounder Jason Campbell could not keep up.
in the 1989 playoffs.
Steelers’ top challenger, however. That period ended when Houston traded Pastorini to Oakland in 1980.
emergency trade get Earl Morrall made the Coastal Division 3-for-3 in MVPs en route to Super Bowl III.
comebacks over the Steelers and Oilers in the ’93 playoffs. This period’s unquestioned zenith came when Elway and Montana dueled on an October 1994 Monday night — Kansas City’s elusive win in Denver.