NFL Power Rankings: QB grades through first month

A+ — It wasn’t a good idea for Roger Goodell and his cronies to make Tom Brady angry. At 38, the four-time Super Bowl champ is on pace for the best season of his career.

A+ — Though he doesn’t think he’s worth of the comparison, Aaron Rodgers is basically the Michael Jordan of QBs. From his vision, to his poise, to his ability to extend the play, No. 12 is the most complete player at his position in the NFL, and he’s only getting better with age.

A — The biggest question mark surrounding the Bengals this season was Andy Dalton. Could he take Cincinnati to the next level? Dalton has answered the critics by playing the best he ever has, leading a great offence with great protection in front of him and dangerous weapons all around.

A — With a new offensive scheme and a much-improved running game bolstered by sophomore bruiser Devonta Freeman, things have stabilized around Matt Ryan and the Falcons are 4-0 because of it.

C — Dwindling arm strength and uncharacteristic interceptions have hampered Peyton Manning early this season. But No. 18 doesn’t need to be great to win this year—he’s finally got a formidable defence to do the dirty work.

A — Just 11 months after suffering a torn ACL, Carson Palmer is leading one of the league’s top offences and has to be considered the leading candidate for comeback player of the year.

B+ — The Panthers have had a light schedule in the first month of the season, but Cam Newton is doing an admirable job given his lack of weapons. Newton’s accounted for 79 percent of Carolina’s offence.

B — With his offensive line in shambles and the running game reeling, Russell Wilson is the Seahawks offence despite being unable to establish any rhythm. If it were any other QB under centre in Seattle, the number of sacks given up would be spectacularly high.

B- — Turnovers, accuracy and the deep ball remain big issues for Ryan Fitzpatrick, but he’s doing well given his talent level. Would Geno Smith have this team at 3-1? Not likely.

B — Moments when he looks like a lost rookie, followed by moments of elite play. Typical Eli Manning. With the rest of the NFC East all over the place, consistency from Manning could see the Giants to a division title.

B- — Tyrod Taylor has the ability to be a playmaker, but his success in Buffalo will depend on the playmakers around him. With LeSean McCoy and Sammy Watkins out last week, Taylor and the Bills offence struggled mightily. No. 5 must prove he can get it done on his own.

N/A — With Tony Romo out for the foreseeable future, Brandon Weeden has taken over with the expected results: a pair of losses. Weeden is doing a fine job, but Romo brings that certain something to Dallas that Weeden simply can’t.

C — Alex Smith of 2015 is the same Alex Smith we’ve seen his entire NFL career. The Chiefs have no downfield passing game and just four passing TDs in as many games. How can you throw for over 380 yards in a game with no scores?

N/A — The Steelers boasted one of the league’s top passing offences with Ben Roethlisberger in the lineup, but with Mike Vick starting, the Steelers seem caught between conservative play-calling and letting it loose. Like last Thursday’s game, that won’t end well.

C — Teddy Bridgewater has been efficient at best, playing it safe while keeping the mistakes to a minimum much like Alex Smith. With Adrian Peterson playing so well it’s a smart game plan, but eventually Bridgewater and the Vikings’ 31st-ranked pass offence will have to open it up.

D — A struggling offensive line has led to a dropoff in Andrew Luck’s performance, who is getting hit way too often, forcing the ball and committing too many turnovers. A Colts team that could conceivably be winless seemed to move the ball more efficiently under Matt Hasselbeck.

B — Philip Rivers simply needs to be more consistent. When he’s on, he’s among the best, but the Chargers’ pivot has had some slow starts and problems with turnovers. Maybe Sunday’s impressive performance against Cleveland can be a jumping-off point for 2015.

C — Nick Foles has had two solid games in a pair of Rams victories, but has been underwhelming in St. Louis’s losses. The fact is Foles hasn’t been the spark Jeff Fisher and his staff were hoping the QB could be.

B — Sophomore pivot Derek Carr got off to a rough start to the season, but has been the quarterback we all expected him to be since. Carr has a knack for making big-time throws and has already established a good rapport with rookie WR Amari Cooper.

C — Kirk Cousins is what he is: an average starting quarterback that can win games if he manages well and avoids big mistakes, but will never blow you away. Sunday’s 90-yard, game-winning drive against the Eagles was impressive.

C — Time and time again, Joe Flacco has shown he’s a capable NFL quarterback, but a severe lack of weapons is hurting him. How often did Flacco have time in the pocket last Thursday and no open options?

C- — Josh McCown played well in San Diego, maybe offering us a glimpse into why the Browns chose him over Johnny Manziel. But he hadn’t been good prior to Sunday’s tough last-second loss, and the QB controversy in Cleveland is far from over.

C- — The Eagles offence continues to be a major disappointment through four games, but Sam Bradford has begun to show improvement after rocky start. His performance in Sunday’s loss was his best with Philly, highlighted by a solid deep passing game.

B- — A lack of passing options and a shoulder injury impacted Drew Brees on the way to an 0-3 start. The Saints are far from the team they once were, but Sunday’s win over the Cowboys proved Brees isn’t going anywhere.

C- — Recent reports of Ryan Tannehill’s treatment of the Dolphins practice squad puts Miami’s QB in a bad light. His play on the field isn’t helping. Will he ever improve or is this what Tannehill is? Wildly inconsistent.

B- — Marcus Mariota’s potential is unlimited, but turnovers are an issue. The Titans’ offensive line has major problems, but the No. 2 overall pick will need to learn when to take a chance and when to hold back.

C — Jay Cutler hasn’t been great when he’s healthy, and his time in Chicago is likely up when this season comes to an end, but there’s no doubt No. 6 is a big upgrade over Jimmy Clausen.

F — In losses in which the 49ers combined to score just 10 points, Colin Kaepernick put together two of the worst back-to-back quarterbacking performances we’ve seen in quite a long time.

D- — Like a handful of teams this season, the Lions are being held back by a patchwork offensive line. But how can an offence be that useless with Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate? Matthew Stafford needs to find ways to get them involved more often.

D — If there’s one thing guaranteed in Houston, it’s a lack of a real answer at quarterback. Ryan Mallett certainly isn’t it. Tom Brady’s former backup has no rhythm, just waits for receivers to get open and struggles with his accuracy.

C- — Blake Bortles has shown some improvement from his rookie season, but his sophomore season hasn’t brought any different results for the Jaguars. Sunday’s game against the Luck-less Colts is one Bortles could’ve used to show Jacksonville is ready to turn the corner.

D — Of the two quarterbacks selected atop the draft, Jameis Winston is struggling more with the speed of the NFL. Despite offering glimpses, Winston is making too many rookie mistakes. Exhibit A: his four interceptions against the Panthers on Sunday.