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Finally, after 214 days of waiting, the NFL is back! FINALLY!

This post is part 1 of a series in which we’ll examine what is always one of the most contentious and hotly debated topics out there: who is the best quarterback in the game today?

The NFL’s Best Quarterback

When thinking of the league’s best quarterback’s a few names come to mind: Peyton Manning and Tom Brady have been at the top for years, as has Drew Brees. More recently Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers, and Michael Vick have joined the elite group.

Michael Vick

Not everyone believes that Vick deserves to be mentioned with the big names listed above, but what he has done for his Eagles over the last two seasons is irrefutable and without him at the helm, the Philadelphia Eagles would not be close to the powerhouse they are right now.

After becoming the first ever African-American quarterback to be chosen with the number 1 pick in the NFL draft, Vick quickly made himself known as an exciting player with his foot-speed. Unfortunately, his throwing lacked reliability over his 6 years with the Atlanta Falcons.

Since returning from jail, Vick set out to improve that part of his game, and his now solid arm, coupled with the still lightning fast feet, have produced what he is today.

The Numbers

At this relatively early stage in his career, the only quarterback to have more all-time rushing yards is Randall Cunningham.

Vick already holds several records himself including most rushing yards in a game – 173 – most 100-yard rushing games – 8 – and most rushing yards in a season – 1,039.

In the 2010 season alone, he finished with 3,018 yards in the air, 21 touchdowns, 6 interceptions, a 62.6 completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 100.2. Add to that his 676 rushing yards and 9 rushing touchdowns, and it was a hell of a season.

On the other side, he was sacked 34 times and had 11 fumbles.

Case for “The Best”

While Vick isn’t anywhere near the quality of passer that Manning, Brady or even Rodgers is, he makes tossing a 60-yard bomb look as easy as throwing a Nerf football across your backyard.

And when he tucks the ball, no can touch him. Vick is bar-none the most dangerous running quarterback in the league. His mere presence on the field forces defenses to focus on him, always bringing a safety into the box or spying with a linebacker.

This season, as the Eagles contend for top spot in the NFC East, Vick will lead the charge, and if the team succeeds, he will certainly have made his claim to being HTTN’s Best Quarterback

-Post written by Matt Darbishire (@ItsNotMattD)