Hater's Guide to NFL QBs: From most-ripped to unassailable, 1-32 ratingsPETE PRISCOSenior NFL Columnist CBS SportsSeptember 30, 2015 4:42 pm ET 
When you go No. 1 overall, critics can't wait for your mistakes. (USATSI)Last week on Twitter, we had a lively debate about some of the most-criticized NFL quarterbacks in the eyes of the fans and media.That got me thinking about a list ranking NFL quarterbacks 1-32 on a Ripping List, with No. 1 being the most-ripped to the least at No. 32. We discussed the issue during our Roughing the Passer podcast Monday, which I host each week with former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn, now a colleague at CBS Sports. Quinn used the word "untouchables," or those above criticism. Green Bay's Aaron Rodgers is one we agreed upon there. Tom Brady once was, but Deflategate changed that. Peyton Manning might have been, but age has changed that in a big way.So sink your teeth into this list. And remember, it's based on football. Criteria like religious views or off-field troubles aren't factored in, while a bad pro day evaluation might be.So who is the most-ripped passer? It's Jay Cutler, of course. Read on to find out why.1. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears: Yes, some ripping is justified, but mostly because of his contract. He's not as bad as most of you think, but that contract makes it seem so. That and the stupid evaluation of his game-day faces.2. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys: For years, people called him a choker ... even if it didn't truly apply. The heat has cooled some after a playoff victory last season, but the vultures are still circling, waiting to pounce.3. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals: Postseason, postseason, postseason. He is 0-4 in the playoffs and has played poorly in prime time. That leads to criticism, even if he's helped turn the Bengals around.4. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: He's playing well now, so it's cooled. But this player has dealt with a ton of criticism for things as petty as his smile.5. Eli Manning, New York Giants: He has two Super Bowl rings, but you'd swear he's a bum. Playing in New York doesn't help, and neither does his propensity to throw interceptions instead of taking sacks.6. Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions: He was a No. 1 overall draft pick and makes big money, a bad combination for a player who has yet to win a playoff game.7. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers: Early success, thanks largely to his running, rushed him up the success ladder. Now he's falling in a big way, and the media is lighting him up.8. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Every time he makes a mistake, many in the media seem to gloat. It's almost as if they want to be right that he shouldn't have been the top pick in last May's draft.9. Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers: He irks people with his on-field attitude and demeanor. I don't get that. Critics also say he can't be considered a top passer because he hasn't been to a Super Bowl.10. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars: After being the third pick in the 2014 draft he's had some struggles. Some are calling him a bust already. Way too soon for that, but he's taking heat.11. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs: He finally threw a TD pass to a wide receiver Monday vs. Green Bay, which helps. But most see him as little more than a game manager.12. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos: Every pass he throws now is an instant evaluation on Twitter. The Manning bashers love to go in every week. Five years ago, he would have been close to Rodgers territory, but never truly untouchable.13. Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills: Backup, nothing more. Isn't that what most thought about Taylor? He's proving a lot of people -- including me -- wrong.14. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: Critics say he can't win the big game, that Matty Ice melts in those moments. He's good, but more of a stat guy than a big-time quarterback is what they say.15. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins: Once a media darling, he's played himself out of that role.16. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins: After getting a big contract extension and his team starting 1-2, he might improve his spot on this list in a month or so.17. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints: Like Peyton Manning, the arm is being questioned on a weekly basis. Calling him done, particularly now with a bum shoulder, is the norm. Could improve his spot in a month, too.18. Ryan Fitzpatrick, New York Jets: I make jokes about his arm, but he's viewed by most as what he should be, a backup.19. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: Forget his early years, and think just football. He's considered one of the top quarterbacks in the league. He sure is fun to watch.20. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals: Earlier in his career, he would have been much higher on this list. But Act III in Arizona is playing well.21. Sam Bradford, Philadelphia Eagles: He took a lot of heat with the Rams after being a No. 1 overall pick, but much of that has waned because of injuries. Playing quarterback in Chip Kelly's system puts him in the spotlight again.22. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts: He was near the bottom of this list before the season. Off to a slow start, the media vultures are all over his turnovers. He's not the golden boy anymore.23. Tom Brady, New England Patriots: Deflategate puts him higher up this list than normal. Without it, he's at the bottom as an untouchable. Four rings can do that.24. Ryan Mallett, Houston Texans: He's a new starter, so he hasn't done enough to get blistered. Give him six more games. If he doesn't play well, it's coming.25. Josh McCown, Cleveland Browns: It just doesn't feel right to rip one of the nicest guys in the league. Plus, does anyone aside from the Browns think he's much more than a journeyman?26. Nick Foles, St. Louis Rams: He got praised two years ago with the Eagles, ripped last season, and is now getting a little bit of both with the Rams.27. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens: Forget the talk about being elite. He's just a really good quarterback who has a Super Bowl ring and a postseason pedigree. That helps keep the heat off.28. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders: It's been a short time, and he plays in Oakland, which keeps him out of the media spotlight. He's also doing some really good things.29. Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings: Aside from his pro day over-analysis, he's had a smooth time so far in the NFL. He's a great kid with a lot of talent. And it's early.30. Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans: His fast start has him as a media darling. It's hard to argue with that early success.31. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks: Few media members question his game. Some might question the things he does and says off the field, but not his on-field play. Folks love how he runs around.32. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: He's the best right now. And aside from picking apart his 6-5 playoff record, what is there to to rip?
