The 2004 NFL Quarterback Class May Finally Be Crumbling

The 2004 NFL quarterback class was easily the most talented to come since the greatest ever in 1983. None since have come close to its level of productivity.

Much of its success centers on the quarterback trio who changed the status quo in the league almost overnight. Eli Manning politicized his way out of San Diego to join the New York Giants. Philip Rivers replaced him. Then it was Ben Roethlisberger going not long after to the PIttsburgh Steelers, the only team to work him out before the draft.

Since then the results have been spectacular. Manning has reached four Pro Bowls and led the Giants to two of the biggest upsets in championship game history, knocking off the mighty Patriots in two Super Bowl meets in 2007 and 2011. River replaced a departing Drew Brees in 2005. He emerged to become one of the most productive passers in the league with five Pro Bowl trips and almost every franchise passing record. Roethlisberger made magic happen for the Steelers, riding a great defense to two championships before become a true top tier passer himself.

Now it’s 2017. All three men a just a few steps away from their 40th birthdays and for the first time it feels like a breakdown has begun. Manning is 0-5 this season with eight touchdowns to five interceptions. Rivers is 1-4 and struggling to complete passes like he used to. He quarterback rating has steadily declined from 105 in 2013 to 86 in 2017. As for Roethlisberger, he might be the most depressing. After contemplating retirement, he decided to give it one more go. Though PIttsburgh is 3-2, Big Ben has six touchdowns and seven interceptions. His regression has been by far the sharpest.

If nothing else these pass couple weeks have shown that draft class may finally be stepped aside for the younger generation. Carson Wentz has taken over the NFC East. The same goes for Derek Carr in the AFC West. What does fate hold for them after this year? It’s quite possible retirement will be considered.