According to Chris Havel of GB Press Gazette

[pbmax]

Career Passing Touchdown % Leaders
stats from: pro-football-reference.com
QBs listed whose entire careers were played under post 1978 passing rules (ie. offensive lineman allowed to extend arms in pass blocking, five yard chuck zone, etc.)

Rnk  Player  (age), + HOF          TD%      Year     Done    Teams
1   Ben Roethlisberger (25)      5.80%      2004     2007      pit
2   Peyton Manning (31)          5.70%      1998     2007      clt
3   Steve Young+                 5.60%      1985     1999      2TM
4   Tom Brady (30)               5.40%      2000     2007      nwe
5   Joe Montana+                 5.10%      1979     1994      2TM
    Kurt Warner (36)             5.10%      1998     2007      3TM
    Carson Palmer (28)           5.10%      2004     2007      cin
8   Dan Marino+                  5.00%      1983     1999      mia
    Jim Kelly+                   5.00%      1986     1996      buf
    Brett Favre (38)             5.00%      1991     2007      2TM
    Jake Delhomme (32)           5.00%      1999     2007      2TM
12  Dave Krieg                   4.90%      1980     1998      6TM
    Daunte Culpepper (30)        4.90%      1999     2007      3TM
14  Randall Cunningham           4.80%      1985     2001      4TM
15  Boomer Esiason               4.70%      1984     1997      3TM
    Donovan McNabb (31)          4.60%      1999     2007      phi
    Philip Rivers (26)           4.60%      2004     2007      sdg
18  Matt Hasselbeck (32)         4.50%      1999     2007      2TM
    Jeff Garcia (37)             4.50%      1999     2007      5TM
20  Steve Beuerlein              4.40%      1988     2003      6TM
    Mark Rypien                  4.40%      1988     2001      5TM
    Trent Green (37)             4.40%      1997     2007      4TM
    Brian Griese (32)            4.40%      1998     2007      4TM
    Drew Brees (28)              4.40%      2001     2007      2TM
25  Phil Simms                   4.30%      1979     1993      nyg
    Bill Kenney                 .4.30%      1980     1988      kan
    Neil Lomax                   4.30%      1981     1988      crd
    Jeff Kemp                   .4.30%      1981     1991      4TM
    Warren Moon+                 4.30%      1984     2000      4TM
    Bobby Hebert                 4.30%      1985     1996      2TM
    Frank Reich                 .4.30%      1985     1998      4TM
    Rich Gannon                 .4.30%      1987     2004      4TM
    Chris Miller                 4.30%      1987     1999      3TM
    Chad Pennington (31)         4.30%      2000     2007      nyj
    Marc Bulger (30)             4.30%      2002     2007      ram
    Eli Manning (26)             4.30%      2004     2007      nyg
37  Chris Chandler               4.20%      1988     2004      7TM
    Aaron Brooks                 4.20%      2000     2006      2TM
    Marc Wilson                  4.10%      1980     1990      2TM
    Wade Wilson                  4.10%      1981     1998      5TM
41  John Elway+                  4.10%      1983     1998      den
    Jay Schroeder                4.10%      1985     1994      4TM
    Jim Everett                  4.10%      1986     1997      3TM
    Vinny Testaverde (44)        4.10%      1987     2007      7TM
    Jeff Blake                   4.10%      1992     2005      7TM
    Michael Vick                 4.10%      2001     2006      atl
47  Doug Williams                4.00%      1978     1989      2TM
    Jeff Hostetler               4.00%      1985     1997      3TM
    Doug Flutie                  4.00%      1986     2005      4TM
    Erik Kramer                  4.00%      1987     1999      4TM
    Scott Mitchell               4.00%      1991     2001      4TM
    Tommy Maddox                 4.00%      1992     2005      4TM
    Elvis Grbac                  4.00%      1994     2001      3TM
    Mark Brunell                 4.00%      1994     2006      3TM
    Jay Fiedler                  4.00%      1995     2005      5TM
56  Steve DeBerg                 3.90%      1978     1998      6TM
    Jim McMahon                  3.90%      1982     1996      6TM
    Tony Eason                   3.90%      1983     1990      2TM
    Jeff George                  3.90%      1990     2001      5TM
    Brad Johnson (39)            3.90%      1994     2007      4TM
    Charlie Batch (33)           3.90%      1998     2007      2TM
62  Mike Tomczak                 3.80%      1985     1999      4TM
    Craig Erickson               3.80%      1992     1997      3TM
    Steve McNair (34)            3.80%      1995     2007      2TM
    Patrick Ramsey (28)          3.80%      2002     2007      3TM
66  Gary Hogeboom                3.70%      1980     1989      3TM
    David Woodley                3.70%      1980     1985      2TM
    Bernie Kosar                 3.70%      1985     1996      3TM
    Bubby Brister                3.70%      1986     2000      5TM
    Neil O'Donnell               3.70%      1991     2003      4TM
    Drew Bledsoe                 3.70%      1993     2006      3TM
    Jake Plummer                 3.70%      1997     2006      2TM
    Jon Kitna (35)               3.70%      1997     2007      3TM
    Tim Couch                    3.70%      1999     2003      cle
    Byron Leftwich (27)          3.70%      2003     2007      2TM
76  Mark Malone                  3.60%      1980     1989      3TM
    Eric Hipple                  3.60%      1980     1989      det
    Ken O'Brien                  3.60%      1984     1993      2TM
    Steve Bono                   3.60%      1985     1999      7TM
    Ty Detmer                    3.60%      1993     2003      5TM
    Gus Frerotte (36)            3.60%      1994     2007      7TM
    Trent Dilfer (35)            3.60%      1994     2007      5TM
83  Dave Wilson                  3.50%      1981     1988      nor
    Don Majkowski                3.50%      1987     1996      3TM
    Stan Humphries               3.50%      1989     1997      2TM
    Troy Aikman+                 3.50%      1989     2000      dal
    Billy Joe Tolliver           3.50%      1989     1999      5TM
88  Jim Miller                   3.40%      1995     2002      2TM
    Rex Grossman (27)            3.40%      2003     2007      chi
    Kyle Boller (26)             3.40%      2003     2007      rav
91  Jim Harbaugh                 3.30%      1987     2000      4TM
    John Friesz                  3.30%      1990     2000      4TM
    Kerry Collins (35)           3.30%      1995     2007      5TM
    Kordell Stewart              3.30%      1995     2005      3TM
    Tony Banks                   3.30%      1996     2005      4TM
    Quincy Carter                3.30%      2001     2004      2TM
    Josh McCown (28)             3.30%      2002     2007      3TM
98  Mike Pagel                   3.20%      1982     1993      3TM
    Rodney Peete                 3.20%      1989     2004      6TM
    Danny Kanell                 3.20%      1996     2003      3TM
101 Joey Harrington (29)         3.10%      2002     2007      3TM
102 Steve Pelluer                3.00%      1984     1990      2TM
    Steve Walsh                  3.00%      1989     1999      6TM
104 Kent Graham                  2.90%      1992     2001      4TM
105 Steve Dils                   2.80%      1979     1988      3TM
    Scott Brunner                2.80%      1980     1985      2TM
    Randy Wright                 2.80%      1984     1988      gnb
    David Carr (28)              2.80%      2002     2007      2TM
109 Dave M. Brown                2.70%      1992     2001      2TM
110 Steve Fuller                 2.60%      1979     1986      2TM
    Jack Trudeau                 2.60%      1986     1995      3TM
112 Hugh Millen                  2.40%      1987     1995      4TM
    Rick Mirer                   2.40%      1993     2003      5TM

TD Pct Defined As Percentage of Touchdowns Thrown when Attempting to Pass (Minimum 14 attempts per scheduled game to qualify as leader)
= Passing Touchdowns/(Passess Attempted)

[pbmax]

Career Pass Interception % Leaders
stats from: pro-football-reference.com
QBs listed whose entire careers were played under post 1978 passing rules (ie. offensive lineman allowed to extend arms in pass blocking, five yard chuck zone, etc.)

Favre is at 45.

Rnk  Player  (age), + HOFer    Int%     Years           Teams
1    Neil O'Donnell           2.10%     1991     2003     4TM
     Donovan McNabb (31)      2.10%     1999     2007     phi
3    Mark Brunell             2.30%     1994     2006     3TM
     Jeff Garcia (37)         2.30%     1999     2007     5TM
5    Tom Brady (30)           2.40%     2000     2007     nwe
6    Kent Graham              2.50%     1992     2001     4TM
     Steve Bono               2.50%     1985     1999     7TM
     Rich Gannon              2.50%     1987     2004     4TM
9    Joe Montana+             2.60%     1979     1994     2TM
     Steve Young+             2.60%     1985     1999     2TM
     Bernie Kosar             2.60%     1985     1996     3TM
     Steve McNair (34)        2.60%     1995     2007     2TM
     Philip Rivers (26)       2.60%     2004     2007     sdg
14   Matt Hasselbeck (32)     2.70%     1999     2007     2TM
     Ken O'Brien              2.70%     1984     1993     2TM
     Drew Brees (28)          2.70%     2001     2007     2TM
     Byron Leftwich (27)      2.70%     2003     2007     2TM
18   Brad Johnson (39)        2.80%     1994     2007     4TM
     Jeff George              2.80%     1990     2001     5TM
     Peyton Manning (31)      2.80%     1998     2007     clt
21   Neil Lomax               2.90%     1981     1988     crd
     Trent Green (37)         2.90%     1997     2007     4TM
     Chad Pennington (31)     2.90%     2000     2007     nyj
24   Jim Miller               3.00%     1995     2002     2TM
     Dan Marino+              3.00%     1983     1999     mia
     Jeff Hostetler           3.00%     1985     1997     3TM
     Jim Harbaugh             3.00%     1987     2000     4TM
     Troy Aikman+             3.00%     1989     2000     dal
     Charlie Batch (33)       3.00%     1998     2007     2TM
     Michael Vick             3.00%     2001     2006     atl
     Marc Bulger (30)         3.00%     2002     2007     ram
32   Jeff Blake               3.10%     1992     2005     7TM
     John Elway+              3.10%     1983     1998     den
     Randall Cunningham       3.10%     1985     2001     4TM
     John Friesz              3.10%     1990     2000     4TM
     Drew Bledsoe             3.10%     1993     2006     3TM
     Tony Banks               3.10%     1996     2005     4TM
     Aaron Brooks             3.10%     2000     2006     2TM
     Carson Palmer (28)       3.10%     2004     2007     cin
40   Doug Flutie              3.20%     1986     2005     4TM
     Gus Frerotte (36)        3.20%     1994     2007     7TM
     Jake Delhomme (32)       3.20%     1999     2007     2TM
     Daunte Culpepper (30)    3.20%     1999     2007     3TM
     David Carr (28)          3.20%     2002     2007     2TM
45   Tony Eason               3.30%     1983     1990     2TM
     Steve Dils               3.30%     1979     1988     3TM
     Stan Humphries           3.30%     1989     1997     2TM
     Brett Favre (38)         3.30%     1991     2007     2TM
     Elvis Grbac              3.30%     1994     2001     3TM
     Kerry Collins (35)       3.30%     1995     2007     5TM
     Patrick Ramsey (28)      3.30%     2002     2007     3TM
     Joey Harrington (29)     3.30%     2002     2007     3TM
54   Kyle Boller (26)         3.40%     2003     2007     rav
     Phil Simms               3.40%     1979     1993     nyg
     Warren Moon+             3.40%     1984     2000     4TM
     Erik Kramer              3.40%     1987     1999     4TM
     Steve Beuerlein          3.40%     1988     2003     6TM
     Mark Rypien              3.40%     1988     2001     5TM
     Kurt Warner (36)         3.40%     1998     2007     3TM
61   Scott Mitchell           3.50%     1991     2001     4TM
     Bill Kenney              3.50%     1980     1988     kan
     Jim McMahon              3.50%     1982     1996     6TM
     Boomer Esiason           3.50%     1984     1997     3TM
     Bubby Brister            3.50%     1986     2000     5TM
     Don Majkowski            3.50%     1987     1996     3TM
     Chris Miller             3.50%     1987     1999     3TM
     Craig Erickson           3.50%     1992     1997     3TM
     Dave M. Brown            3.50%     1992     2001     2TM
     Brian Griese (32)        3.50%     1998     2007     4TM
     Eli Manning (26)         3.50%     2004     2007     nyg
72   Jim Everett              3.60%     1986     1997     3TM
     Chris Chandler           3.60%     1988     2004     7TM
     Kordell Stewart          3.60%     1995     2005     3TM
     Danny Kanell             3.60%     1996     2003     3TM
77   Jon Kitna (35)           3.70%     1997     2007     3TM
     Doug Williams            3.70%     1978     1989     2TM
     Dave Krieg               3.70%     1980     1998     6TM
     Jim Kelly+               3.70%     1986     1996     buf
     Billy Joe Tolliver       3.70%     1989     1999     5TM
     Ty Detmer                3.70%     1993     2003     5TM
     Rick Mirer               3.70%     1993     2003     5TM
     Jake Plummer             3.70%     1997     2006     2TM
     Rex Grossman (27)        3.70%     2003     2007     chi
87   Ben Roethlisberger (25)  3.80%     2004     2007     pit
     Steve Fuller             3.80%     1979     1986     2TM
     Jay Schroeder            3.80%     1985     1994     4TM
     Hugh Millen              3.80%     1987     1995     4TM
     Steve Walsh              3.80%     1989     1999     6TM
     Jay Fiedler              3.80%     1995     2005     5TM
     Josh McCown (28)         3.80%     2002     2007     3TM
95   Quincy Carter            3.90%     2001     2004     2TM
     Frank Reich              3.90%     1985     1998     4TM
     Rodney Peete             3.90%     1989     2004     6TM
     Tim Couch                3.90%     1999     2003     cle
     Steve Pelluer            4.00%     1984     1990     2TM
     Bobby Hebert             4.00%     1985     1996     2TM
     Vinny Testaverde (44)    4.00%     1987     2007     7TM
106  Steve DeBerg             4.10%     1978     1998     6TM
     Trent Dilfer (35)        4.10%     1994     2007     5TM
     Wade Wilson              4.20%     1981     1998     5TM
     Mike Pagel               4.20%     1982     1993     3TM
     Jack Trudeau             4.20%     1986     1995     3TM
116  Jeff Kemp                4.40%     1981     1991     4TM
     Eric Hipple              4.50%     1980     1989     det
     Gary Hogeboom            4.50%     1980     1989     3TM
     Mike Tomczak             4.50%     1985     1999     4TM
     Tommy Maddox             4.50%     1992     2005     4TM
     David Woodley            4.80%     1980     1985     2TM
     Marc Wilson              4.90%     1980     1990     2TM
     Mark Malone              4.90%     1980     1989     3TM
142  Randy Wright             5.10%     1984     1988     gnb
145  Scott Brunner            5.20%     1980     1985     2TM
     Dave Wilson              5.30%     1981     1988     nor

Int % defined as: Percentage of times intercepted when attempting to pass (minimum 14 attempts per scheduled game to qualify as leader)
= Interceptions/(Passes Attempted)

[HarveyWallbangers]

The 1.2 to 1 TD/TO ratio, ARE his regular season stats.

I took the number of fumbles he had in the regular season, figured he recovered a generous half of them.

Well, it's not so generous--since the team actually recovered 57% of his fumbles.

TDs = 442 + 13 = 455
TOs = 288 + 64 = 352

TD/TO ratio = 1.3

That number actually compares favorably to other top QBs who have retired recently. It's better than Elway, Kelly, Aikman, etc. It's just below Marino. Of course, Marino was a statue in the pocket (and these stats don't measure that). Steve Young did much better than anybody else. Of course, Young only had 7 good years (mostly through no fault of his own), and he got injured in 2 or 3 of those seasons.

[HarveyWallbangers]

If you consider fumbles, you should also consider his rushing TDs:

Bei my count it is:


453= 442+13 TDs
397=288+83 TOs

So it is a 1,22 regular season TD/TO regular season ratio.

True, and I made a similar assessment. According to NFL.com though, Favre lost 64 fumbles--not 83. Not sure what number is correct.

[Merlin]

Favre haters tend to overlook the comparisons between Favre and other great QB's. It is true that the negative things in life usually stick a little harder then the positive. Last years INT in the Giants game still sticks in my mind but not as a negative, as a lesson learned. The analysis of that int by the media, pundits, and haters has been pathetic. It doesn't matter who else was open, he threw behind a receiver that was open on the out, he threw in, big friggin deal. If it wasn't for Tynes missing not one but two makable field goals, then Favre would never have had the opportunity to even throw the int. Tynes did the impossible and hit a 47 yard field goal after missing from 42 and 36 yards previously. Our defense did not play well, our offense did not play well and special teams did not play well. From the reality of a total team letdown to it all being on Favre's int, I just don't understand how anyone can blame it all on Favre.

The Packers were lucky to have the opportunity to win the game despite a poor performance from a young team, which should not happen again this season. It reminds me a lot of the years before we went to the super bowl, the team had to gel, there were a lot of new faces, only in that case, they weren't all rookies and 2nd year players. This time around, if Favre indeed is at the helm (meaning he files for reinstatement and shows up), I suspect different results from the TEAM and fully expect Favre not to have to be in the position to win the game himself as was the case against the Giants in the NFC championship in over time.

[DonHutson]

Career Pass Interception % Leaders
stats from: pro-football-reference.com
QBs listed whose entire careers were played under post 1978 passing rules (ie. offensive lineman allowed to extend arms in pass blocking, five yard chuck zone, etc.)

That's an interesting list of stats. The large number of mediocre QB's up near the top suggest that maybe that stat isn't as good a predictor of success as one might expect it to be.

[pbmax]

Favre's TD rate is beyond reproach. Especially since four of the people ahead of him are young QBs who have not declined. Its also possible that they have benefited from other rules changes like the point of emphasis on the five yard chuck after the Patriots-Colts game in 2003. Montana and Young's numbers are just stupid, as they did not have the benefit of newer rules changes. Its an open question how much that was Rice and other pro bowl talent at RB, TE and the second WR.

His INT rate is mediocre. His is at 45th on a list of 145. Not as terrible as the shorthand people use to describe him as the all time INT leader. They are just looking at a counting stat, seeing a big number and leaping to conclusions.

But it is mediocre considering his offense and his coaches. Personally, I blame Sherman Lewis for declaring in training camp during the Ray Rhodes year that they were going to throw deep more often. Between that and the thumb injury, it was an ugly pass offense until M2 found his O Line and Ahman Green.

Fumbles are tough as they don't don't tell you who recovered it. Although statistical studies have shown that recovering fumbles is very random, that is, teams aren't good at it from year to year, that its not predictive. However, total fumbles are predictive, so Favre's fumbles do give some indication of the offense coming up short with him at the helm.

[pbmax]

Possibly, esp since that is just a measure of success at scoring points (which is great) but tells us nothing about the rest of the game.

But I think the cream rises to the top here as well. 7 of top 11 have won a SUperBowl and three others have made it to the Super Bowl. And Carson Palmer is very young.

Career Pass Interception % Leaders
stats from: pro-football-reference.com
QBs listed whose entire careers were played under post 1978 passing rules (ie. offensive lineman allowed to extend arms in pass blocking, five yard chuck zone, etc.)

That's an interesting list of stats. The large number of mediocre QB's up near the top suggest that maybe that stat isn't as good a predictor of success as one might expect it to be.

[RashanGary]

Teh problem with Brett is that he chokes away big games. He's had 17 years, won one with the #1 defense and ST's and hasn't won a championship since.

The odds of Brett winning a SB are very slim. 1 in 17 is piss poor and he's older and warn down mentally, if not physically at this point in his carer. Why is this year going to be any different. Why do people think Brett gives us this great chance at the SB. Are they ignoring his entire career and just going with their emotions? Hell, his entire career is 1 in 17 but is last ten years is 0 in 10. Either sucks, but the latter is probably more indicative of what we should expect.


There is very little risk of moving forward. Favre just solidified it by being a big diva. Who cares, it's time. He's not in Joe Montantas class becasue Montana won championships. Bottom line.

Favre played for a long time. He was very durable. His numbers are big becasue he played so long (TD's and INT's) not to mention the pass happy era he played in. Favre's legacy is his durablity and attitude. He should not be compared to the big game winners or put in that conversation. Those guys are a class above and were all great teammates who worked hard with their guys in the off season as well as the season.

[pbmax]

Merlin, very few (under 10) people on this board are Favre haters. I am not even sure the number is that high.

But commentary on him falls into two categories:

1) Look at all the INTs and his recent playoff failures OR

2) He's the love child of Joe Montana, John Unitas and Brad Pitt.

So its easy to come to the board focused on one or the other, either to debunk it or celebrate it. But if you took a poll, Favre would be in everyone's top 10. We are arguing over a very small gray area.

He has tremendous qualities and a few drawbacks. Overall, the good far exceeds the bad. But media coverage of him, save mostly the beat writers in my opinion, just stinks out loud.

When it comes to retirement, the argument breaks down as Bretsky has said. If you want a Super Bowl push this year, people tend to want Favre. If you are thinking 2 or 3 years down the road, then starting the process of finding his replacement leads you to Rodgers.

Personally, I think Favre has enough holes in his game now that this team, with its schedule is not going to the Super Bowl. CBs are older, I think Al Harris might play with an AARP patch on his jersey, the D Line will put less pressure on the QB and are opponents are more likely to be tougher.

So I vote Rodgers, then Brohm, then Flynn or whoever else it takes to find a replacement. But not because I hate Favre.

Favre haters tend to overlook the comparisons between Favre and other great QB's.

[Chevelle2]

Merlin, very few (under 10) people on this board are Favre haters. I am not even sure the number is that high.

But commentary on him falls into two categories:

1) Look at all the INTs and his recent playoff failures OR

2) He's the love child of Joe Montana, John Unitas and Brad Pitt.

So its easy to come to the board focused on one or the other, either to debunk it or celebrate it. But if you took a poll, Favre would be in everyone's top 10. We are arguing over a very small gray area.

He has tremendous qualities and a few drawbacks. Overall, the good far exceeds the bad. But media coverage of him, save mostly the beat writers in my opinion, just stinks out loud.

When it comes to retirement, the argument breaks down as Bretsky has said. If you want a Super Bowl push this year, people tend to want Favre. If you are thinking 2 or 3 years down the road, then starting the process of finding his replacement leads you to Rodgers.

Personally, I think Favre has enough holes in his game now that this team, with its schedule is not going to the Super Bowl. CBs are older, I think Al Harris might play with an AARP patch on his jersey, the D Line will put less pressure on the QB and are opponents are more likely to be tougher.

So I vote Rodgers, then Brohm, then Flynn or whoever else it takes to find a replacement. But not because I hate Favre.

Favre haters tend to overlook the comparisons between Favre and other great QB's.

Agree 100%. Fabulous post. Read this Bretsky.

[Bretsky]

Merlin, very few (under 10) people on this board are Favre haters. I am not even sure the number is that high.

But commentary on him falls into two categories:

1) Look at all the INTs and his recent playoff failures OR

2) He's the love child of Joe Montana, John Unitas and Brad Pitt.

So its easy to come to the board focused on one or the other, either to debunk it or celebrate it. But if you took a poll, Favre would be in everyone's top 10. We are arguing over a very small gray area.

He has tremendous qualities and a few drawbacks. Overall, the good far exceeds the bad. But media coverage of him, save mostly the beat writers in my opinion, just stinks out loud.

When it comes to retirement, the argument breaks down as Bretsky has said. If you want a Super Bowl push this year, people tend to want Favre. If you are thinking 2 or 3 years down the road, then starting the process of finding his replacement leads you to Rodgers.

Personally, I think Favre has enough holes in his game now that this team, with its schedule is not going to the Super Bowl. CBs are older, I think Al Harris might play with an AARP patch on his jersey, the D Line will put less pressure on the QB and are opponents are more likely to be tougher.

So I vote Rodgers, then Brohm, then Flynn or whoever else it takes to find a replacement. But not because I hate Favre.

Favre haters tend to overlook the comparisons between Favre and other great QB's.

Agree 100%. Fabulous post. Read this Bretsky.

Actually the tone of pbmax's post was outstanding