By Cian Fahey
Comparing quarterbacks in the NFL is difficult. Even though every starting quarterback carries the same position label, no two play in exactly the same situation. Each QB has different responsibilities in different schemes with different teammates. Some get great pass protection and throw to great receivers, others get terrible pass protection while throwing to teammates who couldn't catch hands in a boxing ring.
To figure out who is being helped and hurt the most, you have to look at each offense with its quarterback taken out. You have to rank the supporting casts. So that's why we're going to do.
A note on these rankings: Each team was measured under four weighted categories. Offensive Line was ranked out of 30. Offensive lines are the most important part of a quarterback's supporting cast because they determine how much pressure he faces, how expansive the offense can be and they have a huge role in balancing the offense. Coaching is ranked out of 10, taking schemes and gameplans into account. Receivers is ranked out of 20 and includes wide receivers, slot receivers and tight ends. Running Backs is ranked out of 5. Teams with one well-rounded back are more likely to rank higher than teams with backs who fill specific roles. Receiving backs are valued in this context than would typically be.
3. Washington
Jordan Reed
Can Jordan Reed help finally lead the ******** to the promised land? (Getty Images)
Overall: 55
Offensive Line: 23, Coaching: 10, Receivers: 19, Running Backs: 3.
Jordan Reed was one of the biggest breakout stars of 2015. Reed finally stayed fully healthy and got the service he needed to show off his talents; his size, athleticism and ball skills proved to be uncoverable at times. In the draft, Washington added a wide receiver with the same attributes to pair with DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder, who was more than just a pleasant surprise as a rookie. The Washington receiving corps is very easy to throw to because they are extremely consistent, dynamic in space and offer a wide catch radius. The offensive line offers less individual talent but as a unit played extremely well last season. Washington doesn't get a 10 for coaching just because of Jay Gruden -- the work of offensive line coach Bill Callahan was clear to anyone who followed this offense closely enough last season. All that Washington is missing is proven talent at running back.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Overall: 57
Offensive Line: 30, Coaching: 9, Receivers: 14, Running Backs: 4.
Putting Ezekiel Elliott behind an offensive line that essentially features four first-round picks is unfair. Elliott will be able to replicate and even improve on what Murray achieved two years ago behind a slightly less-talented line. With Dez Bryant as a mismatch problem outside, a healthy Tony Romo should have one of the easiest roles of any top quarterback next season. What Romo will need to do is elevate the other receivers in his offense. Jason Witten has declined dramatically over the final stage of his career, while Terrance Williams has never lived up to expectations. Cole Beasley and Brice Butler could thrive with Romo, if the quarterback is given the kind of pass protection we expect. This team is extremely talented, even if most of the defense will be suspended by the time the season starts.
1. Oakland Raiders
Overall: 58
Offensive Line: 28, Coaching: 10, Receivers: 16, Running Backs: 4.
The hiring of Jack Del Rio and subsequent hire of Bill Musgrave was a source of hilarity last offseason. Del Rio and Musgrave had both failed previously in their respective roles. Twelve months later, Del Rio has the Raiders on the rise and Musgrave's finger prints on the offense can be seen. Musgrave understands perfectly the skill set of each individual in his offense, calling plays and creating gameplans that get the most out of his available options. In 2015, the Raiders had one of the best offensive lines in the league until injuries hit over the second half of the season. They retained all the key pieces of that line but also added one of the best guards in the NFL: Kelechi Osemele. Nobody could touch Derek Carr last year, so Osemele's real value will be as an impact run blocker. The offensive line combines youth and experience, something that can also be said about the receiving options. Michael Crabtree's rebirth in Oakland earned him a contract extension last year, while Amari Cooper lived up to expectations despite his struggles with drops. Cooper creates enough yards with his feet to make up for the plays his hands leave on the field. Seth Roberts is a very talented slot receiver, while Andre Holmes and Clive Walford are tall field stretchers.
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