Whenever you watch The NFL Network, ESPN, or the FOX pregame show you always hear Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Brett Favre or Tony Romo. These are the class of the NFC QBs, the guys that lead their teams to victories and make the front cover of Sports Illustrated. Through the first 4 weeks of the season, Romo and Favre deserve to be talked about, but there's one QB that never gets mentioned as one of the elite: not this year, last year, or any other year.
He has led his team to the best record in the NFC since 2003, 4 straight playoff appearances, a Super Bowl berth, and through 4 games is having another Pro-Bowl worthy season. But when most people hear the name Matt Hasselbeck they think of his proclamation in Green Bay 4 years ago, "We want the ball and we're gonna score." While he was wrong that day, it's that confidence that makes him player he is.
In the 6 years he's been the Seahawks' starter he has a passer rating of 89.0, with 112 TD, 67 INT, and completes 62.2% of his passes. The 2-time Pro-Bowler has been solid this season with 7 TD and 3 INT (2 that his receivers tipped into the hands of defenders), and other than a broken handoff in Arizona would have the team at 4-0. He is the clear leader of the offense and the difference without him in the lineup was exposed last season when Seneca Wallace had to start 4 games.
In the last 6 years there isn't another QB in the NFC that I would rather have lead my team then Matt Hasselbeck. He is a proven winner, a great teammate, and a model citizen. With all the cheating, 'roiding, and criminal activity going on in the NFL the last few years having a player who puts the team above himself is a breath of fresh air. He can continue to get ignored by Sean Salisbury, Terry Bradshaw, and Dan Marino but as long as he continues to win games that's all that matters.
Hey, it could be worse: He could have to play for the Rams.
