Top 50 NFL Quarterbacks: #33 - Ken Stabler

Ken Stabler

Ken Stabler was drafted in the second round in 1968, but only started 2 games in his first 5 seasons, as he was stuck behind Daryle Lamonica on the depth chart. He would go on to be one of the best quarterbacks of the 1970's once he was given a chance.

In his first season at the helm, he led the league in completion percentage, but threw for less than 2000 yards total. His Raiders won the AFC West, and he was able to lead them to a playoff win before losing in the AFC championship game, not bad for a first-year starter.

The following season he was much better, leading the league in touchdown passes with 26, and the Raiders finished at 12-2, best in the entire league. For his great season, Stabler was named the league's MVP, but once again was unable to advance to the Super Bowl, losing in the AFC title game again.

He struggled with his control in 1975, doubling his previous career high for interceptions, but rebounded nicely in 1976, when he set new career highs in touchdowns and completion percentage while leading the league in both categories. He also led Oakland to their fourth straight AFC Championship Game, but this time they were finally able to win, enabling Stabler to reach his first Super Bowl. In that game, he only threw for 180 yards and 1 touchdown, but it was enough for Oakland to win the title, and it capped off a mistake-free postseason from Stabler.

His production dropped off a bit the next year, but not enough to prevent him from leading the Raiders to their 5th consecutive conference title game, an achievement very few have ever achieved. His career wound down pretty quickly after that, with 5 more years as a less effective starter before his 1983 retirement.

Stabler passed away in 2015, and was finally inducted as a member of the Hall of Fame the next year, an honor that should have happened much earlier. Though he only won the Super Bowl once in his career, he kept his team in close contention for 5 years, matching the length of Bart Starr's peak while going through more playoff games and tougher competition to get there.