Quarterback Power Rankings: Ryan Fitzpatrick not in top ten

In a recent power ranking of every NFL starting quarterback, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers field general Ryan Fitzpatrick missed out on the top-ten.

Randy Gurzi of NFLSpinZone.com released an updated power ranking of NFL starting quarterbacks before Week three’s slate of games and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick landed in an odd spot.

Fitzpatrick sits at 11. A significant leap from his ranking of 26 the week prior.

After 800 total passing yards, eight touchdowns and a 78.7 completion percentage, Fitzpatrick couldn’t crack the top ten.

Here is some of Gurzi’s take:

"This is getting ridiculous. Yes, the wizard known as Ryan Fitzpatrick did throw a pick, but he’s thrown eight touchdowns in two games and has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in first place in the NFC South. His stat line after two games reads like a Hall of Famer with him going for 819 yards with eight touchdowns. Over 16 games that projects as 6,552 yards and 64 touchdowns."

Now, no sane Buccaneers fan will say that Fitzpatrick is one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, but he has had one of the best starts in the history of the league. ‘Fitz’ earned plenty of recognition this week and missing out on the top-ten is silly.

Fitzpatrick has taken home back-to-back NFC Player of the Week honors and led Tampa Bay to a pair of upsets.

Entering the season, the Buccaneers were an afterthought. In just a few days they have the chance to start the season 3-0 with a win over the dangerous Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Bucs offense averaged 37.5 points per game in their first two contests and dominated the defending Super Bowl Champions last week. Despite the struggles the Bucs have faced on defense, Fitzpatrick has put the team on his back.

Coming through in the clutch in consecutive weeks, Fitzpatrick stifled comeback attempts from Drew Brees and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles.

In a few weeks, Fitzpatrick may fall back down to earth, but for now, he is for sure playing like one of the five best quarterbacks in the league.

With excellent pass protection and a plethora of weapons, Fitzpatrick is in the perfect situation to thrive. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has created a flawless gameplan for Fitzpatrick to open the season as well.

On Monday night, against an exploitable Steelers defense, Fitzpatrick may continue his rise in the quarterback power rankings.