I think you ultimately have to be judged against both HOF members and your peers. Ben, Matt Ryan and Rivers all played at a high level for a long time, and they’re probably better than some of the players already in the hall, but when you’re competing not only with four of the greatest QBs in league history (Brady, Peyton, Rodgers and Brees) but also Mahomes (who is basically a lock already), with guys like Lamar, Burrow and Allen also potentially in the discussion.
They’re not the best of their generation and they’re not better than the best of the next generation. In fact, it even being up for debate sort of tells me that they shouldn’t be in. Maybe Ben, but only because of his two rings.
I think you ultimately have to be judged against both HOF members and your peers. Ben, Matt Ryan and Rivers all played at a high level for a long time, and they’re probably better than some of the players already in the hall, but when you’re competing not only with four of the greatest QBs in league history (Brady, Peyton, Rodgers and Brees) but also Mahomes (who is basically a lock already), with guys like Lamar, Burrow and Allen also potentially in the discussion.
They’re not the best of their generation and they’re not better than the best of the next generation. In fact, it even being up for debate sort of tells me that they shouldn’t be in. Maybe Ben, but only because of his two rings.