ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer ranked the NFL’s top-40 quarterbacks 
and, as usual, did an outstanding job. I truly believe he is one of the premier quarterbacks experts alive.
Let’s look how Dilfer ranks the AFC West's quarterbacks:
A Ring Away
Philip Rivers, San Diego
My take: I agree. I’ve maintained Rivers is the best quarterback without a Super Bowl ring. If Rivers wins a ring, he will be considered elite. If not, his career will be considered incomplete.
Mostly Good
Carson Palmer, Oakland
My take: Dilfer has Palmer ranked around the middle of the pack. I agree. He is a good, but not great, quarterback. Palmer, who will turn 33 during the 2012 season, must prove he is not on the decline of a strong career.
Could Go Either Way
Matt Cassel, Kansas City
My take: A very fair assessment. Cassel has been solid in Kansas City, but he needs to make strides in 2012 or the Chiefs may lose patience with him.
Kyle Orton, Kansas City
My take: I think the biggest question is where Orton will be playing in 2012. At this point, I don’t see the Chiefs signing Orton to be the starter over Cassel. His best chance to start appears to be elsewhere.
Short Leash
Tim Tebow, Denver
My take: There’s no doubt that Tebow has to prove himself. He won’t get three more seasons to do it. He has this season. If Tebow doesn’t find consistency, Denver will be looking for other options.
and, as usual, did an outstanding job. I truly believe he is one of the premier quarterbacks experts alive.
Let’s look how Dilfer ranks the AFC West's quarterbacks:
A Ring Away
Philip Rivers, San Diego
My take: I agree. I’ve maintained Rivers is the best quarterback without a Super Bowl ring. If Rivers wins a ring, he will be considered elite. If not, his career will be considered incomplete.
Mostly Good
Carson Palmer, Oakland
My take: Dilfer has Palmer ranked around the middle of the pack. I agree. He is a good, but not great, quarterback. Palmer, who will turn 33 during the 2012 season, must prove he is not on the decline of a strong career.
Could Go Either Way
Matt Cassel, Kansas City
My take: A very fair assessment. Cassel has been solid in Kansas City, but he needs to make strides in 2012 or the Chiefs may lose patience with him.
Kyle Orton, Kansas City
My take: I think the biggest question is where Orton will be playing in 2012. At this point, I don’t see the Chiefs signing Orton to be the starter over Cassel. His best chance to start appears to be elsewhere.
Short Leash
Tim Tebow, Denver
My take: There’s no doubt that Tebow has to prove himself. He won’t get three more seasons to do it. He has this season. If Tebow doesn’t find consistency, Denver will be looking for other options.
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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