In the NFL, efficiency and accuracy from the Quarterback position correlates frequently to team success. That theory was illustrated during Week 7, as the explosive numbers posted during the first six weeks of the season were replaced by conservatively effective production – mostly by winning Quarterbacks. A look at some of this week’s notable Quarterback performances:

Matt Schaub - Houston

Schaub has spent the last couple of games being knocked down, hurried, and sacked. No such bad luck on Sunday vs. Tennessee, as Schaub enjoyed outstanding protection and made great decisions throughout the day. All things considered, this might well have been the best outing of Schaub’s career, considering the efficiency of his individual effort (18-23 for 296 yards) and the impact his accuracy had on the successful Texans’ run game.

Cam Newton - Carolina

One of the early signs of NFL potential for a rookie Quarterback in a stable environment is his ability to complement his team’s strengths and to stay away from major mental and physical errors. Carolina is anything but stable, and Newton has not enjoyed the luxury if being held to such a conservative standard. At times, Newton has been the Panthers’ primary weapon, and has led this Carolina team to a number of narrow losses, despite his statistical success. Sunday’s victory over Washington was marked by a balanced Panthers’ offense and a Quarterback playing complementary football.

Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay

Guess what? Aaron Rodgers had another amazing performance and the Packers won. Ok, sarcasm and redundancy aside, a look at Sunday’s game film reveals Rodgers had one bad throw out of thirty on the day. That translated to an 80% completion rate and 3 touchdown passes, and leaves the Packers’ Quarterback with nearly 2,400 yards passing through seven games. Rodgers truly could be on track for an all-time great season.

Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh

An interesting point regarding Roethlisberger and the Steelers is that a great performance from the Quarterback is rarely wasted. Pittsburgh’s running game and defense are primarily responsible for that – making sure that good-to-great offensive production from Roethlisberger is a nearly insurmountable obstacle. Arizona experienced that first-hand, as they closed the score to 17-14 early in the third quarter, only to see Roethlisberger’s 361 yard effort stand up.

Drew Brees – New Orleans

Not nearly as much was on the line, but Brees’ stat line was reminiscent of Phil Simms’ record-breaking accurate performance in a Super Bowl. The Saints rolled up 557 yards in total offense in a 62-7 victory that looked like an early-season college score scrolling along the bottom of TV screens on Sunday. Brees was amazingly accurate and poised, and his 31-35/325 yards/5 TD day has to be considered one of the best regular season performances of all time.