In the modern NFL, having an elite quarterback is the key to success and postseason aspirations. Without one, teams have struggled to reach or have success in the playoffs. General Managers of NFL franchises, football analysts and media personalities have long claimed that when drafting players, success at the “quarterback” position is the hardest to predict. Fans of teams with a new QB wait with bated breath. Will they rise to the top and become “the Man” or flame out as a “bust”?
There are three young QBs on the rise and three others working with a new team on a “prove it” deal. Let us break down the numbers heading into week 3 of the NFL season to showcase who is outperforming expectations, climbing the NFL leaderboard and on the verge of becoming “the Man”.
There are three QBs who were major headlines heading into this season due to fan expectations placed on them - and they are living up to the hype! A lackluster rookie season for Jalen Hurts, Tyreek’s comments about Tua being “the most accurate QB in the NFL”, and Lawrence’s disastrous Urban Meyer led rookie campaign, placed these players in a difficult situation heading into this season. The numbers tell us that through two weeks of the NFL season, these players are stepping up for their respective teams.
The Eagles are 2-0 for the first time since 2016 and Hurts is currently 8th in the NFL for yards and completion percentage. Against a struggling NFC East division, the Eagles appear primed for a playoff run.
With the addition of Doug Peterson, and subsequent subtraction of Urban Meyer, Lawrence has led the Jaguars to a 1-1 start and looks much more poised in the pocket, throwing for +60 yards and completing 20% more passing in the first two weeks compared to his rookie season. Similarly to the Eagles, the AFC South’s performance and the Jag’s weak strength of schedule might be enough to push Jacksonville into the postseason.
Tyreek’s move to Miami was perhaps one of the biggest offseason storylines due in part to his comments regarding his new QB. Tyreek wasn’t wrong! Tua has delivered the ball into the hands of his speedy WR enough times to make them both the current NFL passing and receiving leaders.
But will Miami’s explosive offense hold up against tougher competition? Week 3 will be the best test, as the division rival Buffalo Bills come to town. The Bills have looked head and shoulders better than every team in the NFL through 2 weeks. Expect the Dolphins to prove themselves at home against their division rival in the “Game of the Week” today at 1PM.
