The NFL, with its exciting passes, roaring touchdowns, and tantalizing finishes, revolves largely around its quarterbacks. As the 2023 season unfolds, the hierarchy of the league’s top signal-callers is becoming clearer. Some maintain their top spots, while others are making waves in unexpected places.
In this analysis, we’ll look at the quarterbacks that were touted as the best in the NFL before the season and evaluate their current performance, plus shine a light on some rookie surprises.
Before the Season Rankings
Every NFL season starts with predictions, assessments, and rankings. Before the cleats hit the grass and the first whistle blows, experts and fans alike engage in spirited debates about the pecking order of quarterbacks. They dissect past performances, current potentials, and future trajectories. As the linchpin of any NFL offense, the quarterback is often the focal point of these discussions.
Ahead of the 2023 season, a few names stood out from the crowd, setting the stage for what promised to be a thrilling season. Let’s delve into those who were anointed as the top quarterbacks before the season’s onset.
Patrick Mahomes
The departure of Peyton Manning and Tom Brady from the NFL left a void, which was quickly filled by the phenomenal Patrick Mahomes. The numbers speak for themselves: he had 191 big-time throws in his first six years in the league, including the playoffs—the highest in the NFL. Furthermore, his average of 8.1 yards per pass attempt in those years is a testament to his efficiency.
Josh Allen
Allen’s brilliance before this season was not just in his passing; it was also in his legs. He posed a dual-threat that dismantled defenses in multiple ways. While both he and Burrow are exceptional in their craft, Allen’s versatility with his rushing ability gave him the edge.
Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow may lack the athletic feats of other quarterbacks, but he’s consistently demonstrated that precision is paramount. Before this season, he had an adjusted completion rate of 77.1 percent. And he’s taking better care of the ball.
Lamar Jackson
A former league MVP, Lamar Jackson’s talent is undeniable. However, he came into this season off the back of two injury-plagued campaigns and was transitioning to a new offensive scheme for the first time in his professional career.
Justin Herbert
Herbert entered this season surrounded by great expectations. After an extraordinary rookie year, he had a lot to live up to in the last two campaigns. Though he passed for only 6.8 yards per attempt last season, the addition of Kellen Moore as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator offered hope of unlocking his full potential.
2023 Season Performances So Far
As the 2023 NFL season unfolds, the football world bears witness to incredible feats, unexpected turns, and narratives that only this sport can deliver. The preseason rankings and speculations start to face the litmus test of actual games, and quarterbacks, always in the spotlight, have their mettle truly tested.
From come-from-behind victories to nail-biting finishes, the mid-season paints a more precise picture of where these top guns stand. Are they living up to the hype? Have they surpassed expectations? Or are they facing unanticipated challenges? Let’s dive into how our previously highlighted quarterbacks are performing as the season progresses.
Patrick Mahomes
Despite a slightly bumpy beginning to 2023, the reigning MVP seems on track to record over 30 touchdowns for the fifth time in six seasons. Mahomes has led the Chiefs to a 7-3 record despite lack of production from the team’s wide receivers and problems with the passing game.
These issues were evident on Monday’s 21-17 home loss in a Super Bowl LVII rematch against the Eagles, when the Chiefs were outscored 14-0 in the second half. Mahomes struggled, completing 24 of 43 passes for 177 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also ran for 38 yards on six carries.
2023 Season Stats:
10 games | 67.1 pct | 2,619 pass yds | 6.9 ypa | 19 pass TD | 9 INT | 296 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 3 fumbles
Josh Allen
The Bills might be treading in murky waters with a disappointing 6-5 record, but Allen’s prowess, characterized by his 29 total touchdowns (the highest amongst all QBs), keeps them in contention. His sometimes erratic play style, however, remains a double-edged sword for the team.
2023 Season Stats:
11 games | 69.6 pct | 2,875 pass yds | 7.5 ypa | 22 pass TD | 12 INT | 261 rush yds | 7 rush TD | 4 fumbles
Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI in 2022 where they lost against the Rams. He also helped the Bengals make a run to the AFC Championship game last season against the Chiefs.
After a quiet start this year, Burrow was playing his best football in the last three weeks. Unfortunately, he tore a ligament in his right wrist during Thursday’s 34-20 loss against the Ravens and will miss the rest of the season.
2023 Season Stats:
10 games | 66.8 pct | 2,309 pass yds | 6.3 ypa | 15 pass TD | 6 INT | 88 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 2 fumbles
Lamar Jackson
With new additions like Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers, Lamar Jackson is now surrounded by a more dynamic supporting cast. The combination of his improved efficiency under Todd Monken and his trademark swift mobility is making a compelling case for an MVP nod.
The Ravens are 8-3 this season and they have many impressive wins, particularly their 38-6 beating of the talented Lions on October 22 behind an almost flawless performance from Jackson. The former NFL MVP feels that the Ravens haven’t peaked, which is scary for the rest of the league.
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2023 Season Stats:
11 games | 69.5 pct | 2,441 pass yds | 8.1 ypa | 12 pass TD | 5 INT | 535 rush yds | 5 rush TD | 10 fumbles
Justin Herbert
While Herbert’s undeniable talent has earned him leeway from critics, recurring bad decisions in critical moments are raising eyebrows. The Chargers are just 4-6 this season, and all their six losses are by four points or fewer after late-game collapses.
Herbert is not the only one who should be blamed for this, but it can’t be denied that he’s played a part in those disappointing fourth-quarter performances.
2023 Season Stats:
10 games | 66.2 pct | 2,609 pass yds | 7.3 ypa | 19 pass TD | 5 INT | 186 rush yds | 3 rush TD | 3 fumbles
The Surprising Newcomers
Every NFL season ushers in a fresh batch of talent, eager to make their mark in the league. While seasoned pros often dominate the limelight, it’s the unexpected brilliance from newcomers that adds an extra layer of excitement to the narrative.
These budding stars, fresh from college or with limited pro experience, often defy the odds, challenging veterans and catching the eye of both fans and analysts. The 2023 season has been no exception.
Amid the established elites, a couple of young quarterbacks have begun to carve out their own stories, surprising many with their on-field exploits. Let’s shine a spotlight on these emerging talents.
Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy completed 21 of 25 passes for 333 yards and touchdowns in a 27-14 home win against the Buccaneers on Sunday. He also ran for 14 yards on four carries. Purdy made late-game errors in two of the team’s setbacks, but he bounced back with six touchdowns and zero interceptions in two games since the bye week.
2023 Season Stats:
10 games | 70.2 pct | 2,662 pass yds | 9.7 ypa | 18 pass TD | 5 INT | 121 rush yds | 2 rush TD | 6 fumbles
C.J. Stroud
Despite Houston’s abysmal 3.6 yards per rush attempt average, rookie QB Stroud has shown maturity beyond his years. His exceptional field vision and poise have allowed the Texans to stay in games when many expected them to falter and he’s helped them improve to a surprising 6-4 record after three straight wins.
2023 Season Stats:
10 games | 62.8 pct | 2,962 pass yds | 8.3 ypa | 17 pass TD | 5 INT | 85 rush yds | 2 rush TD | 6 fumbles
Final Thoughts
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, quarterbacks guide and influence every move on the field. Their decisions, split-second reactions, and ability to inspire those around them often make the difference between an ordinary team and a championship-winning squad.
As we navigate the twists and turns of the 2023 season, several narratives are unfolding. Patrick Mahomes continues to redefine the boundaries of quarterbacking, Josh Allen’s duality keeps opposing defenses guessing, and Lamar Jackson keeps improving his accuracy, while newcomers like Brock Purdy and C.J. Stroud challenge the established norms.
Each game offers these signal-callers an opportunity to etch their names into the annals of NFL history. Some will rise to the occasion, crafting legendary tales of football prowess, while others, faced with insurmountable challenges, might falter. Yet, regardless of the outcomes, their journeys will captivate, educate, and entertain, reminding us of the pivotal role the quarterback plays in the grand theatre of the NFL.
As fans, analysts, and enthusiasts, we’re privileged to witness these athletes’ journeys, eagerly waiting to see who will emerge as the defining quarterback of this generation.
