NFL Week 1 Quarterback Performances and Rankings

NFL Week 1: Quarterback Performances and Rankings

The opening week of the NFL season was predictably chaotic, with many of the league’s top quarterbacks experiencing their share of mistakes and underwhelming performances. Patrick Mahomes managed to throw only one touchdown pass, marking just the second instance since 2020 where he has achieved such a feat in a September game. Meanwhile, Josh Allen faced a challenging start, having to rally from an early 14-point deficit at home. Lamar Jackson struggled, missing three consecutive throws when the game hung in the balance during the final moments.

In an intriguing twist, Joe Burrow lost to the New England Patriots, partly due to a fumble on the goal line by Tanner Hudson. Trevor Lawrence suffered a similar fate against the Miami Dolphins, with Travis Etienne fumbling at a critical moment. Even Caleb Williams, who recorded the fewest passing yards of any Week 1 starter, managed to secure a victory because the Chicago Bears scored on a punt block and an interception return. This serves as a reminder that football is, indeed, a total team sport.

Furthermore, several fourth-quarter comeback attempts fell short. Jackson, Burrow, Lawrence, Jordan Love, Kirk Cousins, and Kyler Murray all had opportunities to either tie the game or take the lead but were unable to capitalize during their late-game possessions.

Week 2 Quarterback Rankings

Key Performers and Notable Changes

It is generally simpler to observe significant movements from the lower tier of rankings, as seen with Gardner Minshew (+7), Jacoby Brissett (+5), Sam Darnold (+5), and Derek Carr (+4) this week. However, let’s focus on two standout performances from the more competitive middle of the rankings.

Baker Mayfield experienced a remarkable rise of five spots after an impressive performance where he completed 24 of 30 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-20 victory over the Washington Commanders. His efforts were complemented by three successful scrambles totaling 21 yards. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers matched their 2023 season high with 37 points in this game, showcasing the chemistry between Mayfield and offensive coordinator Liam Coen.

Despite the Commanders not being viewed as a formidable opponent, Mayfield displayed poise and command throughout the game. His two touchdown passes to Mike Evans offered a glimpse of the potential this offense has moving forward.

C.J. Stroud also made significant strides, moving up four spots in the rankings. His performance is detailed below, as he continues to establish himself as a rising star in the league.

Declines and Challenges

On the flip side, Will Levis (-7) and Kirk Cousins (-5) saw the most significant drops this week. Justin Herbert (-3), Bryce Young (-3), and Daniel Jones (-3) also faced challenges, leading to their decrease in rankings.

Levis began with flashes of potential but struggled in the second half, culminating in a pick-six that could be considered one of the worst offensive plays of Week 1. He will need to maintain better composure to improve his standing.

As for Cousins, while his drop in the rankings might raise eyebrows, it’s important to remember this was his first game back from a torn Achilles. He faced a tough matchup against a talented Pittsburgh Steelers defense, led by T.J. Watt, who delivered a standout performance.

Justin Herbert appeared to take a more conservative approach in his new offense, as he played without key players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. While this strategy might benefit him in the long run, it will require adjustment as he becomes accustomed to working with new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Young and Jones both faced disappointing outings. Young struggled against the New Orleans Saints, largely due to a defense that allowed points on its first nine series. While he deserves some grace given the tumultuous circumstances surrounding him, he must tighten up on ball security. Jones, returning from a torn ACL, saw the New York Giants struggle against the Minnesota Vikings, and the pressure will mount if results do not improve.

Emerging Stars

C.J. Stroud, a second-year quarterback, shone brightly in a thrilling 29-27 road win against an Indianapolis Colts team that looks poised to contend for a playoff spot and potentially the AFC South title. Stroud’s stats include a commendable 24-of-32 for 234 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers.

Stroud’s performance was marked by clutch plays. As the Colts mounted a comeback with three consecutive touchdown drives, Stroud responded with touchdowns of his own on the first two drives and then sealed the game with a clock-running series. Notably, he completed eight consecutive passes for 58 yards during this decisive stretch, including a critical 3-of-3 for 33 yards and a touchdown on crucial third and fourth downs.

It’s one thing to accumulate fantasy points, but Stroud has quickly made a name for himself as a clutch performer, demonstrating that his teammates elevate their game in critical moments. Coaches and executives alike already regard him as among the league’s elite, and while being ranked above established names like Jackson, Burrow, and Rodgers may raise eyebrows, many predict that he will solidify that status by season’s end.

Dallas Cowboys: A Solid Start

Dak Prescott started the season off right, signing a four-year, $240 million contract extension early Sunday morning, before leading the Cowboys past the Cleveland Browns with a comfortable performance: 19-of-32 for 179 yards and a touchdown, with no turnovers. The Browns’ defense had been among the best in the league last season, adding to the significance of Prescott’s performance.

Throughout training camp, Prescott’s form suggested that contract negotiations would not hinder his play, but finalizing the deal before kickoff undoubtedly alleviated any lingering pressure. He also effectively integrated CeeDee Lamb into the game plan, connecting five times for 61 yards against a quality opponent, showcasing a smooth transition into the season.

The Dallas Cowboys have faced numerous distractions throughout the offseason, and many of these will persist regardless of their performance on the field. Ultimately, the playoff performance will serve as the true measure of this team’s success, and Prescott is well aware of the expectations that come with his lucrative contract.

While Prescott aimed to become the first quarterback to surpass the $60 million average annual value, his deal comes in at $5 million above that of Burrow and Lawrence. Prescott’s mental fortitude positions him well to handle the expectations stemming from such a high-profile contract. The pressure is on, particularly when considering that Mahomes remains the only quarterback in history to win a Super Bowl while playing on a contract worth at least $30 million in average annual value. The challenge lies not just in securing these massive contracts but in translating that investment into championship success.

Quarterback Shakeups

This rankings update focuses solely on starting quarterbacks. With Jordan Love expected to miss time due to a sprained MCL and Russell Wilson’s status in flux due to a lingering calf injury, both were removed from the rankings in favor of their replacements.

Upon Love’s return, he will likely be reinserted into the rankings within the upper middle tier. Wilson’s situation is more precarious; Justin Fields has enough starting experience to potentially secure the permanent job if he performs well. Fields delivered an impressive showing in a road victory against his hometown Atlanta Falcons, so a full week of preparation as the starter could yield further success against the Denver Broncos.

The Steelers’ quarterback situation has quickly gained intrigue. Prior to the season, some rival executives speculated that the Steelers might be better off with Fields as their starter, given the additional dynamic he could bring to their run game alongside Najee Harris. This could allow them to become a serious contender in the AFC North.

Malik Willis finds himself in a challenging position. After struggling in three starts as a rookie with the Tennessee Titans in 2022, he was demoted to third string in 2023. The Titans subsequently traded him to the Green Bay Packers for a seventh-round pick just weeks before the season opener, leaving him with minimal time to acclimate to his new environment.

As the only winless team in the NFC North, the Packers face a tough challenge in their upcoming home opener against the Colts, followed by a highly anticipated return to Tennessee in Week 3 for Willis.

Consistency in Performance

The success of a quarterback is heavily influenced by the talent surrounding him, as observed in the Week 1 rankings. Among the 14 quarterbacks in the lower tier, only Anthony Richardson enjoyed a stable offseason, without undergoing changes in teams, coaches, or offensive coordinators. This correlation between performance and the surrounding environment underscores the complexity of evaluating quarterback success.

Given the numerous changes, significant fluctuations in rankings were anticipated. Ten of the 14 quarterbacks at the bottom of the list experienced shifts of multiple spots this week. This area of the rankings is expected to see the most volatility until these quarterbacks establish a more consistent track record with their new teams.

Rookie Quarterback Overview

In Week 1, rookies Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix collectively threw as many touchdown passes as their peers Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., and J.J. McCarthy, who opened as backups. Unfortunately, McCarthy’s season ended prematurely due to a torn MCL.

While the rookies faced challenges in their debuts, it is not uncommon for first-year players to struggle initially. Daniels performed the best, completing 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards, along with 84 rushing yards and two late touchdowns in a loss to the Buccaneers. Nix faced difficulties, throwing two interceptions but did manage to show some promise towards the end of a desperate comeback attempt against the Seattle Seahawks. Williams, while part of a winning team, had a rough opener against the Titans.

In total, this trio of rookies completed 60% of their passes for 415 yards, with no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 61.5. However, they also combined for 138 rushing yards and three touchdowns, indicating potential for growth as they adapt to the rigors of the NFL.

Looking ahead, it is likely that these young quarterbacks will improve as they gain experience and understanding of the game.

(Photo of Baker Mayfield: Jason Miller / Getty Images)