A number has changed for tall NFL quarterbacks since we took a closer look at one date in the past.
Jalen Hurts (83.6) and Trevor Lawrence (81.5) lead the league in daytime QBR, 4 weeks into a tough start to the season. Tua Tagovailoa returned from a concussion this Sunday, future Deshaun Watson will be out for a year with a ruptured Achilles tendon. And perhaps strangest of all, rookies Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix have led their teams to successful achievements.
Ahead of the second part of the season, our NFL population reporters answered more interesting questions about 10 quarterbacks from around the league. Let’s start with Kirk Cousins’ build with the Falcons, who are struggling to make the postseason for the first time in seven years. (The ten questions are indexed alphabetically by group.)
Bounce to a crew:
ATL | Ball | CHI | DAL | DEN
IND | New York | WELL | SF | TEN
What has been the biggest trade for Kirk Cousins within the Falcons offense from Date 1 so far?
Security. Both, including his surgically repaired torn right Achilles tendon and intact receptors.
The Falcons, who did not play games as starters in the preseason, were protagonists in the 18-10 defeat on Date 1 against the Steelers. They finished with 226 total yards of offense and were close in the second half. The problems have been resolved. I’m significantly sick since I’ve been closer. Cousins is 0.33 in the league in passing yards (2,106) and only three quarterbacks have eclipsed his 14 touchdown passes. Big receiver Drake London ranks fourth in the NFL in receptions (48) and tight end Kyle Pitts ranks fourth among adjusted tracks in receiving yards (419).
On Date 4, Cousins mentioned that he was once throwing the ball to where he knew his receivers would end up, instead of looking for compatibility when they got there. The final result? Atlanta’s first 4-0 category starts in 10 years. — Marc Raimondi, Falcons reporter
How does Lamar Jackson’s 2024 season compare to his 2023 MVP-winning campaign?
Jackson won the NFL season MVP award because he was the best player on the best team in the regular season. This season, the Ravens don’t have the best possible record in the league, but Jackson is a favorite for any other MVP award with more extraordinary numbers.
He is on the verge of becoming the first NFL player to record more than 4,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in the same season. Jackson already has a league-high 501 yards of rush among QBs and is also flourishing as a passer in his second year with Zay Plants. He is fifth in passing yards (2,099) and second in landing passes (17).
“The guy is just unbelievable,” Ravens running back Derrick Henry said. “I think he’s the GOAT, for sure.” — Jamison Hensley, Ravens reporter
What does the coaching staff still want to see more of from Caleb Williams?
Sustained build as a pace and timing passer. The Bears’ training staff has emphasized this all season for Williams, who has been tasked with playing a “point guard” to engage their best offensive players. That was proven once against Carolina and Jacksonville, when Williams threw six touchdowns and just one interception and averaged 265 passing yards.
It was a special story once in an 18-15 loss at Washington. The rookie quarterback had a 50% error rate and 10 passes were botched or deflected. Educator Matt Eberflus said Williams’ struggles were indistinguishable from the timing of his progressions.
While some of that may be the result of a penniless passing policy and covered receivers, Chicago wants to continue continued growth in this division from the 2024 Negative 1 pick. He has yet to face an NFC North defense, which ranks in the top 12 in points allowed on a per-game basis. — Courtney Cronin, Bears reporter
Will the Cowboys help Dak Prescott at the trade deadline? Should we take a WR/RB/OL trip?
The Cowboys made this type of trip in 2018 once they gave up a first-round pick to the Raiders for Amari Cooper. But Prescott was still on his rookie offer and was no longer the highest-paid quarterback in the game. Jerry Jones has said the Cowboys are generally quiet at the deadline after extending Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in the offseason. So how do they help Prescott? without a business? The entire offensive sequence must play higher-level games.
They have two Pro Bowl picks (Zack Martin, Tyler Smith), a highly paid right-wing pick (Terence Steele), a first-round pick at left (Tyler Guyton) and a third-round pick at center (Cooper Beebe ). ) that has drawn proclaim. This team must play as much as they can to make the offense click. At the moment, the sequence is similar to the league average in go stop win rate (58.7%) and run stop win (71.0%). — Todd Archer, Cowboys reporter
Damien Woody: Cowboys season is over
Damien Woody says the Cowboys’ season ended due to a penniless performance, despite significant off-season financial investments.
What is the biggest sign of Bo Nix’s development over 8 weeks?
Nix has continually addressed two of the most important pieces on coach Sean Payton’s to-do list: not pulling the bags and not turning the ball over. Payton considers a sack a loss-of-down penalty and always has information available on how returns hurt the team’s ability to win. The cellular rookie has avoided sacks in 3 of the Broncos’ 5 wins, and his dropback sack rate is the lowest in the NFL (3.7%). Nix threw a total of four interceptions in consecutive losses to start the season, but he’s had the best one since.
His barricade games have come at the cost of affecting from time to time, as he hasn’t had much luck in the passing game yet. He is twenty-ninth in target yards (5.9) and twenty-fifth in finishing touch percentage (63.2%). — Jeff Legwold, Broncos reporter
What aspects can Joe Flacco bring to the Colts offense that Anthony Richardson hasn’t equipped this season?
Benching Richardson has some long-term implications for the franchise that can’t be completely understood. But for now, Flacco likely needs more efficient passing, which would lead to a more predictable overall offensive performance.
The Colts were either right or wrong under Richardson, and their 4-to-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio became problematic (Flacco’s is 7-to-1 in three games this season). They won’t be able to enjoy Richardson’s rocket arm, which has produced touchdown passes of 69, 60 and 54 yards, but they are relying on steadier plays to secure them in games. Matchups against three defenses in the top 10 in terms of problems allowed on a per-game basis (Minnesota, Buffalo and Detroit) will follow Indianapolis over the final four weeks. — Stephen Holder, Colts reporter
What is the Jets’ plan for generational seasons at quarterback? Is Aaron Rodgers part of it?
Rodgers has mentioned that he will play beyond 2024 with the group, but the ground has changed since he made those comments in late December. The Jets suffered their fifth straight loss on Sunday and are currently at the bottom of the AFC East standings. There’s a good chance they have an intact coaching staff and probably an intact front office in 2025. Will an intact regime want to start a 41-year-old quarterback? Rodgers even need come back again?
He’s not enjoying himself as much as usual. His mobility, likely compromised due to his Achilles tendon surgery in 2023, has decreased. The Jets also don’t have an obvious heir on the roster. Rookie Jordan Travis (non-football surprise list) is a wild card on who to bet. The basic sequence is that they could have an intact starter in 2025. — Cimini, rich and prosperous, Jets reporter
What does the training staff say about Russell Wilson’s first two starts?
Although it’s a small yardstick, the Steelers staff is proud of Wilson’s departures. Not only did he bounce back from a slow start against the Jets in Round 7, but he showed no rust in the team’s Round 8 win over the Giants.
Wilson’s addition to the offense has also expanded the passing game along with his willingness to throw the deep ball. He has the fifth-most passing yards in the NFL over the past two weeks (542) and is 5-for-7 on attempts of at least 20 yards of wind. Justin Boxes was completing the same passes at a 30% rate in six outings. — Brooke Pryor, Steelers reporter
Has Brock Purdy gotten an offseason extension in San Francisco along with his games this season?
The 49ers had been making plans for a Purdy payday for a long time, but no one knows better than the 49ers how quickly things can turn around at quarterback. This is a team that ran into Purdy due to injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, so it’s critical that he stay healthy and fertile to book a big extension later in the year.
For now, it’s not something Purdy is reflecting on, pronouncing an extreme future: “I’m always trying to find an edge for myself in my game, without thinking about what next year has in store for me… And that’s where it’s at.” my way of thinking.” . “I’m focused on my team, on this year and that’s it.”
If Purdy continues to create (he’s ninth in QBR with 62.5 despite a tough timeout against Kansas Town), the extra will take care of itself. — Nick Wagoner, 49ers reporter
Schefter updates Christian McCaffrey’s status for Date 10
Adam Schefter talks about Christian McCaffrey’s return to games and when the 49ers expect him to return.
Will the Titans return to Will Levis once healthy? Are you dedicated to giving it this season?
Titans coach Brian Callahan has made it clear that Levis is his quarterback when healthy. Hardly pitching during the day for two weeks due to a Grade 2 AC sprain in his right shoulder, the Titans plan to have Levis return to work in the future.
It’s clearly been a rough start for Levis, who has thrown seven interceptions in five games. Tennessee’s best win came with backup Mason Rudolph under center, but the Titans knew there would be some headaches. This year they have dedicated themselves to determining whether Levis could ever lead their franchise.
“All we were hoping to get out of the season was a really solid, concrete assessment of [Levis] as the starting quarterback,” Callahan said. — Turron Davenport, Titans reporter
