The NFL is currently experiencing an unprecedented reliance on young quarterbacks, with 11 of the 32 starting signal-callers—more than a third of the league—still playing under their rookie contracts. Of those 11, 10 were first-round draft picks, underscoring the league’s faith in youth and potential at the most critical position on the field. This influx of young talent is not only shaping the future of their respective franchises but is also influencing the overall quality and style of play across the NFL.
Among these emerging stars, one quarterback stands out as a co-favorite to win the NFL MVP award according to FanDuel. He has taken the New England Patriots from the bottom of the standings to the top, a feat that speaks volumes about his impact. While critics might point to his tendency to take sacks—he’s currently second in the league with 35—it’s a minor blemish in what has otherwise been an outstanding season. His leadership and on-field execution have transformed the Patriots’ offense, making them a formidable unit.
Turning to the Chicago Bears, their young quarterback, Justin Fields, has shown significant growth from his rookie year, especially in reducing the number of sacks he takes. Last season, he was sacked 68 times; this year, he’s on pace to take fewer than half that amount, allowing the Bears’ offense to maintain a more consistent rhythm. However, Fields has struggled with accuracy, particularly on the move, which has resulted in a lower adjusted completion percentage compared to his rookie season. Despite these inconsistencies, the Bears offense remains effective, suggesting that Fields has yet to reach his full potential.
The New York Giants’ rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has been a revelation, showcasing an ability to create plays out of seemingly nothing. Despite playing without his top receiver for most of his starts, Dart ranks 12th among starters in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play and has contributed to 17 touchdowns in just seven games. His aggressive, improvisational style has brought unexpected success to the Giants’ offense. However, this style comes at a cost; Dart has taken 77 hits and has been evaluated for concussions four times in just seven starts. His durability is a major concern, and the next Giants head coach will face the challenge of balancing Dart’s playmaking with protecting his health.
In Denver, Russell Wilson’s successor, Russell Nix, has been a polarizing figure among fans and analysts. Some credit him with the Broncos’ strong 8-2 record, while others question his consistency and accuracy. Nix excels at avoiding sacks under pressure, boasting the best rate in the league, and leads the NFL in game-winning drives. Yet his accuracy, especially on deep throws, has been troubling. He has completed only 15 of 47 deep passes, a significant regression from his rookie year that poses a serious challenge for Denver’s offense. This accuracy issue is particularly worrisome given it was a known concern coming out of college.
Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans’ quarterback Cam Ward faces arguably the toughest circumstances in the league. With his top three receivers recently being two late-round rookies and a veteran journeyman, and having already seen his head coach fired, Ward’s situation is far from ideal. Despite these challenges, he has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in Week 8, which may be his best game to date. However, Ward struggles in a key area known as “SCRACK” (a combined measure of sack and scramble Expected Points Added), where playmakers like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes excel. Ward ranks dead last in this metric by a wide margin, and with the most sacks in the league (38), he must learn to use his athleticism more effectively by scrambling rather than taking unnecessary hits.
Ohio State product C.J. Stroud, now in his third year, has not lived up to the high expectations set by his extraordinary rookie campaign. Stroud’s current situation is complicated by an inexperienced offensive line, young receivers, and a first-year offensive coordinator, all factors that can hinder a quarterback’s growth. However, his regression is still concerning. In recent games, the offense has performed similarly when Stroud was replaced by Davis Mills, raising questions about Stroud’s ability to elevate the team. The dynamic downfield passer who dazzled fans last season has been largely absent this year, and there are no clear signs of improvement.
Similarly, the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback Drew Lock is struggling to