As the NFL continues to captivate football fans around the world, the quarterbacks position stands tall as the centerpiece of every team’s offense. In 2023, we have witnessed an extraordinary display of talent, strategy, and leadership from the league’s most elite quarterbacks. These exceptional athletes have demonstrated the ability to dissect defenses, deliver pinpoint passes, and guide their teams to remarkable victories.
This article delves into the thrilling realm of NFL quarterbacks, highlighting the top 10 signal-callers who have left an indelible mark on the gridiron during the 2023 season. From seasoned veterans to emerging stars, this impressive lineup showcases the diverse range of skills, styles, and achievements that make each quarterback unique and invaluable to their respective teams.
Join us as we embark on a journey through the captivating performances, record-breaking feats, and game-changing moments that have defined the Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks of 2023. From clutch plays under pressure to breathtaking displays of athleticism, these exceptional individuals have elevated the game to new heights, setting the stage for an unforgettable season of football excellence.
10. Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
Scoffing often ensues when discussing Cousins’ inclusion in any “top QBs” list, primarily due to his lackluster performance in big games, having only secured one postseason appearance in his eight-year tenure as a full-time starter. Speculation suggests that he may be in his final season with the Vikings, a team that mirrors his solid-but-unspectacular track record. Nonetheless, amidst the unpredictable nature of the league, Cousins has displayed remarkable durability and accuracy, often underrated as a quarterback capable of making big plays. While lacking in athletic prowess and susceptible to errors when faced with pressure, his consistent execution of scripted plays consistently positions his team on the cusp of contention year after year.
9. Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
Jackson faces heightened pressure compared to his peers following Baltimore’s substantial financial investment, given his exceptional athletic abilities coupled with an inconsistent track record. Despite his seemingly effortless arm, his passing performance has failed to achieve above-average efficiency for at least three years. Furthermore, concerns arise regarding his durability due to consecutive seasons marred by lingering injuries. Nevertheless, when on the field, he remains a genuine and resilient game-changer, particularly with his elusive and rapid scrambling ability. With the assistance of a new coordinator, an enhanced receiving corps, and increased autonomy in controlling play calls, Jackson possesses several key elements that could propel him towards a breakthrough in the playoffs as he enters his sixth year.
8. Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
Like his former NFC East rival Kirk Cousins, Prescott is not immune to criticism for his struggles in clutch moments. Despite leading the high-powered Cowboys offense, he has managed a 2-4 record in postseason games over his seven-year career. According to PFF, Prescott has shown both flashes of MVP-level performance and bouts of significant interception troubles, often influenced by the health of the elite offensive line and weapons surrounding him. Moreover, his own availability has been a concern, as he has missed a total of 17 games since 2020. However, when healthy and standing tall in the pocket, Prescott excels at executing the finer details of the game, displaying exceptional vision and the ability to go toe-to-toe with the best in the league.
7. Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
Among the top 10 QBs listed here, Lawrence stands out as the player with the most potential for growth and development. Although he struggled and lacked support as a rookie, he is anticipated to become more decisive and aggressive in his second year. As the former No. 1 overall pick, Lawrence now finds himself in a position to reach MVP-caliber performance under the guidance of Doug Pederson and alongside his new top target, Calvin Ridley. While Lawrence’s willingness to throw into tight windows can lead to mistakes, he possesses one of the strongest arms in the league and showcased a veteran-like determination in his historic playoff debut comeback. At just 23 years old, he has ample room for improvement and possesses all the physical attributes of an elite pocket passer.
6. Aaron Rodgers (Jets)
Do you remember when Tom Brady approached the end of his 20-year stint with the Patriots? Many respected voices questioned if he had lost his magic, only to witness him reach new heights with a change of scenery. The Jets are hoping for a similar narrative with Rodgers. After a disappointing 2022 season that followed two consecutive MVP campaigns, Rodgers seemed somewhat resigned to the Packers’ less-than-ideal situation. While he may be past his prime at 39 years old, Rodgers is newly motivated and still possesses remarkable accuracy. With a strong group of receivers and a supportive defense in New York, he has the necessary ingredients to mount a legitimate title challenge.
5. Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Should we hold it against Herbert for having only one unsuccessful playoff appearance in just three seasons? Perhaps not, but when his regular-season performances have set such a high standard, it’s only natural to expect similar success in big games. While Herbert has had his flaws, including a more conservative approach in the 2022 season with an average of just 6.8 yards per attempt (below the average among starters), his impressive touchdown-to-interception ratio of 94:35 before the age of 25 is no accident. In fact, it stands as the sixth-best ratio in NFL history at this stage. Moreover, his exceptional physical stature at 6-6 and 236 pounds, combined with his precise arm, are qualities that cannot be taught.
4. Josh Allen (Bills)
While he has displayed remarkable durability and achieved numerous victories, boasting a 47-18 record in his four seasons as a full-year starter, Allen’s style of play invites more risk than most. Not only is he an adept power runner, but he also takes a daring approach as a passer. His tendency for turnovers is often overlooked; since 2019, he has averaged 11 fumbles and 12 interceptions per year. However, the flip side of this risk-taking nature is the potential for great rewards. As a big-play artist through the air, Allen is second only to Patrick Mahomes, continuously threatening opponents with his arm that is tailor-made for delivering clutch-time bombs. Furthermore, he has excelled in the postseason, accumulating 17 touchdowns with just four interceptions in eight playoff appearances.
3. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
Hurts displayed the most remarkable improvement in 2022, continuing his trend of progress since his college career began. While slightly more compact than Josh Allen at 6-1 and 223 pounds, Hurts possesses a similar physicality as a runner, raising concerns about his long-term durability. Nevertheless, he lives up to his reputation as a dual-threat quarterback, demonstrating significant advancements in downfield vision and touch. His ability to connect with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith resulted in an impressive Super Bowl performance against Mahomes, showcasing his potential for MVP-caliber play. However, the true X-factor lies in his leadership qualities—a stoic and unwavering poise that provides stability throughout the Eagles organization.
2. Joe Burrow (Bengals)
His exceptional understanding of the game overshadows the lack of athleticism in the former top pick. His instincts, vision, and precise passing abilities demonstrate his mastery of the quarterback position. He excels at commanding the pocket and delivering the ball accurately and on time. While his well-known swagger on and off the field is a bonus, his proficiency as a quarterback truly sets him apart. Although he may experience occasional interceptions and primarily inflicts damage through the air, few field generals can match his expertise. This is evident in his impressive record of two AFC title-game appearances in just three years.
1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
Mahomes is undoubtedly the easiest quarterback to rank, as he embodies the concept of a real-life cheat code in the sport. While his improvisational style can occasionally present opportunities for opponents to intercept the ball, more often than not, his greatest threat seems to be the possibility of becoming bored with his dominance. As the star orchestrator of Andy Reid’s motion-heavy offensive scheme, Mahomes boasts an impressive record of 64 wins and 16 losses.
This doesn’t even include his remarkable playoff record of 11 wins and three losses, which includes two Super Bowl titles and solidifies his status as a virtual lock for the Hall of Fame at just 27 years old. While he is known for his sneaky scrambling abilities, his video-game-like statistics primarily fuel his success, with his signature acrobatic arm angles and an innate instinct for big plays shining brightest on the grandest stages. Regardless of whether one is a Chiefs fan or not, watching Mahomes in action is truly a wonder, especially considering his consistent ability to secure victories.