QB Index, Week 13: Seven Players with Most to Prove Down the Stretch
As the NFL regular season enters its final stretch, several quarterbacks have emerged as key figures in their teams’ playoff hopes. While some have already cemented their status as elite performers, others are facing pressure to prove their worth and lead their teams to success.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
After a disappointing rookie campaign, Lawrence has shown significant improvement in 2022. However, he has yet to fully live up to the expectations that came with being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. With the Jaguars sitting at 5-6, Lawrence needs to elevate his play and guide the team to a strong finish to secure a playoff berth.
Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Cousins has been a consistent performer for the Vikings over the past several seasons, but he has often faced criticism for his lack of postseason success. This year, Minnesota is 9-2 and poised to make a deep playoff run. Cousins has the opportunity to prove that he can be a difference-maker in the big games and lead the Vikings to their first Super Bowl title since 1977.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he is facing a unique challenge this season. The Packers are 4-8 and have struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Rodgers needs to rediscover his MVP form and rally his team to salvage their season and make a late playoff push.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tagovailoa has emerged as a rising star in the NFL, leading the Dolphins to an impressive 8-3 record. However, he has also shown some inconsistencies in his play. Down the stretch, Tagovailoa must prove that he can sustain his high level of performance and guide Miami to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Fields has been a dynamic playmaker for the Bears this season, showcasing his exceptional running ability and improving passing skills. However, Chicago is 3-9 and in the midst of a rebuild. Fields needs to continue to develop and prove that he can be the franchise quarterback the Bears have been searching for.
Zach Wilson, New York Jets
Wilson was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but he has struggled to live up to the hype. The Jets are 7-4 and in contention for a playoff berth, but Wilson has been inconsistent and has made several costly mistakes. He needs to show improvement and prove that he can be the long-term answer at quarterback for New York.
Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers
Lance took over as the 49ers’ starting quarterback in Week 2 after an injury to Jimmy Garoppolo. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but has also struggled with accuracy and decision-making. With San Francisco at 8-4 and in the thick of the NFC West race, Lance needs to prove that he can be the franchise quarterback the 49ers believe he can be.
These seven quarterbacks will be under intense scrutiny as the NFL season winds down. Their performances will have a significant impact on their teams’ playoff hopes and their own legacies in the league. As the pressure mounts, these players have the opportunity to cement their status as elite performers or prove that they are not yet ready to lead their teams to the promised land.