Grading every NFL team’s quarterback situation
Quarterback Daniel Jones for the New York Giants
PREFACE: The 2021-2022 NFL regular season has ended and it’s the appropriate time to judge how each team should manage the most important position in football. Although the skill/performance of each quarterback is a dominant factor in each grade, other factors such as contract, free agency, draft position, age, health, and off-field issues are all considered. A+ grade means you have sustainable elite QB play, while an F grade means Cam Newton and Sam Darnold.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Quarterback: Kyler Murray (24)
Despite the MVP buzz through the first few weeks of the season, Kyler Murray has declined and he’s declined in big moments. Talks about his lack of primetime production didn’t waver after horrendous games against the Packers, Colts, and second outing against the Rams. During their incredible 7-win streak to start the season, Kyler posted a passer rating of 115. After their win streak ended, he’s hit a passer rating of 100 twice. His best game since that time span was against the Bears (and his worst against the Lions).
Even though Kyler has shown weakness during this season, numbers don’t lie. He’s 7th of 32 in QBR, 2nd in CMP% (completion percentage), and top 12-8 in almost every other QB category. There’s no doubt he’s a top-tier quarterback and the Cardinals have an obligation to make him their franchise QB as his potential unleashes year after year.
Situation Grade: B
ATLANTA FALCONS
Quarterback: Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan has been a mediocre quarterback for a mediocre team. Although his MVP/Super Bowl season hasn’t seen the light of day since their infamous choke job, credit is due to Matt Ryan for being a serviceable quarterback despite team struggles. He’s 21st in QBR, 11th in total yards, and has shown elite status in a few games. He’s under contract through 2023 and if Matt Ryan can improve even a little bit in the next couple of seasons, the Falcons could reach the playoffs before it’s time to move on from the old man.
Situation Grade: C-
BUFFALO BILLS
QB: Josh Allen (25)
Not much to say. He’s a proven playoff threat at age 25 and leads a juggernaut Buffalo Bills team to yet another solid playoff seeding that could go all the way. He’s a top 5 QB with MVP buzz and things won’t change for a very long time.
Situation Grade: A+
BALTIMORE RAVENS
QB: Lamar Jackson (24)
The running-back in disguise has regressed in performance since he was crowned MVP at age 22. His running numbers are still good but not as good as they once were, his passing has been dicey, decision-making hasn’t ever improved, and getting hurt before a tight division race essentially cost the Ravens season.
Before his season ended he ranked 17th in QBR, went 1-3 in division play, and his last 5 games posted a QBR of below 50. It’s a ridiculous take to say the Ravens should scrap Jackson, but being aware of his decline is necessary for the Ravens to acknowledge if they want to improve their situation going forward. Overall, he’s too young and too talented to start making brash decisions about his future with the organization, but he simply needs to get better.
Situation Grade: C+
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Sam Darnold’s contract and Cam Newton.
Situation Grade: F
CINCINNATI BENGALS
QB: Joe Burrow (24)
As of writing, Joe Burrow in his past two games has statlines:
vs. Ravens: 37-46, 525 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs, 144 passer rating, 90 QBR
vs. Chiefs: 30-39, 446 yards, 4TDs, 0 INTs, 150 passer rating, 60 QBR
Joe Burrow only has three games where he’s looked vulnerable and he’s solidified himself as a top 10 QB in the NFL. He’s 1st in CMP%, 1st in yards/att, 3rd in plays over 40 yards, and as long as the Bengals retain Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, this team will steamroll the AFC North and many playoff runs in the future. Despite the optimistic outlook, until Burrow proves himself in playoff games the grade can’t go into the A range.
Situation Grade: B+
CLEVELAND BROWNS
QB: Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield has been atrocious at best this season. He’s in the bottom 10 for every quarterback statistic and 27th in QBR. However, playing through a torn labrum and shoulder harness for most of the year will cause that. The media slander will make you think his 2020-2021 season/playoff run was a fluke but the Browns have a talented, young QB that can hopefully get back into form for playoff runs starting next season.
Situation Grade: C
CHICAGO BEARS
QBs: Andy Dalton (34) and Justin Fields (22)
Two quarterbacks with atrocious seasons. Justin Fields has flashed excellence but that’s drowned out by consistently terrible play that doesn’t get any better once Dalton replaces him. Justin wasn’t given many offensive weapons but playing as bad as he did should definitely be a concern. He has fair excuses, but until Fields can prove himself as a half-serviceable quarterback the Bears situation doesn’t look good.
Situation Grade: D-
DALLAS COWBOYS
QB: Dak Prescott (28)
He’s had an inconsistent season but ranking top 5 or top 10 in every major quarterback statistic (3rd in TDs) will make any team smile. He’s been top-tier since he’s been with the Cowboys and as long as they can build around him for the rest of his career it won’t be a surprise to see them in at least one Super Bowl before his retirement.
Situation Grade: B+
DENVER BRONCOS
QB: Drew Lock (25)
Whatever quarterback has been thrown onto the field for the Broncos during this season has performed terribly. Teddy Bridgewater was okay but his consistently injured self can’t be sustained for a franchise. When your head coach publicly states that their quarterback play isn’t “top-shelf”, it’s time to find a player in the draft. Seeing as they have the 7th pick in a weak QB draft, the Broncos have some rough QB years ahead of them.
Situation Grade: F
DETROIT LIONS
QB: Jared Goff
Jared Goff played like a bottom 16 QB this season. Although his numbers aren’t as gross as Mayfield, Lawrence, or Fields, there is still plenty of valid concern for the underperforming QB with plenty of years left on his contract. If you say get rid of Goff and look for a QB in the stacked free agency roster this offseason you wouldn’t be crazy.
However, I believe it’s only up from here for Goff. There’s no way a previously all-star caliber QB can play as bad as he did for a second straight season. The Lions are likely to get a couple of valid years from his contract but until Goff improves, the situation doesn’t look good.
Situation Grade: C
GREEN BAY PACKERS
QB: Aaron Rodgers (38)
Don’t mind the age. Rodgers is top 5 in every quarterback statistic and will be top 3 in MVP voting. One of the greatest to ever do it has plenty of prime years left and the Packers shouldn’t have any thoughts about the position for at least half a decade… Until they drafted a mediocre Jordan Love instead of another defensive piece to help Rodgers get another Super Bowl. For that reason, they don’t get an A+.
Situation Grade: A
HOUSTON TEXANS
QB: Davis Mills (23) and Deshaun Watson (26)
Davis Mills is one of the worst quarterbacks to get reps this season. His highest statistical ranking is his QBR of 35 which lands him 26th among active QBs. I highly doubt Mills improves to a mid-tier QB in the next few years and all hope is for a Deshaun Watson return that is plagued with off-the-field issues. The only reason they don’t land an F grade is due to Watson’s value as a trade piece.
Situation Grade: D-
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
QB: Carson Wentz (29)
Carson Wentz had a rough year but not as rough as some may think. He was above average in passer rating, 11th in QBR, 4th in INTs, 10th in TDs, but his god awful 58% completion rate puts him 26th in the league in that category. What drives Colts fans to hate him are his woeful performances against divisional rivals
In two games vs. Titans: 46-88, 2 TDs, 2 INTs, 3 sacks, 67 passer rating, 2 losses
What is even worse is his dud performance against the 2-14 Jaguars posting a 4 QBR and turning the ball over twice ensuring his team doesn’t reach the playoffs. Going into the offseason, the Colts could save around $14M if they cut Wentz and join the battle of a free agent QB. They could also keep Wentz and if he improves even a little bit, the Colts are seeing playoff light. Assuming they keep the solid starter, the situation doesn’t look too bad.
Situation Grade: C+
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
QB: Patrick Mahomes (26)
Patrick Mahomes
Situation Grade: A+
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
QB: Justin Herbert (23)
Justin Herbert has proven himself a top 3-7 QB in the NFL at just 23 years of age. He’s 3rd in QBR and 3rd in total yards, showing the Chargers they have their franchise quarterback. Although he hasn’t shown what he can do in a playoff setting, establishing yourself in the same realm as Brady, Rodgers, and Mahomes is enough for an A grade.
Situation Grade: A-
LOS ANGELES RAMS
QB: Matthew Stafford (33)
Stafford is a certified top 10 quarterback in the league, he’s 1st in game-winning drives, 4th in QBR, 2nd in TDs, 3rd in yards, and the Rams have plenty of time left for the borderline superstar as his contract takes up the next 4 years. Hopefully, Stafford can make a deep playoff run with a stable Rams organization, but he’s skidded a few times during this season that could bring up long, lost memories come playoff time.
Situation Grade: A-
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
QB: Trevor Lawrence (22)
Urban Meyer, a bad GM, and terrible support can’t fully explain why Trevor Lawrence has had one of the worst rookie campaigns in NFL history. There’s no doubt in my mind that Lawrence will improve next year, but until any improvement happens, the situation ain’t good.
Situation Grade: D
MIAMI DOLPHINS
QB: Tua Tagovailoa (23)
Tua isn’t a bust, he isn’t bad, and he’s going to get better. The media landscape and Dolphins fans have duped the minds of everyone into thinking Tua can’t do anything from behind center. But he’s 18th in QBR, and 3rd in CMP%. He’s got an interception issue, hasn’t done anything in big games and has single-handedly thrown games throughout the season. But most rookies do this.
Tua had too much potential when he got drafted to keep this up for an entire career and if he can improve as much as he did from his rookie year there’s no reason the Dolphins can’t be a playoff team. But like all young, underperforming QBs; until they perform, the situation ain’t good.
Situation Grade: C-
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
QB: Kirk Cousins (33)
Kirk has had the epitome of a good, not great season. A QBR that’s 15th in the league, 3rd in INTs, 9th in TDs, 9th in total yards, there’s no doubt he deserves a good contract in free agency this offseason. It’s also important to examine the losses the Vikings have suffered through the course of the season. 6 of their losses have been determined by one score, 4 of them by a field goal. With another spin of the wheel, chances are luck falls their way next season and we see some purple in the playoffs again. The situation looks dicey as of now due to Kirk Cousins’s free agency status but assuming they re-sign him, the Vikings don’t have much to worry about.
Situation Grade: C+
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
QB: Mac Jones (22)
Mac Jones has established himself as the future of the New England Patriots. Whether you believe it’s because of Bill Belichick, his conservative play style, it doesn’t matter, the kid is a good NFL quarterback. He’s top 14-16 in most quarterback statistics, 8th in completion rate, and went toe-for-toe with Tom Brady in their Buccaneer matchup. While he didn’t dominate like Burrow, clinch a one seed like Brady or Mahomes, or sling the ball 80 yards downfield like Herbert, Jones still led the Patriots to playoff contention as a rookie, and as scary as it is… it’s only up from here.
Situation Grade: B-
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
QB: Taysom Hill (31)
Taysom Hill would do more as a runner than a passer. New Orleans bites their nails every time he’s lined up in shotgun and his bottom 5 rankings in all statistical categories explains why. There’s not much to say other than they need to find competition for Jameis Winston once he returns for next season. Free agency market is all yours, New Orleans.
Situation Grade: D+
NEW YORK GIANTS
QB: Daniel Jones (24)
Seeing as Mike Glennon is up for contention as the worst quarterback in NFL history it’s safe to say he did not take over Jones’ spot as the starting QB for the Giants. However, despite Jones being unanimously known as a bust of a draft pick, he was 8th in passer rating and 11th in yards per game when he went down with a season-ending injury. His first seasons showed nothing but negativity but maybe once he comes back he turns into a mid-tier quarterback. But expecting a decent level of play from a player who’s never played well, and coming off an injury is never a good situation. Giants should rid of him if his play persists after his contract ends next year.
Situation Grade: D-
NEW YORK JETS
QB: Zach Wilson (22)
Zach Wilson was terrible in his first year as a Jet. 30th in QBR, 28th in yards per game, mediocre completion rate, bottom 5-10 in just about every other category, there is no redeeming factor other than saying he’s young. I don’t expect any good seasons out of Wilson for at least a couple of years, and those years will be filled with the same 5-6 win season where Jets fans ask themselves if they need another quarterback.
Situation Grade: D
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
QB: Derek Carr (30)
Another solid quarterback entering free agency. He's 5th in total yards, 13th in QBR and TDs, 6th in completion rate, and 9th in passer rating. He’s going to land a big contract and the Raiders should do everything in their power to make sure he stays with the team especially seeing they’re playoff berth. The situation isn’t great seeing as Carr may go elsewhere for next season but if Carr does stay they’re likely to see the playoffs for more years than not.
Situation Grade: B-
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
QB: Jalen Hurts (22)
Hurts led his Eagles team to the playoffs after utterly dominating the ground and air game for the last three games of the regular season. It’s a rare right to see a young quarterback takeover high-stake games and Hurts did exactly that. He’s analytically the 2nd best scrambler, 14th in adjusted raw QBR, doesn’t get sacked much. However, he’s 23rd in QBR, and mid-bottom tier in every other category. He’s struggled most of the season but a playoff berth, signs of elite play, and solid support show the Eagles have a good future ahead of them with Hurts under center.
Situation Grade: C+
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
QB: Ben Roethlisberger (39)
Big Ben’s last season was pretty bad. He’s stuck himself between Zach Wilson and Jimmy Garoppolo in terms of production but the hope for a better QB at the position is nothing but a dream. Mason Rudolph has struggled in almost every outing of his and unless the Steelers can uphold enough support for their new QB, their winning season tradition may be over.
Situation Grade: D-
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo (30) and Trey Lance (22)
Jimmy Garoppolo has undoubtedly had a down year. He’s 14th in QBR, 12th in total yards, a weak 20 TD (17th) to 12 INT (16th). He still sits middle of the pack in the analytics department like points added on pass attempts (16th), and total points added (17th). However, his completion rate sits 7th in the league and he’s in the playoffs.
Seeing as Jimmy is going into free agency, this gives Trey Lance the opportunity to become the franchise QB for the 49ers. He sits around 18th to 16th in power rankings as a rookie with limited playing time and seeing his elite potential I see no reason why he can’t be better than Jimmy going into next season.
Situation Grade: C+
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS
QB: Russell Wilson (33)
Despite his free-agent status, Wilson has publicly stated his return to Seattle. Which is a good thing because despite his down year in performance, Wilson has historically been a hall of fame level QB that is sure to bounce back next year at a scary level. I highly doubt he ranks 22nd in total yards again and considering his low interception rate (6th), all the evidence just points to Wilson improving. Their situation isn’t as good as it once was because we’ve now seen Wilson vulnerable on the football field but I see no reason why this team can’t get it together by the time next season rolls around.
Situation Grade: B-
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
QB: Tom Brady (44)
He’s 1st in total yards, 1st in TDs thrown, 2nd in QBR, 9th in completion rate, and will likely be 1st in MVP voting. The man won’t slow down and the Buccaneers will continue to have elite play at the QB position as long as Brady keeps aging.
Situation Grade: A+
TENNESSEE TITANS
QB: Ryan Tannehill
Besides having a solid QBR that ranks 8th in the league, he hasn’t shown much outside of that. 16th in yards, TDs thrown, 24th in INT rate, he ranks between 18th-14th in QB power rankings and the Titans could use a boost at the position if they want to reach a Super Bowl with their powerhouse roster. The grade is dropped considering how vulnerable they are in the playoffs with him under center, and due to his sheer mediocrity. He’s hit a hot streak to end the season and if he can close out some playoff wins the grade gets increased, but for now the Titans could use somebody better in the free agency market.
Situation Grade: C+
WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM
QB: Taylor Heinicke (28)
Heinicke had a bad season. 27th in INTs, 23rd in QBR, 19th in total yards, this man won’t get you far in the regular season or the playoffs. Not much to say other than find a better QB once his contract expires.
Situation Grade: D+