Comparing the 2023 NFL Quarterbacks Drafted

The 2023 NFL Draft introduced a fresh cohort of quarterbacks to the league, each bringing their own unique skill sets and potential to their respective teams. It’s fascinating to observe how these rookie signal-callers have navigated the initial stages of their professional careers. 

The Astounding Emergence of C.J. Stroud: Record-Breaking Week 9 Performance

In the annals of NFL history, rookie performances like that of C.J. Stroud’s in Week 9 are exceedingly rare. Stroud, quarterback for the Houston Texans, displayed a level of prowess that left both fans and analysts in awe. 

The Houston Texans found themselves locked in an offensive battle with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helmed by none other than Baker Mayfield and Rachaad White. However, Stroud seemed to be in his element, countering every move made by the Buccaneers with an even more impressive play.

C.J. Stroud’s statistics from that game are nothing short of remarkable. He completed 30 of 42 passes for 470 yards to lead the Texans to a 39-37 home win against the Buccaneers. But the sheer yardage isn’t the only thing that makes Stroud’s performance extraordinary—it’s his precision and efficiency. He threw for five touchdowns, a feat in itself, but he did so without a single interception. 

This achievement didn’t just break rookie single-game records for passing yards and touchdowns; it also inducted him into an elite group of quarterbacks. Stroud became one of only six quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for at least 450 yards and five touchdowns without an interception.

Beyond the numbers, what truly sets Stroud apart are his intangibles. He possesses remarkable athleticism, a capacity for creation, pinpoint accuracy, and the arm talent that is coveted at the professional level. However, his prowess extends beyond these physical attributes. It’s his field vision, anticipation, and the ability to actively manipulate defenses that earmark him as a special talent among young quarterbacks.

2023 Season Stats:

8 games | 62 pct | 2,270 pass yds | 8.1 ypa | 14 pass TD | 1 INT | 78 rush yds | 1 rush TD | 1 fumble

The Struggles of Bryce Young: Navigating a Challenging Rookie Season

Bryce Young’s journey with the Carolina Panthers has been fraught with challenges, exemplified by what could be considered his worst game of the season. Young completed 24 of 39 passes for 173 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions on Sunday’s 27-13 home loss against the Colts.

As the first overall pick, expectations were high for Young, but the reality of the NFL has proven to be a stern test. The Panthers’ season has been disappointing, to say the least, with a record that stands at 1-7. For Young, this has been a trial by fire, attempting to steer a faltering team without the requisite support.

The tools that Young possesses are undeniable. Throughout the season, he has showcased flashes of brilliance that justify why the Panthers vested their first pick in him. Yet, for a young quarterback to truly flourish, the infrastructure around him needs to be conducive to growth. 

The immediate future for Young hinges on the Carolina front office’s ability to revamp the roster—enhancing the weapons at his disposal and fortifying his protection. The struggles of a rookie quarterback are magnified when the supporting cast is lackluster, and Young’s situation is a testament to this. It is a journey of development for Young, and the onus is on the Panthers to cultivate an environment where his talents can thrive. North Carolina betting apps will be a good option as North Carolina online sports betting is coming soon after Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347 into law earlier this year.

2023 Season Stats:

7 games | 63.9 pct | 1,375 pass yds | 5.5 ypa | 8 pass TD | 7 INT | 117 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 1 fumble

Will Levis’ Promising Start: A Tale of Two Games

Will Levis’ entry into the NFL was marked by a game that offered a glimpse into his potential as a franchise quarterback. In his debut against the Atlanta Falcons, Levis completed 19 of 29 passes (65.5 percent) for 238 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions.

His second start, a Thursday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Levis completed 22 of 39 passes (56.4 percent) for 262 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception.

Levis still displayed moments that reinforced the Titans’ belief in his capabilities; however, the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by a formidable defensive performance from T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, emerged victorious 20-16 in their Week 9 encounter

The Steelers’ defense, accounting for three of Pittsburgh’s four sacks and seven of 10 QB hits, was relentless, constantly pressuring the rookie quarterback throughout the game. Despite the loss, the flashes of Levis’ potential as a franchise quarterback were a silver lining for the Titans fanbase.

2023 Season Stats:

2 games | 60.3 pct | 500 pass yds | 7.4 ypa | 4 pass TD | 1 INT | 13 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 0 fumbles

Aidan O’Connell Stepping Up: A New Beginning for the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders, in their first game following the departure of Josh McDaniels, showcased a rejuvenated team that managed to secure a commanding 30-6 victory against the Giants on Sunday. Among the standouts was fourth-round rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who made his second career start, and stepped in to provide a level of play at the quarterback position that was a marked improvement from his predecessor, Jimmy Garoppolo.

O’Connell’s performance was characterized by composure and efficiency. Completing 16 out of 25 passes for 209 yards, contributing significantly to the Raiders’ victory. His ability to control the game’s tempo, coupled with his accuracy and the aptitude to adjust plays at the line, belied his rookie status. O’Connell’s display suggested a maturity and understanding of the game that is often seen in more seasoned veterans, providing a glimmer of hope for the Raiders’ quarterback future.

2023 Season Stats:

3 games | 64.9 pct | 522 pass yds | 6.8 ypa | 1 pass TD | 2 INT | 3rush yds | 1 rush TD | 0 fumbles

Jaren Hall’s Injury Setback: A Promising Start Cut Short

Jaren Hall’s first career start for the Minnesota Vikings, following the season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins, was unfortunately marred by injury. In a game that saw the Vikings emerge victorious with a 31-28 win over the Falcons, Hall’s potential was on display, albeit briefly. He managed to complete 5 of 6 passes for 78 yards, with the highlight being a 47-yard pass to an unguarded Alexander Mattison.

Hall demonstrated his abilities by driving the Vikings down to the Atlanta 4-yard line. However, a broken third-down play led to Hall attempting a scramble to the end zone, a decision that culminated in a devastating hit by Atlanta’s Jeff Okudah. The impact of the collision left the rookie incapacitated on the turf, a stark reminder of the physical toll the sport can exact. Hall was placed in the concussion protocol, and he won’t be available for the Week 10 against the Saints.

2023 Season Stats:

2 games | 80 pct | 101 pass yds | 10.1 ypa | 0 pass TD | 0 INT | 10rush yds | 0 rush TD | 0 fumbles

Anthony Richardson’s Untapped Potential: A Rookie Season Curtailed by Injury

Anthony Richardson’s rookie season with the Indianapolis Coltswas abruptly interrupted by a Grade 3 AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, which will force him to miss the rest of the season. Before the injury, Richardson had been carving out a niche for himself, completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards and three touchdowns with one interception across four games.

His prowess was not limited to passing, as evidenced by his rushing statistics. Anthony Richardson amassed 136 yards and four touchdowns on the ground, setting an NFL record by rushing for a touchdown in each of his first three games. The injury was a blow not just to Richardson but to the Colts as well, robbing them of a dynamic player whose potential had just begun to manifest.

2023 Season Stats:

4 games | 59.5 pct | 577 pass yds | 6.9 ypa | 3 pass TD | 1 INT | 136 rush yds | 4 rush TD | 2 fumbles