A quarterback is the face of an NFL team. It’s difficult to put together a successful season without a good leader under center. Now that the season has concluded, let’s look at my five best quarterbacks in the NFL. (Honorable Mentions: Aaron Rodgers and Trevor Lawrence)
#5 Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
The third-year quarterback took a huge leap in 2022. Hurts led the Eagles to Super Bowl 57 where they ultimately lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (38-35). A shoulder injury late in the year caused Hurts to miss two games, but that did not stop him from setting an NFL record. He is the first quarterback ever to have over ten rushing touchdowns and a passer rating above 100.
What makes Hurts so deadly is his dual-threat ability. Hurts has a good arm and good accuracy, and with the connections of AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, this keeps opposing secondaries on their toes. Hurts is also deadly with his legs. His rushing ability adds another threat to the Philly offense, making them the most effective rushing team in the NFL. Hurts finished the season with 3,701 yards, 22 passing touchdowns, and 13 rushing touchdowns. He only threw six interceptions but did have nine fumbles.
#4 Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
The “Social Media Quarterback” as people like to call him. Herbert does not get the credit he deserves most of the time, being compared to quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Tua Tagovailia who he is clearly better than.
Herbert has one of the best deep balls in the NFL with great accuracy. Herbert did not have the greatest help around him last season. His two biggest targets, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, were out a majority of the season with injuries. The offensive line was depleted with injuries last season. In 2022, Herbert had 4,739 yards, 25 touchdowns, and ten interceptions. With offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi on his way out and Kellen Moore from Dallas teaming up with Herbert, hopefully he can have his best season yet.
#3 Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
It took a few years for Allen to break out, but since then he has been one of the best in the league. Like Herbert, Allen does not have the best accolades surrounding him. He is the entire run game for the Bills. Like Hurts, his dual-threat ability has taken the Bills’ offense to another level. The number of interceptions (14) and fumbles (13) last season can be a bit concerning, Allen has a stronger arm than most quarterbacks and can make throws that only a few people can. In 2022, Allen threw for over 4,000 yards for the third consecutive season and had 42 total touchdowns. He also had 762 rushing yards.
#2 Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
It looked like a Super Bowl hangover to start the season for Burrow and the Bengals after throwing four interceptions in the first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After a 4-4 start to the season, Burrow and the Bengals ended the season on an eight-game winning streak. Over those eight games Burrow threw the second most touchdown passes across the league (18). Burrow also threw for 2,146 across the span of those games. He might not have the arm strength like other quarterbacks on this list, but his accuracy is one of the best in the league and with the receivers he has, it can come with a ton of yards after catch. Burrow finished the 2022 season fifth in passing yards with 4,475, 35 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
#1 Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Who else would be at the No. 1 spot? Mahomes will remain here until the day he retires. Mahomes’ talent is on another level compared to the other NFL quarterbacks in the league, with his awareness, escapability, and the ability to extend plays.
After the trade of superstar wide receiver Tyreek Hill, Mahomes had the best season of his career. Out of the five quarterbacks on this list, Mahomes has the worst supporting cast. The wide receiver core is below average, and the offensive line is average, outside of center Creed Humphrey. Travis Kelce at tight end makes for a good connection along with Isiah Pacheco, and Jerick McKinnon at running back. Mahomes led the league in passing yards (5,250), passing touchdowns (41), and QBR (77.6). Mahomes earned his second league MVP last season as well.
