Game-winning drives, passing touchdowns, dissecting defenses and facing the media. NFL quarterbacks have one of the toughest jobs in professional sports. NFL quarterbacks are the face of their franchise and must deal with success and failure during the season.
Kirk Cousins, Marcus Mariota and Patrick Mahomes starred in Netflix’s Quarterback series. After watching the series, I gained a new perspective on the quarterback position. The series showed how NFL quarterbacks prepare for games and their responsibilities.
I learned more about Cousins and his desire to win. Cousins is a good quarterback who is respected in Minnesota. However, being a good NFL quarterback doesn’t cut in 2023.
Being Good Doesn’t Cut It
A good quarterback is a quarterback who can run an offense. Good quarterbacks know the x’s and o’s, know how to study film and stick to the script.
Being good doesn’t cut it anymore. NFL quarterbacks must be special and have an elite gene to succeed during the playoffs.
Special quarterbacks like Mahomes elevate their teammates and can succeed off-script.
Jalen Hurts and Mahomes played in the 2022-23 Super Bowl. Both quarterbacks were special in 2022.
Cousins and Carr
Two NFL quarterbacks came to mind while thinking about this article. Cousins and Derek Carr are prime examples of good quarterbacks.
Cousins has proved to be a good quarterback in the NFL. Cousins is intelligent and can run an offense. Cousins excels at play-action and has made good throws in the pocket.
Cousins has passed for 16,966 yards since 2019. Cousins has thrown 123 touchdowns and 40 interceptions. Despite Cousins’ production, the Vikings haven’t made it to an NFC Championship game. According to Statmuse Cousins is 1-4 in the playoffs.
Carr is another good NFL quarterback. Carr gave his all when he was with the Raiders. Carr knew how to read defenses and understood his job. Despite Carr’s skills he hasn’t experienced success in the playoffs. According to Statmuse Carr is 0-1 in the playoffs.
Carr has another chance to flip the script on his career. Carr will suit up for the New Orleans Saints in 2023. If Carr can be special the Saints have a chance to compete in the NFC.
Hard Pill to Swallow
It’s hard to be a special quarterback in the NFL. The NFL and college football aren’t littered with quarterbacks like Mahomes and Josh Allen. Mahomes and Allen have taken the league by storm and succeeded in the playoffs. Allen and Mahomes have beaten defenses inside the pocket, outside the pocket and with their legs.
It’s a hard pill to swallow. Special NFL quarterbacks give their teams the edge on game day. NFL teams must acquire special quarterbacks to succeed in 2023.
No Disrespect
This article wasn’t meant to degrade, berate or belittle Cousins and Carr. It’s just my perspective on the quarterback position in 2023. Let the 2023 season begin.
