Week 8 of the NFL season saw some quarterbacks rise to the occasion in historic fashion. Whether it was a rookie taking the league by storm or a grizzled veteran putting together an insane comeback, the quarterbacks found a way to amaze the fans. Here is a look at the Week 8 quarterbacks that stole the show.
Bo Nix Joins Elite Company in Denver
The true freshman Bo Nix proved historic in his first season, as the signal caller led the Broncos to a 28-14 victory over the Panthers and a fifth win in six games. Nix threw three touchdown passes without an interception, becoming the first rookie Broncos QB to do so since Hall of Famer John Elway in 1983. He joined a very small group of rookies to have three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and no interceptions in a single game since Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Cam Newton’s rookie seasons.
- Stats: 284 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 1 rushing touchdown
- Why It Matters: Nix’s breakout game provides hope for Broncos fans who might be getting their first glimpse into what could be the future in Denver.
Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary for the Win
Jayden Daniels came into Week 8 questionable with a rib injury, but he toughed it out to provide one of the highlights of the season thus far. Daniels then, with two seconds remaining, tossed a Hail Mary to Noah Brown down the field, which Brown caught (off of a tip) in the end zone-good for a 52-yard game-winning touchdown over the Bears. With his 300+-yard day, Daniels became the third rookie since 1950, joining Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert, who had at least 300 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and zero interceptions in a game.
- Stats: 326 passing yards, 1 passing touchdown, 52 rushing yards
- Why It Matters: The poise under pressure by Daniels shows leadership qualities that he should be proud to possess in high-tense moments and a player worth watching throughout the season.
Jared Goff Leads Lions to Record Start
The red-hot Lions moved to 6-1 thanks to a dominant 52-14 victory over the Titans, and Jared Goff’s efficiency was right at the heart of it. Despite throwing for just 85 yards, Goff tossed three touchdown passes to record the fewest yards by a player with three or more touchdowns since Tony Eason back in 1985. The Lions have outscored opponents by 100 points over seven games, leading the league with 33.4 points per game.
- Stats: 85 passing yards, 3 touchdowns
- Why It Matters: Goff’s consistent efficiency has aided Detroit in its unexpected hot start, and his 146.5 passer rating over the last five games broke Kurt Warner’s five-game record in the Super Bowl era.
Jalen Hurts Makes NFL History on the Ground
Jalen Hurts went absolutely nuts on the ground, recording three rushing touchdowns in the Eagles’ 20-point win over the Bengals. It was the third time in their career that Hurts ran for three touchdowns in one game, an NFL record among quarterbacks. Hurts also secured his 14th career game with two or more rushing touchdowns-most in NFL history by a quarterback. He finished with 37 rushing yards and tied Emmitt Smith’s record of three rushing touchdowns in a game with under 70 rushing yards.
- Stats: 37 rushing yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, 1 passing touchdown
- Why It Matters: The one skill with which Hurts can have a completely dominant game on the ground continues to make history and puts him in a class of his own as one of the most unique quarterbacks in NFL history.
Captain Kirk Shreds the Bucs’ Defense Again
Kirk Cousins went nuclear against Todd Bowles’ defense for his second monster game this season. Cousins became the fourth player in NFL history to have at least 750 passing yards and eight touchdowns against a single opponent in one season, joining legends Joe Montana, Dan Marino, and Y.A. Tittle.
- Stats: 750+ passing yards, 8 touchdowns against Bowles’ defense this season
- Why it matters: Cousins’ relentless shredding of the Bowles defense is evidence of just how well he understands how to adapt to different defensive games-and bodes really well for their playoff outlook.
Jameis Winston Leads Comeback as Browns Complete Upset
In the first game in almost two years, Jameis Winston did it this time in the very emotional game of the Browns. The only reason this counted as an upset was that facing the 5-2 Ravens, the record of the 1-6 Browns looked to be that of underdogs until Winston’s faith and resilience inspired them to a 29-24 upset. Winston threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, establishing a franchise record for most passing yards in a debut with the team. It did transcend the field: on the weekend, Cleveland lost one of its more treasured play-by-play voices in Jim Donovan; his work buoyed the team and the fans. Immediately after the game, coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry drove a game ball out to deliver to Donovan’s wife, Cheryl, and daughter Meghan.
- Stats: 334 yards passing, 3 TDs
- Why It Matters: Winston’s improbable start lifted Cleveland in an important moment. His steadying presence and religious faith gave the city an emotional win to come out and mourn the loss of a cherished voice.
Quarterbacks Rising to the Occasion
It was a week of talent, grit, and history made by the quarterbacks throughout the league. From Bo Nix’s record-breaking day in Denver to Jameis Winston’s spirited Cleveland victory, each quarterback brought his signature, going way beyond statistics. The season will move forward, bringing even more breakout moments and unforgettable performances that remind us of football’s excitement and unpredictability.
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