Analyzing Quarterbacks: AFC
Start writing a post
Sports

Analyzing NFL Quarterbacks: AFC Edition

The fates of the AFC's teams will rest on these men.

236
Analyzing NFL Quarterbacks: AFC Edition

The AFC looks to be lopsided for the 2018 NFL season as it usually is, largely in part to the conference's quarterbacks. There is simply not as much parity in this conference as there is in the NFC. Regardless, there is a lot of variety here, from the seemingly ageless Tom Brady to greenhorns like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. In addition, there are a few quarterbacks from injuries that rendered them unable to play last year like Ryan Tannehill and Andrew Luck. They will have the most to prove this year. How will the AFC's signal-callers fare this upcoming season?

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

The rookie out of Wyoming possesses a cannon for an arm, but there are concerns about his accuracy. Buffalo drafted Allen to improve its lackluster passing attack, so their fate this season will likely fall on him.

Sam Darnold, New York Jets

Another rookie QB, Darnold was a flashy prospect at USC and clearly possesses incredible talent. He was turnover-happy in his final season in college, but if he can figure everything out, Darnold could be something special.

Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Considered by many to be the greatest quarterback of all time, Brady is still consistently great entering age 41. New England's offense has an abundance of question marks this season, but Brady has faced this situation before and will likely conquer it again.

Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

This will be a make-or-break year for Tannehill. Coming off a torn ACL, the seventh-year veteran must prove that he can be a formidable QB with new pieces around him.

Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

This season is crucial for Flacco. Baltimore has missed the playoffs for the past three years and the team drafted Louisville star Lamar Jackson to be his possible heir apparent. This may be Flacco's last chance to prove himself not just to the Ravens, but to the NFL.

Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Roethlisberger can still sling the ball in his mid-30s and has perhaps the most talented roster of skill players around him. He has stated that he wishes to play for at least three more years, and he can have a few more prosperous seasons as long as father time eludes him.

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Dalton has never been an elite QB, but he pulled off a miracle last season that allowed Buffalo to clinch their first playoff berth in 18 years. Still a major question mark for this season.

Tyrod Taylor/Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns

Taylor can be an effective, albeit inconsistent dual-threat QB, and this year's first overall pick Mayfield can develop behind him. Mayfield could possibly become the starter if Taylor struggles.

Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans

Watson dazzled everyone in his rookie season before a torn ACL put him out of commission. Houston looks to have a very bright future if Watson continues lighting up defenses like he did last year.

Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars

Bortles is perhaps the most maligned quarterback in the NFL. He has not been very impressive throwing the ball, although he has seen success in the short-passing game and running the ball himself.

Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

This is Mariota's most important year yet. After an unspectacular 2017, the talented yet inconsistent Mariota must prove that he can develop into a solid, consistent passer to lead the Titans for years to come.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

After rehabilitating his injured shoulder, Luck looks to return to form to bring Indianapolis back to relevance. Can he pick up where he left off?

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes has a strong arm and can scramble when needed. Time will tell if he pans out as a pro, but he has a stacked supporting cast to get him started.

Philip Rivers, Los Angeles Chargers

The 36-year-old Rivers can still play ball, but father time may be creeping up on him. Now is the time for Rivers to strike.

Case Keenum, Denver Broncos

The surprise story of 2017, Keenum has developed from a journeyman to an efficient starter when given the help he needs. Can he flourish with a different cast around him in Denver?

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Carr experienced significant regression last season and looks to recapture his dominant 2016 form this year. He still has talent, but he must regain his confidence.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57644
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37151
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958864
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191642
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments