As we open up the new NFL season, here are the top 3 quarterbacks I believe are under the most pressure as we head into week 1.
Dak Prescott
When you’re a Cowboy, it’s hard not to be on this list given the wild expectations they have in Dallas. However, Dak is coming off a disappointing season where he threw the joint-most interceptions (15) in the regular season despite missing five games.
Dak had a mixed postseason last year when he first had an outstanding Wildcard game at Tampa against Brady where he threw for 4 touchdowns and 300+ yards but the Bucs did have a woeful 8-9 record. However, his performance against San Francisco in the divisional round is what he’ll be remembered for where he threw two picks and the 49ers ran out 19-12 winners.
The pressure is on Dak who is due for an extension on his current contract but the Cowboys will want to see if he’s their guy for the foreseeable future. Jerry Jones traded for Trey Lance this offseason without telling Dak or Mike McCarthy, is Jerry Jones already trying to find Dak’s replacement? The Cowboys have a ferocious defence led by Micah Parsons who are tipped to have one of the best secondary’s this season. It’s all up to Dak to show up.
Next game: New York Giants @ AT&T Stadium
Aaron Rodgers
All everyone’s spoken about is the Jets! “The Jets are back baby”, “we got Aaron Rodgers!”, “Super Bowl or Bust”. They’re so popular the new Hard Knocks series is on the Gang Green. Robert Saleh’s team won 7 games last year despite having poor QB play in Zach Wilson, Mike White and Joe Flacco (I know). Everyone has argued that all the Jets needed was a QB and they’re set. Well, they’ve added a four-time MVP in Aaron Rodgers, who joined in the offseason after 18 seasons in Green Bay and has brought his favourite offensive coordinator and receivers with him in Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard.
Furthermore, he’s got both the offensive and defensive rookies of the year in Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner on his roster. On top of that the Jets have added Dalvin Cook who’s rushed for over 1100 in each of the last four seasons. Rodgers was brought to the Big Apple to deliver a ring but they’re probably the hardest division in football competing against the likes of the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.
Next Game: Buffalo Bills @ Met Life Stadium
Russell Wilson
It couldn’t have gone any worse for Russ last season. The 2014 Super Bowl winner threw for 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions leading the pre-season hyped Broncos to a measly 5-12 record in the AFC West where they finished dead last.
There was a crazy stat that was doing the rounds after Week 12 which stated that if the Broncos had averaged just 18 points a game they would be 10-2, but Russ’ poor performances saw the side at 3-9 and well out of playoff contention. However, there’s no excuse for Russ now, he’s got a new head coach in Sean Payton who worked wonders with Drew Brees and Taysom Hill in New Orleans. Payton has called out Russ by telling him to remain focused on the upcoming season at hand and not find himself in the media limelight.
The Broncos have invested a lot in Russ, the quarterback is signed up to a five-year $245 million extension ($165 million guaranteed) which doesn’t even kick in until next season. Although he’s got his money, he’ll need to show up this year if he wants to lock in his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Next Game: Las Vegas Raiders @ Mile High
