The first month of the 2024 NFL season has been quite eventful at the quarterback position. Performance levels have varied significantly, reflected in the league’s average of 202.8 passing yards per game, the lowest recorded at this mark in over twenty years.
Leading the pack in QBR is Josh Allen, boasting an impressive 82.3 over four games, with Sam Darnold trailing at 73.5. Jordan Love made his return this weekend following an MCL injury sustained in the season opener, whereas Tua Tagovailoa is currently on the IR due to suffering his third concussion as an NFL player. In Carolina, Andy Dalton has stepped in for a struggling Bryce Young, and rookie Jayden Daniels has made a noteworthy start to his career. Indeed, this season has showcased a wide array of outcomes.
After Week 4, we decided to take a closer look at ten quarterbacks, with our NFL Nation reporters addressing critical questions about essential situations at this pivotal position. Let’s kick things off with Allen’s early achievements alongside a revamped receiving corps. (The ten questions are presented in alphabetical order by team.)
Jump to a team:
BUF | CLE | JAX | MIN | NE
NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | WSH
What are the key takeaways from Josh Allen’s strong performance with a significantly different supporting cast?
Regardless of who his targets are, Allen remains a top-tier quarterback. Despite the uncertainties regarding the Bills’ nearly entirely new receiving corps, he continues to demonstrate that he ranks among the best quarterbacks in the NFL. While the offense struggled against the Ravens after scoring over 35 points in the initial three games, Allen’s overall performance has shown he is effectively adjusting to his new teammates.
Playing at an MVP level, he has managed to limit turnovers, recording zero interceptions. This marks the first time in his career that he has completed the first four games of a season without throwing a pick, matching his second-longest streak to date. Although he doesn’t have a dominant No. 1 receiver like Stefon Diggs from last season, Allen is forging solid connections with Khalil Shakir and tight end Dalton Kincaid. Rookie Keon Coleman has also made several notable catches. — Alaina Getzenberg, Bills reporter
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What is the Browns coaching staff’s level of concern regarding Deshaun Watson’s performance?
Watson has recorded the lowest QBR among all qualified passers at 23.7 and is averaging a mere 4.9 yards per attempt through four games. However, the coaching staff believes there are positive moments to build upon. In the matchup against the Raiders, he threw a go-ahead touchdown, which was negated by a holding penalty, and receiver Amari Cooper dropped another strong throw that resulted in an interception.
Coach Kevin Stefanski has recognized that Watson can improve, but he has also emphasized the need for
32.6% of his dropbacks) and — as coach Doug Pederson remarked — becoming overly excited on certain plays. Addressing these two challenges will assist in getting Lawrence back on track. Pederson is confident that once Lawrence experiences a streak of success, he’ll revert to the quarterback he was during the first half of 2023, prior to the injuries accumulating. — Michael DiRocco, Jaguars reporter
What is most surprising about Sam Darnold’s hot start?
Darnold has seen only five snaps — and completed just two passes — while the Vikings are behind. Notably, all five snaps occurred in the first quarter of Week 1.
It was already understood that Darnold found himself in a quarterback-friendly environment, thanks to coaching, personnel, and scheme. The Vikings currently hold the second spot in the NFL, scoring 38 points in the first quarter, demonstrating exceptional performance overall. As a result, Darnold hasn’t faced an overwhelming number of high-pressure situations.
Of course, Darnold has managed some crucial throws and directed significant scoring drives toward the end of games. Key third-down passes to Jalen Nailor in Week 2 and Justin Jefferson in Week 4 particularly stand out. However, the advantage of playing with a lead cannot be understated, as it enhances playcalling flexibility and increases pressure on opposing defenses. This is yet another benefit Darnold has received from his new surroundings. — Kevin Seifert, Vikings reporter
1:43
Have the Vikings overtaken the Lions as the best team in the NFC North?
Jeff Saturday and Domonique Foxworth analyze the NFC North with the Vikings at 4-0 and the Lions at 3-1.
When might we see Drake Maye make his first start?
Veteran Jacoby Brissett has sustained 40 quarterback hits, so Maye could have his debut as soon as Week 6 if this trend continues. It seems improbable that Brissett can endure this pace throughout the season. As coach Jerod Mayo noted on Sunday: “He is taking some significant hits and still manages to get back up. Sometimes you wonder, ‘Is he alright?'”
If Brissett continues to recover, the eventual transition to Maye will hinge on several factors: Brissett’s performance, Maye’s ongoing development behind the scenes, and whether the Patriots can offer better offensive line support along with consistent receiver separation. For now, it is reasonable to assess the situation on a week-to-week basis. Mayo also confirmed on Monday that Brissett is still the starting quarterback. — Mike Reiss, Patriots reporter</
Summer on “Hard Knocks.” “The plan all along was to give him a few years. Is he our guy for the next decade? Or do we need to pivot and seek someone else?”
For New York not to look for alternatives, Jones must elevate his game to an unexpected level. — Jordan Raanan, Giants reporter
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Was it ambitious to expect Aaron Rodgers to have regained top form?
Indeed, it was overly optimistic to anticipate vintage Rodgers from week to week in the season’s first month. After all, he’s a 40-year-old quarterback recovering from Achilles surgery. Did anyone truly expect him to be the 2021 version right from the start?
Rodgers is currently ranked 19th in Total QBR (50.1). He showcased his MVP skills in a Week 3 victory against the Patriots, where he demonstrated his talent for extending plays, but he appeared to be aging when facing a blitz-heavy Broncos defense in Week 4. This might offer a glimpse into what’s ahead: spectacular one week, lackluster the next. Such is the reality at 40. — Rich Cimini, Jets reporter
How can the Eagles address Jalen Hurts’ turnover problems?
During training camp this summer, Hurts recorded just one interception while primarily executing what he describes as ”point guard” duties—quickly distributing the ball with short rhythm throws to his playmakers. However, the situation has changed dramatically over four games, as Hurts’ average time before throwing is 3.1 seconds, putting him at 32nd among all quarterbacks. He has committed five fumbles (three of which were lost) and thrown four interceptions in this span.
A constant factor in this offense has been running back Saquon Barkley, who ranks third in rushing yards (435) and boasts an average of 6.0 yards per carry. Focusing on the ground game and putting Hurts in more advantageous second- and third-down situations should help reduce turnovers. – Tim McManus, Eagles reporter
What’s the current status of the Steelers’ QB1 situation? Is Justin Fields officially the starter?
Head Coach Mike Tomlin has declined to alter the depth chart until Russell Wilson is fit enough to return to__content–inline”>
1:04
Is Justin Fields a starting fantasy QB?
Field Yates and Liz Loza discuss Justin Fields’ fantasy prospects as he prepares to face the Cowboys.
What three words best describe Jayden Daniels’ rookie campaign so far?
Composure, precision, modesty.
It has reached a point where head coach Dan Quinn might need to consult a Thesaurus to find alternatives to “composure” when discussing Daniels’ presence in the pocket. For instance, against the Bengals, Daniels remained unflappable under pressure, delivering a 27-yard strike to Terry McLaurin while taking a hit. His completion rate stands at an impressive 82.1%, with his accuracy particularly evident in his ability to help teammates gain extra yards after catches. This combination of composure and precision is reflected in his single turnover recorded so far.
Meanwhile, his modesty shone through when, just two days after the victory over Cincinnati, he referred to it as “just another game,” emphasizing that he is there to fulfill his part in the offense as one of eleven. This attitude is what draws his teammates to him. – John Keim, Commanders reporter
2024 NFL Quarterback Landscape: Analyzing Early Performances and Key Challenges After Week 4
Overview of Quarterback Rankings After Week 4
As we enter the fifth week of the 2024 NFL season, it’s essential to assess the performances of quarterbacks across the league. The rankings provide insight into which quarterbacks are thriving and which are struggling, with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs once again leading the pack in unanimous rankings [[1](https://www.sharpfootballanalysis.com/analysis/best-nfl-quarterbacks-rankings/)].
Top Performers of Week 4
After four weeks of play, a few quarterbacks have distinguished themselves with outstanding performances:
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) - Continues to display elite skills with a mix of accuracy and decision-making.
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – His ability to extend plays and create opportunities has led to impressive stats.
- Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) – His dual-threat capability remains a nightmare for defenses.
- Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) – Showcased strong arm talent and poise under pressure.
Quarterback Performance Metrics
When analyzing quarterback performance, several key metrics come into play. Below is a summary table highlighting the top quarterbacks as of Week 4:
| Quarterback | Team | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passing Yards | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | 12 | 2 | 1,200 | 115.0 |
| Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | 10 | 3 | 1,150 | 110.5 |
| Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles | 9 | 1 | 1,050 | 112.3 |
| Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers | 8 | 2 | 1,100 | 109.7 |
Key Challenges Faced by Quarterbacks
While the early part of the season has seen some standout performances, challenges abound for many quarterbacks:
Inconsistent Offensive Lines
Many quarterbacks are struggling due to inconsistent play from their offensive lines. Protection breakdowns can lead to hurried throws and increased interception rates. Teams like the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals have experienced significant issues in this area, impacting their quarterback’s performance.
Injuries to Key Receivers
Injuries have also plagued several teams. Quarterbacks rely heavily on their receiving corps, and the absence of key players can severely limit offensive effectiveness. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles have faced challenges due to injuries affecting their wide receivers, forcing Jalen Hurts to adapt quickly.
Defensive Schemes
Coaches are consistently evolving their defensive strategies to counteract high-powered offenses. This season, several quarterbacks have faced complex coverage schemes, leading to inefficiencies in the passing game. Identifying and overcoming these schemes is crucial for success.
Emerging Quarterback Trends
As the league evolves, certain trends in quarterback play are becoming evident:
Increased Mobility
Mobile quarterbacks are increasingly valuable in today’s game. Players like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson are not only effective passers but also pose a significant threat with their legs. This dual-threat capability allows offenses to be more dynamic.
Spread Offense Adoption
More teams are adopting spread offense principles, focusing on quick throws and spreading the field. This trend benefits quarterbacks who can make quick reads and deliver the ball accurately. Young quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa are thriving under such systems.
Case Studies: Quarterbacks to Watch
Here are a couple of quarterbacks to keep an eye on as the season progresses:
Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
After a rocky start to his career, Tagovailoa has shown marked improvement. Utilizing a spread offense and quick release has allowed him to build confidence and rapport with his receivers.
Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Lawrence continues to grow as a quarterback, showing flashes of brilliance. His ability to read defenses and command the huddle will be critical as the Jaguars aim for a playoff push.
Benefits of Recognizing QB Trends Early
Understanding the evolving quarterback landscape can provide several benefits to fans and analysts alike:
- Better Fantasy Football Decisions – Recognizing which quarterbacks are performing well can aid in making informed fantasy picks.
- Enhanced Game Analysis – Analysts can provide deeper insights into matchups and what to expect in upcoming games.
- Fan Engagement - Fans can engage more deeply with the game by understanding player challenges and performance metrics.
Practical Tips for Evaluating Quarterbacks
To effectively evaluate quarterbacks throughout the season, consider these tips:
- Focus on advanced metrics like QBR and EPA (Expected Points Added) to gain deeper insights.
- Watch game film to analyze decision-making and accuracy in various situations.
- Stay updated on injury reports and team dynamics, as they greatly influence quarterback performance.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL season is still in its early stages, but the quarterback landscape is already taking shape. While some quarterbacks have excelled, others face significant challenges. Monitoring these developments will be essential as we move further into the season.
