Entering the 2022 NFL season, these five quarterbacks have a terrific chance to make a big splash with their stats.
5. Daniel Jones, New York Giants
It’s now or never for Jones, who has struggled through the first three years of his career with bad coaching and turnovers galore. This says nothing of the lack of protection from the offensive line. Now, with former Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll at the helm, Jones has a chance for success. He’ll be throwing to receivers Darius Slayton, Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard and Kadarius Toney as well, giving him options.
4. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
What to make of Tagovailoa? Over the first two years on South Beach, the former Heisman Trophy-winner has been yo-yoed in and out of the starting lineup while playing behind one of the worst offensive fronts in the game. Now he gets Terron Armstead at left tackle while Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle line up on the outside. Miami is giving Tagovailoa a real chance to play well for the first time. Let’s see what he does with it.
3. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Cousins is the oldest quarterback on the list, but he has a new opportunity. The Vikings are loaded with weapons including receivers Adam Theilen and Justin Jefferson, and running back Dalvin Cook. However, Minnesota’s offense has been held back by an archaic approach from former head coach Mike Zimmer. With Zimmer out and Kevin O’Connell in, it could shake up the Vikings’ stale approach and mean big things for Cousins in 2022.
2. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts is facing a defining year with the Eagles. Entering Year 3, he’s done a nice job in his 19 starts, going 9-10 including a playoff berth in 2021. However, to keep his job for the long term, Hurts needs to improve. He’ll have a chance this year with the acquisition of star receiver A.J. Brown, who’s being paired with Devonta Smith. Behind a great line and surrounded by an excellent defense and coaching staff, Hurts has plenty of support to thrive.
1. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
Carr is already a top-12 quarterback in the league, and he could have an MVP-caliber season on deck for a few reasons. To start, the Raiders have a phenomenal group of weapons in slot receiver Hunter Renfrow, wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Darren Waller. Also, and as importantly, the Las Vegas defense is a disaster outside of the edge rushers, especially a problem in the quarterback-dominant AFC West. Carr will have to throw a ton to win games.
