The top 5 quarterback performances of week 1
September 12, 2019 | Sports,
By Nick Catlin
The top 5 quarterback performances of the week are based upon the following criteria: quarterback rating (QBR), completion percentage, yards, touchdowns and whether or not they won or lost.
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
Week 1 @ Miami Dolphins: 17/20 (85%), 324 yards and 5 touchdowns, 158.3 QBR
‘Not bad for a running back’ is what the former Heisman winner had to say after earning a perfect QBR rating to begin his 2019-2020 NFL season. Jackson has been critiqued heavily throughout his NFL career for his inability to throw at times, none more notable than his performance against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card game last season.
But against the Dolphins, Jackson showed off his arm strength and accuracy as he made play after play. This is a huge step for Jackson and the Ravens as they try to win the AFC South for a second consecutive year. They will try to build off their dominating performance as the Arizona Cardinals travel to Baltimore to play at M&T Bank Stadium.
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
Week 1 vs. New York Giants: 25/32 (78.13%), 405 yards and 4 touchdowns, 158.3 QBR
The competition between these two for the top spot was close, and an argument can be made that Prescott played a better defense (but neither are incredible), and the Ravens scored 59 points to the Cowboys’ 31.
In his contract year, Prescott has began incredibly by dismantling the divisional-rival Giants defense in a spectacular way. A debate has gone on nation-wide with Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones making Prescott the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. Prescott also earned a perfect QBR score while defeating the Giants, 35-17.
With a performance like this, Prescott is making his case to become that higest paid quarterback in NFL history. The Cowboys play another NFC East opponent as they travel to Washington DC to play the Washington Redskins.
Kansas Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
Week 1 @ 25/33 (75.76%), 378 yards and 3 touchdowns, 143.2 QBR
Coming off of an MVP season, expectations for the Chiefs and Mahomes have never been higher for the organization. To line up against a Jaguars defense that has big named cornerback Jalen Ramsey and his talented side kick A.J Bouye, and other notable players as well, is a daunting task.
This didn’t matter to Mahomes though, as the Chiefs put up a total of 40 points and winning without any doubt. A fantastic start for the Chiefs to get tested on the road, but it didn’t come without getting a little banged up. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is out for the foreseeable future with a shoulder injury and Mahomes sprained his ankle in the second quarter, but still played and will play.
It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs offense plays without their most explosive playmaker against the Oakland Raiders away.
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady
Week 1 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 24/36 (66.67%), 341 yards and 3 touchdowns, QBR 124.9
After participating in his sixth ring ceremony, Brady and the Patriots didn’t look satisfied during Sunday Night Football as they defeated the Steelers 33-3.
Their offense is centered around short passes and running back screens, which allows Brady to keep not only his accuracy on point with the age of 42, but also to keep his health a priority as well. It’s going to be interesting to watch the Patriots, especially after acquiring wide receiver Antonio Brown after the Raiders cut him on Saturday.
With or without Brown, this offense is here to stay as they continue to evolve and out-coach other teams despite not having the best talent nor athleticism.
Washington Redskins QB Case Keenum
Week 1 @ Philadelphia Eagles: 30/44 (68.18%), 380 yards and 3 touchdowns, 117.6 QBR
Keenum’s performance Sunday was silenced due to Redskins tight end Vernon Davis’ hurdle and touchdown, then breaking down in honor of his grandfather passing away recently. However, no one should overlook the clinic Keenum put on.
His performance may have been up higher on the list if the Redskins would have won, but the Eagles came back from 20-7 at halftime to win. Especially with a Redskins team that is not only rebuilding but expects to send Ohio State rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins in there sooner rather than later.
However, Keenum halted this conversation with an impressive performance. Along with the Chiefs, the Redskins are banged up and currently don’t have all their pieces.
Offensive tackle Trent Williams is holding out due to contract disputes, and running back Derrius Guice is thought to be out for a while with a meniscus injury in his right knee. Keenum’s starting role is on the line because, if this team performs poorly, they may play Haskins and give him the shot instead.
Edited by Emma Moloney | ehm3gd@mail.missouri.edu