5 quarterbacks that must improve to keep their jobs
This upcoming NFL season, most of the teams around the league have their quarterback for the future. For those who aren’t sure, there is typically hope that the incumbent will step up and make his case. In that regard, think youngsters like Josh Rosen and Lamar Jackson.
However, there are five quarterbacks who are no longer able to use the excuse of youth. If these men don’t player significantly better, they will likely be looking at a change of scenery for 2020.
5. Derek Carr
Carr looked like the potential MVP of the league back in 2016. The Oakland Raiders were on their way to a stunning 12-4 season, and Carr was at the epicenter of it. Then, on Christmas Eve, he broke his leg. Nothing has been the same since. Now 28 years old, Carr is looking at the future of his career hanging in the balance. In his second year under head coach Jon Gruden, all eyes are on whether Carr can become a top-tier passer, or if his future lies as a journeyman.
4. Joe Flacco
Flacco is in a different situation than Carr. The Denver Broncos brought him in via trade this offseason, hoping to give them a bridge to Drew Lock. While Flacco’s days in Denver are likely limited no matter how well he plays, the former University of Delaware star can get himself another gig — and a nice new contract — if he turns back the clock in Denver.
3. Jameis Winston
This one is both simple and obvious. Â Winston has all the talent anybody could ever ask for at the quarterback position. Unfortunately, he can’t stop turning the ball over. In his four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winston has played in 56 games and thrown 58 interceptions to go with 38 fumbles (22 lost). With new head coach Bruce Arians being the ultimate quarterback guru, Winston has a golden opportunity. If he can’t improve in 2019 under Arians, it might be a lost cause.
2. Marcus Mariota
The man drafted right after Winston in the 2015 draft is also feeling the heat. In March, the Tennessee Titans traded to have Ryan Tannehill back Mariota up, and there’s a real chance that Tannehill replaces the former Heisman Trophy winner at some point this season. Mariota has been both ineffective and hurt in four seasons with the Titans, playing in only 56 games and throwing for a paltry 69 touchdowns.
1. Andy Dalton
This is a case of new regime, older quarterback who has never won anything. At 31 years old, Dalton is entering his ninth season. It’s his first without head coach Marvin Lewis. Now with a new leader in Zac Taylor, one wonders if the Bengals won’t move on from Dalton after 2019, barring a huge performance. It seems obvious that Taylor will want his own guy.
