Quarterbacks poised to improve, regress in 2024: Patrick Mahomes' numbers to rise; step back for Brock Purdy?
CBSN
Just about two-thirds of the NFL's quarterbacks may see a noticeable shift in their level of play, positive or negative
Playing quarterback in the National Football League is one of the hardest things to do in professional sports. 2023 Anthony Richardson (Colts) 2012 Robert Griffin III (Washington) 2011 Cam Newton (Panthers) 2000 Daunte Culpepper (Vikings) Total TD 35 38 Turnovers 8 20 Pass Yards/Attempt 8.0 7.2 2003 Joey Harrington (Lions) 5.2 2001 Chris Weinke (Panthers) 5.4 2014 Derek Carr (Raiders) 5.5 2023 Bryce Young (Panthers) 5.5 Comp Pct 64.3% Best Pass Yards 4,044* Best Pass TD 28* Best Comp Pct 59.8% 41st Pass Yards/Att 6.5 36th TD-INT 14-9 31st Passer Rating 81.7 37th W-L 5-7 4-1 Comp Pct 66.2% 74% TD-INT 11-6 14-2
That's why there is so much volatility at the position in terms of year-to-year production, even for the NFL's best. Just look at Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He won the league's MVP award in 2022 after leading the NFL in passing touchdowns (41) and passing yards (5,250), but he took a noticeable step back in 2023, throwing under 30 touchdowns (27) and barely over 4,000 yards (4,183).
With that in mind, 20 of the NFL's projected starting quarterbacks are set to either make noticeable improvement or undergo a noticeable regression in 2024. The improvement group will be sorted into two categories, one designating a 2024 season improvement as a result of returning from injury, like New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- who played four snaps in 2023 before an Achilles injury ended his season -- or for natural improvement for reasons surrounding their experience, their supporting cast, etc.
