The quarterback position is the toughest position in all of sports. In the game of football if you don’t have one, it’s highly plausible your team isn’t gonna be too successful. Each week we rank the top five Black signal-callers in the game. This week Baltimore Ravens superstar Lamar Jackson takes the top spot after his third amazing performance of the season.
1. Lamar Jackson — Baltimore Ravens
After Jackson and the Ravens failed to come to an agreement on a contract extension, many wondered how the 2019 unanimous MVP would respond. If the first three weeks of the 2022 NFL season are any indication, he’s gonna tear through the league. In Sunday’s 37-26 road win over the Patriots, Jackson passed for 318 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 107 yards and one touchdown. It was his second straight week he passed for at least 300 yards and rushed for at least 100. Ravens head coach Lamar Jackson had this to say about his star pupil following Sunday’s show.
Lamar Jackson said he feels like the Ravens “play better after adversity” pic.twitter.com/o0I1v5eTYn
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) September 25, 2022
“He’s kind of determined to play his way. His way is winning football.”
2. Jalen Hurts — Philadelphia Eagles
The questions surrounding Hurts coming into this season was could he continue to develop as a pocket passer. In three games this season he’s proving the naysayers wrong, thanks in large part to head coach Nick Sirianni still allowing him to play his style within a scheme. In three games, the former Alabama Crimson Tide and Oklahoma Sooners star has passed for over 900 yards with four touchdowns and just one interception. His play has helped the Eagles start the season 3-0.
6 FOR 6!!! 😳
📺: #PHIvsWAS on FOX pic.twitter.com/qRNgTcuGmt
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 25, 2022
Sirianni says we haven’t seen Hurts‘ ceiling.
3. Patrick Mahomes — Kansas City Chiefs
Albeit in a surprising loss to the then-winless Indianapolis Colts, the K.C. signal caller was still good enough to get the win. Mahomes has still passed for over 850 yards, eight touchdowns and just one pick this season.
"We just didn't play good enough – especially on the offensive side of the ball – and that starts with me."
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 26, 2022
4. Russell Wilson — Denver Broncos
Wilson’s three starts have been ugly but good enough to win two games. Sunday’s win over the Niners deserves a real tip of the cap to the defense, but Wilson, who was awful for most of the game, came up huge when his team needed it most. As head coach Nathaniel Hackett and Wilson continue to work out the kinks in the offense, Wilson is still making magic when it matters most.
5. Geno Smith — Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks haven’t been on the winning side since their season opening win over Denver, but that’s not Smith’s fault, as the former West Virginia star has been solid week in and week out, including Sunday’s 325-yard and three touchdown performance against the Falcons in a 27-23 loss at home.
On Tuesday, Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll raves about his QB.
“As we put it all together, if you like the Seahawks, how can you not be fired up about what Geno has done?”
Read More TSL Stories:
