Week 9 was a good one for the melanated signal-callers. From Patrick Mahomes to Geno Smith to Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. They all played well for their respective teams, but once again, Mahomes stood out above the rest.
1. Patrick Mahomes — Chiefs
On a night where the gritty Tennessee Titans threw everything but the kitchen sink at Mahomes and the Chiefs, “Mr Ketchup On Errthang” stood tall and proved why he’s the best QB in the NFL.
It might have taken a career-high 68 pass attempts, but Mahomes accounted for 509 total yards, which included 446 through the air and 63 on the ground. For the Chiefs, the Titans exhausted every bit of mental fortitude they had in a 20-17 overtime win. It was also the first time Mahomes has had back-to-back 400-yard passing days. He’s different, and the Chiefs are blessed to have him.
Yes, you read that right 🔥 @PatrickMahomes pic.twitter.com/7gshyvfZiE
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) November 7, 2022
2. Jalen Hurts — Eagles
The Eagles played down to the competition in the first half of a Week 9 win over the Texans. Led by Hurts, the MVP-candidate, Philly (9-0) had their way. Hurts was accurate all night going 21-for-27 for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
It takes everybody.@JalenHurts | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/pgQUzsHHUv
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 5, 2022
Wide receiver A.J. Brown says the entire team trusts Hurts and his mental preparation is second to none.
“That’s who he is. That’s the person he is, and I admire him from afar and he’s teaching me something.”
3. Geno Smith — Seahawks
Another week and another strong performance for the Comeback Player of the Year candidate as he led the surprising Hawks to another win. Seattle is 6-3 and in first place in the NFC West. Geno passed for 275 yards and two more touchdowns. When the team traded Russell Wilson, the belief was they’d be in rebuild mode and searching for a franchise QB. They’re actually competitive with the best teams and have their signal-caller of the immediate future in Smith.
"The resiliency of this team, how we fought back … we're a tight-knit bunch and we stay together!"
Pam Oliver is with @GenoSmith3 after the @Seahawks 4th-straight W 👏 pic.twitter.com/raNiyT53Zx
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 7, 2022
4. Justin Fields — Bears
The dynamic Fields is starting to look like the guy that tormented Big Ten defenses at Ohio State. A true dual threat with breakaway speed and a rocket for an arm, Fields is beginning to learn how to play the QB position.
In a 35-32 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday, Fields was a one-man wrecking crew. The second-year signal-caller rushed for 178 yards and a touchdown. The 178 yards are the most ever by a QB in a regular season game, surpassing the 173 by the electric Michael Vick. Fields also made plays with his arm, passing for three more touchdowns.
Mike McDaniel shared with reporters an exchange he and Fields had following one of his incredible first half scrambles. Here’s what he told the Bears QB.
“Stop it.”
“I just wanted him to stop scrambling, and it was pretty irritating because he didn’t listen at all. He didn’t take the coaching.”
5. Lamar Jackson — Ravens
Jackson was efficient in the Ravens’ 27-13 road win over the Saints in the Big Easy. The 2019 unanimous MVP tallied 133 yards passing with one touchdown. He also carried it for 82 yards, putting his full arsenal of talents on display, as he does weekly.
The Ravens led by Jackson could easily be 8-1 or 9-0 if not for three blown leads in games this season. They’re beginning to play some great all-around football
