Quarterbacks Under The Most Pressure In 2022

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For the entirety of its existence, the NFL remains a pressure cooker for quarterbacks. Now, regardless of status, they will feel the heat.

From the first whistle of training camp to the last play of the Super Bowl, no one feels the burden of expectation like a quarterback. Now, elite passers feel a different heat. If you’ve won in the NFL, people expect you to repeat that feat. In contrast, those looking to ascend that proverbial mountain face an entire set of demands, whether from fans, media, or internally. The NFL is an unfeeling business. Today’s praise quickly degenerates into tomorrow’s frustration.

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

After twenty-one starts over two seasons, the Dolphins finally decided to give their franchise quarterback help. First, they hired Mike McDaniel, an offensive-minded coach that can scheme better than any of Tua’s previous offensive coordinators. Next, they miraculously traded for Tyreek Hill. Hill’s presence, teaming with Jaylen Waddle, brings Miami two gifted, speedy receivers that will terrorize secondaries. Not to mention the addition of Terron Armstead to solidify an offensive line that could not consistently provide adequate protection. With all of these upgrades, Tua needs to take the next step. The 6.6 yards per attempt during his career needs to increase. With speed on the outside and Mike Gesicki winning down the seam, Tua resides in an advantageous spot. However, playing in a division where every team improved and Bill Belichick lives, the Dolphins must show improvement.

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Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

How do a former MVP and most electrifying quarterback make this list? Look around the AFC Central for your answer. The Browns risked it all, trading for Deshaun Watson. In Cincinnati, Joe Burrow leads a Bengals team that improved upon the offensive line, making them a threat. Although Pittsburgh will probably start a rookie, the Steelers boast young playmakers on both sides of the ball. Jackson, to live up to what the league sees, must find a way to find a way out of the division, and into the playoffs. After the trading of Hollywood Brown, Jackson enters divisional combat with a team geared towards the run game. Baltimore chose to shore up the offensive line and the defense. Yet, Jackson enters a contract year, with a huge check waiting for him. His 2022 play could dictate how much that check will be for. Money changes everything.

Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders

If you listen to Carr apologists (Carrdashians), an endless stream of excuses flows like the lazy river at the Monte Carlo. They claimed that he needs a true offensive mind to lead them. The team hired Josh McDaniels, thought by many as a wizard with quarterback play. Next, folks whined about lacking a true number-one receiver. The team traded two picks for Davante Adams. Lastly, the thought of his contract status could become an issue. The Raiders signed him to a three-year extension. Every possible rationalizing for Carr’s late-season failures dissipated. Now, entering his ninth NFL season, Carr needs to produce.. immediately. Blessed with offensive firepower and a change in defense, Carr must lead the Raiders deep into the playoffs.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

One win. During his entire stay in Dallas, Prescott led the ‘Boys to exactly one playoff win, in 2018. Under those circumstances, and his lucrative contract, 2022 feels rather now-or-never. For a player that, and an overbearing owner/fanbase, a single postseason victory since 2015 looks rather odd in the light. Prescott displays a knack for executing Kellen Moore’s offense. Elliott and Pollard give the backfield life. Letting go of Amari Cooper and his disappearing act will benefit Prescott. At the same time, completing just sixty percent of his passes in the playoffs is solely on him.

Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints

In a surprise that resonated throughout the NFL, the Saints stuck by Jameis Winston. In fact, they extended him with a team-friendly deal worth twenty-eight million dollars. To say nothing of bringing in zero competition or threat to unseat him. Granted, they signed Andy Dalton, who remains a seat filler, in case of a catastrophic emergency. On the field, a returning Michael Thomas and drafting Chris Olave will force teams to play honest and not roll coverage. Nevertheless, the Saints, complete with new coach Dennis Allen, stand behind Jameis Winston to lead them. In his defense, Winston cut down on the foolish throws and exhibits more pocket control. Luckily, the NFC South seems like a two-team race. Neither the Falcons nor the Panthers will factor into the division. That leaves Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winston needs to play even better than he ever has, just to stay near Tampa. Additionally, Michael Thomas must remain healthy. If not, Jameis will need to force-feed Olave.

Expected Heat

In all honesty, just about every NFL quarterback could make this list. Yet, the elite, like Rodgers and Brady steps on the field with the thought of holding up their entire team on their shoulders. Meanwhile, younger starters like Zach Wilson and Justin Fields must find their own way and get more snaps. As a result, the listed five will take the field with millions of eyes at home and fifty-two sets in the locker room.