by Adam Masiky ‘24

Quarterbacks like Aaron Rogers, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, and Russell Wilson have been the face of the NFL for the past decade and a half. They all had great successes in winning titles and setting records. But with Brady and Rotheisburger retiring and Rogers falling short in another playoff game, this generation is just about done, making room for the new generation of quarterbacks to start taking over.

The recent playoffs clearly showed how the NFL will be dominated by a new generation of star quarterbacks. Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, and Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, had a duel for the ages in the AFC Divisional round. Allen had 397 total yards to go along with 4 TDs while Mahomes had 447 yards and 4 TDs. Mahomes advanced to the AFC championship for the fourth time in his young career. Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals also has become a household name after throwing for 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns during the regular season and then being clutch in three thrilling playoff games to make the Super Bowl in only his second season. Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert and Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson are in the same conversation despite not making the playoffs. Herbert had an amazing year but missed the playoffs. Jackson missed the playoffs as well, but he missed the last 6 games of the season and still had 3,649 total yards and 18 total touchdowns. He definitely had a down year but most of the blame goes to injuries throughout the season, and he has been an elite performer at the quarterback position for years.

These quarterbacks bring a lot to the game that has not been seen in the NFL before. An example of this is the big part they play in the running game. Quarterbacks like Jackson and Kyler Murray of the Arizona Cardinals are known for their running ability on designed runs and while scrambling. But speed outside the pocket is becoming the norm. Quarterbacks like Allen and Mahomes are perfect examples of this, and they both have the ability to throw the ball inside and outside of the pocket. This overcomes their natural ability to run the ball. Neither of them are the fastest players on the field like Jackson or Murray, but they can do it effectively to keep a defense on their toes. Another thing that separates this new generation from any other is the crazy throws these guys can make. They make effortless side-arm dimes as well as crazy-no look passes. They do these things with the game on the line and even the season on the line.

There is nothing this new generation of quarterbacks cannot do. It’s bittersweet to see the great hall of fame quarterbacks retire, but this time fans can look forward to a new generation that will make for an even more thrilling NFL.