Another week down, another week to evaluate the performances of the multiple rookie starting quarterbacks in the league. We once again saw a mixed bag from all the rookies, but also saw some flashes from some newcomers.
Let’s take a look at each rookie and rank their Week 8 performances from best to worst:
1. CJ Stroud, QB, Houston Texans
The gap between Stroud and everyone else on this list is ridiculous. Stroud is playing at the levels of the most elite quarterbacks in the league and has routinely shown to be a franchise quarterback. Add outdueling Joe Burrow to his resume and just assume he will be back on top of this last next week too as he pushes for potential MVP votes.
2. Tyson Bagent, QB, Chicago Bears
We might have seen the last of Tyson Bagent for the season if regular starter Justin Fields is finally healthy and it was one heck of a send off. Not necessarily a big numbers game from Bagent, but he looked calm and in control of this offense. Bagent clearly has the tools to be a potential starter in this league, and his demeanor is contagious.
3. Aidan O'Connell, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
Now checking off back to back wins Aidan O’Connell looked like a solid piece for this Las Vegas offense. Though not quite convincing as ‘The guy’ quite yet, O’Connell has come through when it has mattered most and has been a clutch player this team needed in close games. O’Connell will have the rest of the season to pitch himself as the quarterback of the future.
4. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to watch this Carolina Panthers offense and the complete malpractice they are surrounding their number one overall pick with. Bryce Young is out there doing what he can, but this week it looked like he played scared. Hard to blame him when his offensive line often ends up in his lap and his receivers cannot separate. Better days ahead hopefully but it’s becoming an urgent matter to get Young some help.
5. Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans
Will Levis has fallen off a cliff from his excellent four touchdown debut. Levis held onto the ball, stared down receivers, and looked flustered by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers constant pressure. The arm talent is obviously there but Levis needs to develop more to bring a more consistent performance to the table.
6. Tommy DeVito, QB, New York Giants
Credit is due to Tommy DeVito for making anything work in this abysmal Giants offense in the first start of his career. DeVito was able to throw two touchdowns but otherwise generally looked out of place in the NFL There is still time to grow for the undrafted free agent of course, but he will have to play much better and this coaching staff will have to trust him more if they want a shot at winning any more games this year.
