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
Was there ever any doubt? CJ Stroud set multiple rookie records in an unreal performance where he threw for an NFL rookie record of 470 yards and five touchdowns.
Stroud looks every bit the franchise quarterback the Texans were hoping to get, and he is already an upper tier signal caller in his first year. It’s scary to think Stroud is only going to get better moving forward.
2. Tyson Bagent, QB, Chicago Bears
It’s hard not to want to root for the league’s biggest underdog, the undrafted Division II quarterback Tyson Bagent. Going up against a tough New Orleans Saints defense, Bagent made plenty of rookie mistakes, but he ultimately looked solid and comfortable in this Chicago Bears offense.
Bagent will need to avoid turnovers if he gets another chance to start this year, but even still, he has shown a ton of promise given how he entered the league. Hats off to you, Tyson Bagent.
3. Aidan O'Connell, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
It was one heck of a shakeup in Las Vegas last week after the ousting of head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler as well as the benching of veteran starter Jimmy Garoppolo. This must have put a lot of pressure on newly crowned rookie starter Aidan O’Connell, who paired with rookie interim head coach Antonio Pierce.
O’Connell did not exactly blow the hinges off the doors against the New York Giants, but he did manage to guide the team to a blowout win. O’Connell showed off plenty of deep ball talent and rarely forced a pass, managing this offense efficiently.
4. Will Levis, QB, Tennessee Titans
It was a humbling experience to be be sent plummeting back down to earth after Will Levis’s incredible week one performance. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense and head coach Mike Tomlin knew exactly how to fluster the young rookie in his second start, and the results were obvious. Levis still managed to keep it a close game despite his shaky play and first turnover of the year, but it was a far cry from what we saw the week prior.
It was by no means a bad game for Levis but he will need to lock in and try to replicate some of his debut success now that he has been named the full time starter.
5. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers
It’s honestly becoming hard to watch this Carolina offense and it’s a disservice to their first overall pick. By no means did Bryce Young play well this week with three interceptions, including two pick-sixes that were just awful decisions, but it’s hard to place all the blame on him here.
Young might be playing behind the league’s most inconsistent offensive line and have its weakest receiving core to boot. Things have to improve in Carolina; they are at risk of spoiling their first overall pick.
