QB Stock Market: Week 10 Sees Jordan Love Continue to Ascend as Caleb Williams Falls
Mayfield and Tampa Bay’s slide
Baker Mayfield has fallen sharply, and the Buccaneers’ reliance on the run has become a necessity rather than a choice. Injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have affected the receiving group, but Tampa Bay extended Mayfield despite the thinner corps.
The team can hope Mayfield’s thumb injury explains the decline, but his contract is difficult to move before 2028. The passing offense is struggling, though Tampa Bay remains one game behind first place in the NFC South.
Minnesota’s quarterback questions
Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell was praised for helping Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold produce strong seasons. The latest assessment says that reputation is losing some of its shine.
J.J. McCarthy played through a painful-looking hip pointer, leaving questions about his health and ability to place the ball. The evaluation says there is still time to see whether he can stay healthy and develop.
Injuries and unsettled roles
The Cardinals’ quarterback is headed to injured reserve, giving third-round rookie Carson Beck eight games to make an impression. In Miami, the analysis expects the team to draft a quarterback in April to replace Willis.
Jacoby Brissett’s arrival gives Baltimore another option as it waits to see whether Lamar Jackson can return from a thumb injury. The report says Brissett could help keep the Ravens relevant in December if Jackson comes back.
Pressure and supporting casts
Atlanta’s Michael Penix Jr. struggled under pressure, completing one of nine passes for minus-3 yards and an interception. Seattle’s Drew Lock, by comparison, has not thrown an interception in three appearances; Sam Darnold has seven in six appearances, excluding the season opener.
Other quarterbacks are being judged in difficult circumstances. The analysis says Malik Willis has been exposed by Miami, while Shedeur Sanders looked solid against a New Orleans defense that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game.
Key points
- Jordan Love continues to ascend, while Caleb Williams falls.
- Baker Mayfield’s decline has left Tampa Bay’s passing offense in trouble.
- Carson Beck is set to get eight games with the Cardinals.
- Michael Penix Jr. completed one of nine passes under pressure for minus-3 yards and an interception.