The New Era Of Quarterbacks
The Divisional Round is here. Eight teams. Eight quarterbacks. Four games.
But something is slightly different about the divisional round this year.
All of the quarterbacks are under the age of 30.
It’s officially official, there is a new generation of quarterbacks and they have truly come alive this season and in the playoffs so far.
If you told me five years ago that we would see a postseason without Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, the Mannings, Drew Brees, or Ben Roethlisberger I simply wouldn’t believe you. Although half of these greats are now retired, it feels wrong that none of these guys are out gunning for the Lombardi Trophy right now.
Instead, we have eight quarterbacks under 30 fighting to prove they are the best of their generation.
Of the eight quarterbacks, only one of them has won a Super Bowl and that is none other than Patrick Mahomes.
Despite his loss to the Rams last year, Joe Burrow is the only other quarterback of the group to have made it to the superbowl.
For some of these quarterbacks, it is their very first time in the playoffs or in Brock Purdy’s case it's just his very first season.
To make things more interesting, two of these teams have never won a Super Bowl - the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars. In fact, the Jaguars haven’t even been to one.
Trying to predict which quarterback will be able to successfully lead his team to victory is nearly impossible as this is the most even spread we have seen in years.
There is no doubt the Super Bowl is more than possible for all of the remaining teams and us fans are in for an unforgettable postseason.
This new era of quarterbacks are not to be underestimated as they are here to stay and will continue to dominate the league for the next decade.
These quarterbacks are really hard not to like and there are reasons to root for all of them.
Brock Purdy - 23 years old
Stepping up to the plate as a rookie third string quarterback is already a big deal in itself but being undefeated in these circumstances is what is truly impressive.
Thus far in his NFL career, Brock Purdy is 7-0 and he has taken full advantage of this opportunity to show San Francisco and the rest of America what he is made of.
It’s impossible not to root for Purdy, a rookie class act chasing his dreams.
Trevor Lawrence - 23 years old
It is hard to hate watching Trevor Lawrence play football. Ever since he was in college, fans of all kinds have loved him.
After beating the Chargers last week in impeccable comeback fashion, fans just want to see more of what this young quarterback has to offer.
Not to mention, Lawrence has yet to lose on a Saturday in his entire football career.
And who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
Jalen Hurts - 24 years old
There’s not much to say about this guy other than he is an absolute force to be reckoned with.
It has been clear all season that Jalen Hurts is here to win and he doesn’t care if he needs to take matters into his own hands to do so.
Philly fans love watching Hurts, and whether we would like to admit or not, so do the rest of us.
Daniel Jones - 25 years old
Although he is slightly underrated, Daniel Jones has definitely earned the respect he deserves this season.
He is a prominent leader and knows just how to lead his Giants to victory.
No doubt, Jones has what it takes and he has continued to show that all season.
Joe Burrow - 26 years old
One thing that is clear about Joe Burrow is that he is out for revenge.
After losing the Super Bowl last year, he is determined to make it back but this time for the trophy.
The more we watch him the more we learn he is more than capable of it.
No one roots against Burrow and that is just a plain fact.
Josh Allen - 26 years old
Josh Allen is simply America’s sweetheart. He’s a true class act with a cannon for an arm.
His passion for the game shows on and off the field and he has proved to be more than deserving of a Super Bowl appearance.
After losing two heartbreakers to Kansas City the past two postseasons, Allen is also seeking his revenge which makes this Bills vs Bengals game a must watch.
Patrick Mahomes - 27 years old
Patrick Mahomes is easily the most entertaining quarterback to watch as there are absolutely no limits to what he can do.
Each week he surprises fans more than the last and he is an undisputed natural.
Ever since he entered the league he has been able to remain consistent and dominate the AFC.
Although the talent seems to keep growing in the AFC, we know better than to overlook Mahomes.
After all, he did just break the record for the most passing yards in a single season. Ever.
Dak Prescott - 29 years old
The third and last, but most definitely not the least NFC East quarterback is the one and only Dak Prescott.
No one knows how to utilize their weapons like Prescott and although he has been in this league for some time he continues to show us he always has more to offer.
Hungry for his first Super Bowl appearance, there is no doubt he will take down anything that stands in his way.
So there we have it, the next generation of quarterbacks all battling this weekend.
Impossible to predict what’s ahead, but all the more to look forward to.
Gia Sabatino is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gms6168@psu.edu.
