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NFL: 5 QBs That Need To Step Up

By Eric Saar

Nov 2, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by Oakland Raiders linebacker Sio Moore (55) and cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by Oakland Raiders linebacker Sio Moore (55) and cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Looking at which NFL QBs need to step up for their respective teams to make the playoffs.

We’re past the midway point of the NFL season. Some teams are on their way to cruising into the playoffs, others need a big push this next few weeks to make it to the postseason, while another group of teams has already given up hope.

The middle group is the one we are interested in right now.

There are players on these fringe playoff teams that need to step up and make an impact, if their team is going to make any noise and make the playoffs.

Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)

While he has had a couple good games this year, Wilson will need to be more dynamic to get back to the postseason and anywhere near defending their Superbowl. He is 25th in the league in passing yards with 1,669 on the year with a measly 209 yards a game through the air.

Wilson really needs to try and stretch the field as his yards per attempt average is only 6.90. That means he is usually just dumping off the ball to someone a few yards in front of the line of scrimmage and asking them to make a play. He’s going to have to take some smart shots down the field to stretch the field and give Marshawn Lynch some running lanes.

The Arizona Cardinals have the best record in football and look like they will run away with the division so Seattle has to rack up some wins if they want a wild card spot.

Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) rolls out of the pocket during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) rolls out of the pocket during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Saints defeated the Panthers 28-10. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)

Drew Brees’ stats haven’t been bad. His yards per attempt is good, as well as overall yards and completion percentage. However, the Saints are 4-4. While they are in the lead in the horrible NFC South, they are going to need to get over the hump and not have these close losses. They’ve lost one game in overtime and two others by a combined three points.

The problem has surprisingly been Brees’ touchdown to interception ratio. He only has one game with three touchdowns, but also has a three interception game. He is tied for 10th with Tony Romo and Matt Ryan with 15 TDs and in a six-way tie for seventh-worst with eight interceptions. Brees has shown he can be better than that. And he will have to be in the Saints are to hold off the Panthers for the division winning playoff spot.

Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers)

Newton and the Panthers are in a similar position to the Saints, but at least one game behind (Saints haven’t had their bye, Panthers tied with the Bengals). Cam sits at 20th among quarterbacks in passing yards with a good yards per attempt average. He used to run a bunch, but is just now getting healthy enough for him to be effective with his legs. Newton is tied for 27th in passing touchdowns, though tied for 19th in interceptions with only five, which is good.

They have a tough road ahead to catch the Saints for the division, because neither of them is getting a wild card spot.

Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

Andy Dalton (Cincinnati Bengals)

Andy Dalton did not have a good game Thursday night against the Cleveland Browns. They lost 24-3 and Dalton only threw for 86 yards! Following three interceptions, he eventually got benched for Jason Campbell. Dalton has been suffering without his star wide receiver A.J. Green, but had him in this game and couldn’t even get a single touchdown. Dalton hasn’t even thrown for three TDs in a game all season.

When the Bengals lose, they lose big. In their three losses, they’ve been outscored 94-20. Dalton needs to pick his production up, especially as there is no excuse with Green back, as Cincinnati needs to fight really hard if they are going to nab a wild card spot.

Phillip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)

The Chargers just lost 37-0…to the Dolphins. That’s just embarrassing.

Phillip Rivers is in that group with eight interceptions, but had been playing well as he’s already racked up 20 TDs. The problem is the Chargers are on a three-game losing streak with losses to the Broncos, Chiefs and now the Dolphins. In that stretch he has 5 TDs to 6 INTs. That is not going to cut it.

The Chargers won’t win the division as they are behind the Broncos and the Chiefs. They need to hope they win enough for a wild card spot.

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