The quarterback position is the most demanding it has ever been, as more and more teams move towards air-raid offenses. It is every team’s priority to make sure they have a viable quarterback option, every week they play. Despite the importance of the quarterback, not all 32 teams can be gifted with talented quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. That being said, here are the quarterbacks most likely to be benched in the upcoming NFL season.
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Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Ever since the Seahawks made the blockbuster deal that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, the quarterback position has been very uncertain in Seattle. Thus far the quarterback position has been between Drew Lock and Smith. Lock came to Seattle via the Wilson trade, on the other hand, Smith has been with the Seahawks since 2019. Throughout organized team activities, Smith looks to be leading the quarterback battle. Smith was seen taking almost all of the first team reps, while Lock was seen throwing to the second unit. Due to what the Seahawks have shown thus far, we will call Smith the starter for the 2022 season opener.
Since Smith was drafted by the New York Jets nine years ago, he has been mediocre every time he has seen snaps. Smith provides a good locker room presence, but that is about it. Most importantly, his arm strength has seriously deteriorated. Additionally, for someone who is looked at as a dual-threat quarterback, Smith no longer provides a serious rushing threat to defenses. Putting all that together, and his recent struggles, Smith has no place starting over the young Lock. Although Lock has struggled thus far, he is known to have a high ceiling and has had flashes of promise.
An example of Lock’s promise was in his rookie year when he posted an above-average 73 on-target percentage. This was very surprising for Lock, as his biggest concern coming into the NFL was his accuracy. Due to Lock’s high upside and the Seahawks entering a rebuild, there is no reason why at some point Lock will not take Smith’s spot.
Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders
Rookie year Wentz is what everyone wants to see in Washington, but we will get nothing of the sort. Since tearing his ACL, Wentz has never reached the level of success he once attained. Last year, in an attempt to rescue Wentz’s declining career year the Indianapolis Colts took a shot in the dark. They reunited Wentz with his rookie year offensive coordinator, and now Colts head coach, Frank Reich.
With the Colts, Wentz by all means was not horrible, but he was the same Wentz fans had become accustomed to. Week to week there was too much inconsistency to be the quarterback of a playoff team. Now Wentz is in Washington, which in past years has been known as a quarterback graveyard.
Washington’s passing offense has been nothing short of horrific, as they have finished 24th and 32nd in yards per completion, in the past two years. If Ron Rivera‘s failing system is not enough Washington does not protect their quarterbacks well either. In the past two years, the Washington offensive line has allowed their quarterback to be sacked on 7.35 percent of snaps, which is well below league average. The formula of a struggling quarterback, and an unproven offense is one that is not built for success. Do not be surprised if, in a cry for help, the Commanders decide to throw in rookie quarterback Sam Howell.
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Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts
As mentioned before, in mid-March of this year the Colts traded Wentz to the Commanders. After trading Wentz away, the Colts acquired veteran quarterback Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons. This trade was not just bad because Ryan is a declining quarterback, but it also keeps the Colts in purgatory at the quarterback position. Since the acquisitions of Philip Rivers, then Wentz, and most recently Ryan, the Colts have refused to make moves for a long-term quarterback.
As mentioned above, Ryan is also a quarterback on the decline. In the past few years, Ryan has really struggled to find success. This really showed last year as he threw only 20 touchdowns compared to his 12 interceptions. Additionally, the Colts’ surrounding pieces, do not compare to the surrounding pieces Ryan had in Atlanta. Prime Julio Jones, a young Calvin Ridley, and Austin Hooper were the staples of the talented offense Ryan was part of in Atlanta. Taking a look at the Colts’ receiving weapons, it is made up of a young and exciting Michael Pittman Jr. and not much else. Given Ryan’s recent struggles and a below-average receiving unit, prepare yourself for the Sam Ellingher era in Indianapolis.
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