The NFL is witnessing a resurgence of young quarterbacks and prospects who are not just filling the shoes of veterans but are setting new standards for the game.
Quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow are redefining the league with their impressive performances, football IQ, and versatility.
As the 2024 season unfolds, their statistics continue to prove why they are the leaders of this new generation of talent.
Patrick Mahomes: Leading the Pack
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs has been the face of this resurgence since his MVP-winning season in 2018. At just 28 years old, Mahomes continues to set records.
In 2023, he threw for an astounding 5,250 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, demonstrating why he’s still considered the gold standard among quarterbacks. Despite facing challenges with offensive line protection and a revolving door of receivers, Mahomes continues to excel under pressure.
| Patrick Mahomes 2023 Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 5,250 |
| Touchdowns | 41 |
| Interceptions | 14 |
| Passer Rating | 105.2 |
| Rushing Yards | 358 |
His ability to thrive in both regular season and postseason play makes Mahomes a perennial contender for MVP and Super Bowl titles. His dual ability to extend plays with his legs while maintaining accuracy from the pocket has set the benchmark for modern quarterbacks.
Josh Allen: The Dual-Threat Dynamo
Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen has made his case now for a quarterback to watch. With 4,283 passing yards and 35 passing touchdowns in 2023, Allen’s stats show why he is considered one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. However, Allen’s versatility doesn’t stop at his arm—he also contributed 762 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns last season.
| Josh Allen 2023 Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,283 |
| Touchdowns (Passing) | 35 |
| Interceptions | 18 |
| Rushing Yards | 762 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 7 |
Allen’s unique ability to excel both in the air and on the ground makes him a nightmare for defensive coordinators. Although he led the league in interceptions with 18 in 2023, his completion rate through the start of 2024 has seen a steady increase, standing at 73.8% (Pro Football Network).
Joe Burrow: The Calm Conqueror
Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals might be the youngest of the trio, but he’s already proven his mettle on the biggest stages. In 2023, Burrow threw for 4,404 yards and 34 touchdowns, leading the Bengals deep into the playoffs. His ability to dissect defenses, especially when blitzed, makes him one of the most unflappable quarterbacks in the NFL.
| Joe Burrow 2023 Stats | Value |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,404 |
| Touchdowns | 34 |
| Interceptions | 12 |
| Passer Rating | 102.4 |
| Playoff Wins | 2 |
Burrow’s remarkable accuracy and composure under pressure have allowed him to ascend quickly into the league’s elite. His 102.4 passer rating in 2023 highlights just how efficient he has become (NFL.com).
Comparative Analysis: Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow (2023 Season)
To better illustrate the dominance of these three young quarterbacks, here’s a comparative breakdown of their 2023 season stats:
| Player | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating | Rushing Yards | Playoff Wins |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Mahomes | 5,250 | 41 | 14 | 105.2 | 358 | 3 |
| Josh Allen | 4,283 | 35 | 18 | 94.2 | 762 | 1 |
| Joe Burrow | 4,404 | 34 | 12 | 102.4 | 270 | 2 |
Emerging Young Talents: Herbert, Hurts, and Lawrence
While Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow are the poster boys for this quarterback renaissance, other young talents are not far behind. Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles, and Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars are all showing immense promise. Herbert threw for over 4,739 yards in 2023, while Hurts demonstrated his dual-threat capability by rushing for 760 yards alongside 28 passing touchdowns (365Scores) (NFL.com).
| Young Quarterback Comparisons | Passing Yards (2023) | Touchdowns (2023) | Rushing Yards (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | 4,739 | 31 | 192 |
| Jalen Hurts | 3,859 | 28 | 760 |
| Trevor Lawrence | 4,113 | 25 | 255 |
Graph: NFL Quarterback Rushing Yards (2023)
| Quarterback | Rushing Yards (2023) |
|---|---|
| Josh Allen | 762 |
| Jalen Hurts | 760 |
| Patrick Mahomes | 358 |
| Justin Herbert | 192 |
| Joe Burrow | 270 |
This graph highlights how integral rushing yards have become for quarterbacks in the modern NFL, particularly for players like Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts, who have become dual-threat powerhouses.
The Future Outlook
The future of the NFL looks incredibly bright, with young quarterbacks dominating the landscape. As Mahomes continues to set records, Allen and Burrow remain hot on his heels. Meanwhile, Herbert, Hurts, and Lawrence are developing rapidly, ensuring the NFL will remain a quarterback-driven league for years to come.
This transition to a more mobile, versatile quarterback model marks a shift from the traditional pocket passers of old. Players like Mahomes, Allen, and Burrow are leading the charge, not just with their arms, but with their legs and football intelligence. As more teams invest in quarterbacks who can extend plays, evade pressure, and attack defenses in multiple ways, this trend will only continue.
Where The Trend Goes From Here On In
Overall, the comeback of young quarterbacks in the NFL and more precisely in the AFC has been refreshing all in all for the NFL — much needed too.
Players like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow are setting a new standard of excellence, combining traditional quarterback skills with the athleticism and versatility that today’s game demands.
As the 2024 season continues, it’s clear that these young quarterbacks are not just the future of the league—they are its present.
