The coming 2023 NFL season is going to be very important for a few quarterbacks who surely have no excuses if they don’t succeed. I think these three quarterbacks are very fortunate, as their respective teams made huge strides to give them the best chance to develop and breakout.
I noticed that the three QBs I picked for this title are all young QBs who have not hit their stride yet. Two of them are entering their second year in the NFL, and while they are still young and could get a third reason, the 2023 season should be no excuse for them to succeed.
Which three QBs in the NFL have absolutely no excuses in 2023?
2023 NFL Season: Three quarterbacks who have no excuses
Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett looked OK as a rookie in 2022 for the Steelers. The offensive line was shaky and the pass catchers for average at best. Now, in 2023, that has all changed. The Steelers made huge investments along their offensive line, signing Isaac Seumalo and drafting Broderick Jones.
They also brought in Allen Robinson at wide receiver, and second-year WR George Pickens should take a huge step forward. If Pickett cannot show progress from year one to year two, the Steelers may be looking to the QB market for an improvement come 2024.
Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons
Desmond Ridder has no excuses coming into his second year in the NFL. He looked solid an efficient as a rookie in his limited action, and Arthur Smith is an established offensive mind. The team added some pieces on offense in 2023 and now boast players like Bijan Robinson, Mack Hollins, and Scotty Miller on offense.
The offense has taken shape and the defense saw a plethora of new and quality players added to it. Atlanta should be a viable team that can win the NFC South this year, but it all hinges on Ridder. I also get the impression that if the Falcons don’t finish with a winning record this year, major changes could be coming.
The NFL is a tough business, and Ridder might have to endure that if he doesn’t perform well in 2023.
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Much like Ridder, Fields saw his team add some very quality pieces to both sides of the ball, and now the pressure is on. Fields all of a sudden has a solid core of pass catchers to throw to in DJ Moore, Darnell Mooney, Chase Claypool, Cole Kmet, and Robert Tonyan.
The offensive line is solidified after additions of Nate Davis in free agency and Darnell Wright in the 2023 NFL Draft. GM Ryan Poles also added to the defense as well. The Bears are entering a crucial 2023 season in a winnable NFC North.
Fields has what he needs to succeed. The ball is in his court now.