—
Source: ESPN
Summary
Nick Wright updated his quarterback mountain rankings after Week 2, noting injuries to Sam Darnold, Jayden Daniels, and Jaxson Dart. Trevor Lawrence fell from No. 1 after a week of mixed performances. Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford were placed in row two, while Josh Allen remained at the top. Wright also commented on injuries, player performances, and team dynamics, including criticism of Justin Herbert and praise for Bo Nix and Brock Purdy.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
Lamar Jackson had a bad half, Mahomes had a big game but didn’t top the mountain.
Injuries kept knocking people off, and the mountain kept shifting.
Wright blamed everyone but the players for their struggles.
Josh Allen stays on top, and no one questions it.
Author: Evan Null
Nick Wright’s Quarterback Mountain
Nick Wright’s quarterback mountain has a new occupant at the top. Trevor Lawrence’s stay at No. 1 lasted exactly one week, and after a Sunday that included a bad half from Lamar Jackson, a big statistical outing that still wasn’t enough for Patrick Mahomes to take the top spot.
The injury list keeps growing, too. Sam Darnold, Jayden Daniels and Jaxson Dart are all off the mountain due to injuries. So who does that leave at the top? Here’s how Wright sees the league’s quarterbacks entering Week 3.
Wright started with the growing list of quarterback injuries. He poured one out for 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers and questioned if he would ever return. Jameis Winston, Cam Ward, and Malik Willis were all mentioned as being in tough spots.
On the injury list, Wright said: “Jayden Daniels evidently might not want to have surgery. Jaxson Dart, we’re still awaiting the news on. Darnold could be back soon, but he’s been out, so he’s off the mountain.” Caleb Williams stays eligible: “Caleb hasn’t missed a game yet and might play, so he’s still mountain eligible.”
Wright’s Comments on Quarterbacks
Wright criticized Justin Herbert, blaming the left guard, Jim Harbaugh, and Trey Harris for his struggles. He also praised Deshaun Watson, saying it “couldn’t happen to a better guy.”
Bo Nix moved up after a fourth-quarter comeback, while Kyler Murray returned to the mountain. Jacoby Brissett remained consistent, and Jordan Love stayed in the sixth row.
Wright said Drake Maye had a poor start to the season and questioned what version of him the Patriots would see. He also praised C.J. Stroud, saying he played well despite a low-scoring game.
Quarterback Rankings and Movements
Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts were placed in the fourth row. Jalen Hurts struggled in a game where he was dared to pass. Jared Goff moved up after a strong performance against the Bills.
Lamar Jackson dropped slightly after a disappointing second half. Brock Purdy was praised for his performance despite losing receivers.
Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford were placed in row two, with Wright confident Mahomes would climb to the top. Josh Allen remained at the top of the mountain.
Injuries and Player Performances
Wright noted the growing list of injured quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold, Jayden Daniels, and Jaxson Dart. He also mentioned Caleb Williams as the only quarterback who had not missed a game.
Wright criticized the media for holding Justin Herbert to unrealistic standards, blaming the offensive line and coaching staff for his struggles. He praised Bo Nix and Brock Purdy for their performances.
Final Thoughts on the Quarterback Mountain
Wright’s rankings reflect the ever-changing landscape of the NFL quarterback position. Injuries, performances, and coaching decisions all play a role in where players stand on the mountain.
Josh Allen remains at the top, and no one questions it. Wright’s comments highlight the challenges faced by quarterbacks and the expectations placed on them.
As the season progresses, the mountain will continue to shift, and new names will rise and fall based on performance and circumstance.
