The 2023 National Football League season is filled with surprises, the kinds that can make die-hard fans cry.
From the Philadelphia Eagles to the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals to the New York Jets, Bryce Young to Justin Herbert, there was stuff that could have been better.
While fans are left devastated over how their season turned, though some still have a chance to redeem themselves in the NFL Playoffs, this season is also filled with inspiring stories from quarterbacks who at the start of the season were either counted or were not expected to do well.
This list does not include MVP candidates and is limited to players who were unheralded the past season and players who are only in their first season
1. Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have moved on from Aaron Rodgers, and they are moving on with great optimism, thanks to Jordan Love who in the past game showed he could be the new cornerstone for the Packers.
In the playoff-clinching game against the Chicago Bears, he threw for 316 yards and led two touchdowns together with Dontayvion Wicks.
Read more: 5 Reasons San Francisco 49ers Will Win Super Bowl LVIII
Doubters had a field day on Love after the Packers went 2-5 in their first seven patience is a virtue. Love eventually came through as a Rodgers' successor by helping the team win seven of their last 10.
He concluded the season with 3,843 passing yards to finish 10th in the league and 30 touchdowns (3rd overall), and 61.9 QBR (9th overall).
Love did not just lengthen the Packers season. He also gave them hope in the seasons to come.
2. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud is a rookie so naturally, expectations were tempered. However, the second-overall pick of 2023 played above what was expected of him. For that, the Houston Texans clinched the AFC South and reached the playoff for the first time since 2019.
He had game-winning drives against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cincinnati Bengals, unraveling the talent that Texans drafted him for.
In their last game against the Indianapolis Colts, he delivered like a veteran completing 20 of 26 passes for 264 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Houston was not expected to make a playoff run but here they are. And they will be there in the years to come as long as Stroud continues his brilliance.
3. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has become quite a journeyman since coming in to the league as a no. 1 overall pick in 2019.
The 2017 Heisman Trophy winner already played for four teams and made just one postseason (with the Cleveland Browns in 2020).
He was taken in by the Buccaneers at the start of the 2023 season after Tom Brady retired. The team were not expected to make the playoffs and Mayfield's contract is not expected to be renewed.
The first statement did not happen. The second one may be revised, too.
Mayfield, who will turn 29 by the start of the 2024 season, is having a career resurgence in Tampa Bay.
He has so far completed 64.4% of his passes for 4,404 yards (9th in the league) with 28 touchdowns (tied for fourth) and 10 interceptions. This year, he recorded his career highs in passing yards, touchdowns and completion percentage.
4. Joe Flacco, Cleveland Browns
Many point to the upcoming NFL playoffs showdown between the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns as the 'feel good matchup' because of the quarterbacks from the two teams.
Stroud has been discussed but one should not overlook what Joe Flacco accomplished for the Browns, at 38 years old.
The Super Bowl champ and 2012 Super Bowl MVP has been through it all but to lead a young team as one of the oldest guys in the squad is a different undertaking. . and he delivered.
The Browns made a run in the last months with Flacco in the lead. He helped them record four straight wins, completing 123 passes, 1,616 yards, and 13 touchdowns.
For that, they finished second in the AFC North.
Related article: Jordan Love Salary - How Much Is the Packers' Rising Star Making Per Year?
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