Summary
- Young quarterbacks show promising developments in NFL season.
- Bryce Young continues to improve for Carolina Panthers.
- Houston Texans struggle with inconsistency despite talent.
- Tua Tagovailoa is proving to be more than a system quarterback.
NFL Week 12: The current NFL season shows once again how crucial the development of young quarterbacks is to the success of their teams. From promising comebacks to unexpected stumbles. We take a detailed look at the latest developments and analyze the key moments from last Sunday.
NFL Week 12 Recap
Bryce Young: Patience pays off.
The Carolina Panthers have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions this season, especially when it comes to their quarterback Bryce Young. The first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft got off to a rocky start, but recent developments give cause for hope.
After his break, Young returned to the field with renewed vigor. He showed steady improvement in his last four starts, culminating in an impressive performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. Of particular note is his response to the immense pressure he was under: With a blitz rate of 40% – the highest this season – Young held his nerve and completed 11 of 14 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.
The statistics speak for themselves: Young also completed 9 successful passes on 16 attempts of 10 or more yards. These numbers underscore his growing confidence in his own abilities and increasing chemistry with his receivers.
The patience of the Panthers organization is now paying off. Despite initial difficulties, they stuck with their young quarterback and even resisted trade requests from other teams. This steadfastness could prove to be a prescient decision, as Young is showing clear signs that he has the potential to develop into a true franchise quarterback.
Houston Texans: When expectations and reality collide.
The Houston Texans find themselves in a paradoxical situation. On the one hand, they were considered a rising Super Bowl contender before the season, but on the other hand, they seem to have perfected the art of losing.
The center of attention is quarterback CJ Stroud, who is now struggling with unexpected difficulties after a spectacular rookie season. His mistakes, coupled with an inconsistent defensive performance, have put the Texans in a precarious position.
The game against the Detroit Lions in Week 10 provided a particularly frustrating example. Despite five interceptions by Lions quarterback Jared Goff, the Texans were unable to win the game. The game in NFL Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans was similarly puzzling, in which Houston ended up losing despite eight sacks against Will Levis and a pick-six.
Although the Texans are heading for another AFC South title, the expectations for the team go far beyond that. In order to play a serious role in the playoffs, the offensive line in particular needs to be strengthened. This is the only way CJ Stroud’s further development can be optimally supported.
Tua Tagovailoa: More than just a system quarterback?
The debate about Tua Tagovailoa and his status as a supposed “system quarterback” flares up again and again. But the current season provides convincing arguments that the Dolphins playmaker is much more than just a product of a quarterback-friendly system.
Tagovailoa’s importance to the Dolphins’ offense was particularly evident during his absence. Without him, Miami’s otherwise dynamic attack seemed almost helpless. Since his return five games ago, the picture has completely changed: The Dolphins offense now shares second place with the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens in terms of EPA/Play (Expected Points Added per Play).
Tagovailoa and his team face a crucial test next Thursday in Green Bay. If the Dolphins get their fourth win in a row, it would be time to seriously discuss their playoff chances.
Chicago Bears: Bright spots in a bleak season.
Another disappointing season is coming to an end for the Chicago Bears. Five straight losses have all but ended the Bears’ playoff hopes – it would be their fourth straight season without a postseason appearance.
But amid the sporting misery there is a glimmer of hope: the development of quarterback Caleb Williams. After a change in the offensive coordinator position, Williams showed significant progress. His performance against the strong Minnesota Vikings defense last Sunday was his best performance of the season so far.
Some of his throws were particularly impressive, including a spectacular pass while running, which underlines the young quarterback’s enormous potential. With the right coaching decisions in the offseason, Chicago could spring some positive surprises next season.
Will Levis: Tennessee-Enigma.
Will Levis remains one of the most intriguing figures of this NFL season. His performance fluctuates between brilliant and worrisome from snap to snap, making him a difficult player to evaluate.
Last Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans was a prime example of Levis’ inconsistency. On the one hand, he impressed with 18 successful passes on 24 attempts for 278 yards and two touchdowns against a strong Texans defense. On the other hand, he recorded eight sacks and was almost responsible for another momentous pick-six.
The negative plays inevitably raise the question of whether the Titans will rely on Levis as their starting quarterback in the long term. Nevertheless, he continues to show signs of his potential. The recent win, which temporarily catapulted the Titans out of the top five of the upcoming draft, may have paradoxically increased Levis’ chances of a future in Tennessee.
Seattle Seahawks: The defense finds its old strength.
The Seattle Seahawks are still looking for consistency in their defensive performance, but the shining moments are piling up. The game against the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday marked the highlight so far: The Seahawks defense only allowed two field goals and sealed the victory with a pick-six in the second half.
This performance underlines why head coach Mike Macdonald was one of the most sought-after candidates in the last coaching cycle. With another offseason to recruit additional players to its defensive scheme, Seattle could put up such dominant performances on a regular basis next season.
The fight for the first draft pick.
The number of teams with just two wins has decreased after both the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns picked up their third win of the season. This leaves the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders as leading contenders for the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The difficult remaining schedule and the decision to rely on quarterback Tommy DeVito speak in favor of the Giants. But the direct duel between the Jaguars and the Raiders in Week 16 could have a decisive influence on the draft order.
The coming weeks promise pure excitement not only in the fight for the playoff places, but also at the bottom of the table.
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