Who needs to bounce back in NFL Week 15? (QB Edition)

Week 15 of the 2023 NFL season is here and we are getting oh so close to the playoffs. But, before we get there we still have some bounce back opportunities and this week is for quarterbacks only.

1. Patrick Mahomes

The current MVP and the Chiefs haven’t had the most spectacular season, but nonetheless Mahomes still produces more often than not. Over the past few weeks though there have been the odd mistake or poor throw, that you usually don’t see with Mahomes. You also can see that visually he is more serious and maybe has just lost a little bit of enjoyment.

That comes with being an intense competitor though and he now has the rest of the regular season to get back to winning ways. I just want to see him play clean football, get back to enjoying it and everything else will take care of itself. His next few weeks are all in preparation for another swing at a championship.

2. Jordan Love

Love has been hitting his stride and playing top level football of late, but against the Giants in week 14, he was just a little bit off. He didn’t look as comfortable or poised, his throws were not accurate and he made his life just that little bit more difficult than it needed to be.

He now faces a tough test against a Tampa Bay defense that will get after him, so he needs to make that performance against the Giants just a small bump in the road to bigger and better things. In his first season as a starter he still has a real chance at playoff football, although a lot of that will come down to what level of play he produces.

We have seen of late just how good he can be and that is exciting, we just need to see it on a consistent basis. It’s a great test for him in week 15 and a great chance to ball out.

3. Bryce Young

I really feel for the number one pick – he was drafted as many are at number one, into a bad situation. Now, some will have thought he might go in and light it up and the fact the QB after him has done that, (which is rare) only makes it more difficult to watch for Panthers QB Bryce Young.

Young doesn’t have the offensive weapons needed yet, he also has an offensive line that can’t give him time or protection and that is a recipe for disaster. He faces the Falcons who are hit and miss, so this is a chance to maybe go out and find some success to build on.

It would be great if the Panthers could look at adding in some extra protection on plays or maybe even just trying to move the pocket a little more, but regardless of that I would love to see Young have a little more to cheer about come the end of this week. He will have one eye on off season and he will be thinking about how he can bounce back in year 2.

4. Jalen Hurts

Hurts has faced some criticism for the majority of this season. He hasn’t played at his peak form but even after back to back defeats, the Eagles are sitting pretty and looking forward to the playoffs. Hurts, though he says it’s all about winning, will want to have some top tier performances, partly for his confidence and partly to quiet down all the outside noise.

The Eagles have a talent packed roster, but they aren’t looking or playing like a team that are Super Bowl bound. That could change very quickly though if they start putting on performances that we know they can. Hurts has a steep hill to climb though as he faces a Seahawks team desperate to win and who can certainly win if Hurts and company aren’t on their A game.

This is a big game and we will find out a lot about Hurts when this one is done.

5. Jared Goff

Goff at points this year was getting his name mentioned in the MVP circle, he was playing that good. That is no longer the case because of late, he has found things rather difficult. The three lost fumbles against the Packers. The volume of interceptions from the beginning of the season to now, is rising. He just doesn’t look comfortable and as well as this season, he is playing for a contract extension which was looking a certainty. I’m not sure how certain it is now though.

The Lions don’t have the pass rush for me to view them as a championship contender, but with that in mind, they certainly can’t be one if Goff doesn’t pick his form back up. The one time Ram has Superbowl experience, he knows what is needed, it’s just time to go and do it. He has the support of his team mates, he has the ability, but for one reason or another things just aren’t aligned currently.

A big game against the Broncos would go a long way to building him back up and Goff, as experienced as he is, knows it only takes one game to get back rolling. I’d expect the Lions to have a few trick plays up their sleeve to try get Goff going early on in this game.

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The QB edition is complete. We have a great line up and we 100 percent have good odds of seeing some big bounce back performances. Enjoy this week’s action and keep a close eye on the QB’s above.