The quarterback position is key to making or breaking a team. Without a competent quarterback, a team can kiss their playoff chances goodbye.

Over the past couple of years, an era in professional football has slowly come to an end. Some of the most iconic quarterbacks like the Manning brothers, Drew Brees, and of course the GOAT, Tom Brady, all retired. 

The talent in the league is fresh and young. For the first time, in what feels like forever, the top quarterbacks are all in their 20s, meaning a new era has begun. With the NFL season starting soon and 32 starting quarterbacks competing for the top spot, I’ve narrowed them down to the top three quarterbacks going into the 2023 season.

Number One: Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs

2022 stats: 20 games | 67.8 pct | 5,953 pass yds | 48 pass TD | 12 interceptions | 418 rush yds | 4 rush TD | 6 fumbles

Come on, do I even have to explain this pick? Patrick Mahomes has the number one QB spot under his wing. There is no match, nobody to compare to Mahomes. Mahomes has had one of the most impressive careers in NFL history, and there’s no sign that he’s slowing down any time soon.

At such a young age, Mahomes has accomplished more than the average QB will accomplish in his whole career. Mahomes already has two Super Bowl wins, and two NFL MVPs, and his future is only looking brighter.

Mahomes altered the way fans view quarterbacks. He raises the bar for QBs. His creativity under pressure, playmaking ability, and cannon of an arm have allowed him to become one of the greatest.

Number Two: Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals

2022 stats: 19 games | 68.0 pct | 5,196 pass yds | 39 pass TD | 14 interceptions | 327 rush yds | 6 rush TD | 6 fumbles

If there’s any QB that can beat Mahomes, Burrow is your pick. Burrow is the only QB currently in the NFL that beat Mahomes in the postseason.

Burrow led Cincy to the Super Bowl in just his second year in the NFL. (Keep in mind he was injured for most of his first year). Although he didn’t take home the Lombardi Trophy, he brought his team newly earned respect and a huge fandom.

Burrow’s skill set relies on his mobility and his ability to adapt against all odds. He depends on precision and feel. His dynamics with his teammates also strengthen his performance. Burrow and his wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase have been playing together since college, and have become a deadly duo. 

Unfortunately, Burrows’s offensive linemen aren’t the best. Burrow got sacked more than any other QB in the league. With a better offensive lineman, the Bengals should be guaranteed a Super Bowl win. 

Number Three: Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles

2022 stats: 18 games | 66.5 pct | 4,280 pass yds | 25 pass TD | 6 interception | 903 rush yds | 18 rush TD | 11 fumbles

With only three seasons, Jalen Hurts has established himself as a dual threat and nightmare for opposing defenses. 

Hurts’ great speed, agility and a strong arm has allowed him to be one of the best QBs in the league. Hurts can use his legs to extend plays in the pocket, giving his team a greater advantage. He also has far more rushing yards than any other QB in the league. Hurts’ good arm allows him to throw long distances. Not many QBs can use both their legs and their arms, which makes Hurts a force to reckon with.

Although Hurts was unable to beat Mahomes in the Super Bowl, his response to defeat and leadership proved to all that the Eagles would find a way back to the Super Bowl.

2022 Stats by ESPN