A few things I enjoy about every NFL season is seeing teams go worst-to-first, from pretenders to contenders, and of course, breakout performances like the quarterback leap.
I recently logged every quarterback leap since 2000 to find the most common factors linking them together as we look ahead to project leaps in 2024. The primary factors leading to quarterback leaps can be placed into four buckets. Development, coaching, supporting cast and a change of scenery. In case you missed this week’s topics so far, I covered the history of quarterback leaps on Monday and the young quarterbacks most likely to take a leap on Tuesday.
Today is all about coaching, because this was the second-most common thread since 2000, showing up as the primary factor in 23 of the 97 leaps. It was relevant in 2023 as Baker Mayfield had a resurgent season with offensive coordinator Dave Canales, and Lamar Jackson returned to MVP form with offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
One of my favorite historical examples of a coach leading to a quarterback leap is Alex Smith with Jim Harbaugh and the 2011 49ers. Smith, a former top overall pick, was a complete bust up to that point in his career. He had a new offensive coordinator every year and couldn’t shake the injury bug. Everything changed in 2011 as he had a career year and the 49ers reached the NFC Championship game.
So who is this year’s Alex Smith or Baker Mayfield? Here’s a look at three veteran quarterbacks with a new head coach or offensive coordinator. For this exercise I’ll only look at returning signal-callers.
Editor’s note: This is Part 3 of a five-part series that dives deep into NFL quarterbacks making sudden, massive improvement, which we’ve dubbed ‘Quarterback Leap Week.’ To see what’s coming each day this week, scroll down to the end of this story.
Justin Herbert is the most likely quarterback with a new coach to take a leap in 2024. I…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/justin-herbert-highlights-most-likely-quarterbacks-to-take-leap-with-new-coach-in-2024-nfl-season/
Author : Douglas Clawson
Publish date : 2024-06-26 12:33:41
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