NFL QBs Under the Most Pressure 2023: Season Analysis for Brock Purdy, Dak Prescott & More

With Tom Brady finally retiring this offseason, it really feels like the NFL has hit a new age at the quarterback position. This is the most young talent that the league has seen at the position in a long time. Even with all of the talent across the NFL, there are several quarterbacks who have a lot on their plate and must succeed in 2023. If not, they run the risk of losing their job or the support of their fanbase.

Quarterbacks Facing the Most Pressure in 2023

Here are five quarterbacks under the most pressure in 2023:

1. Brock Purdy – San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers former Mr. Irrelevant is facing a lot of pressure after the 49ers officially invested in him as the starting quarterback.

The 2022 last overall pick proved he was way better than his draft status when he led the red and gold to an 8-0 record in all the games he played at least three quarters in. Though his status for this upcoming season was uncertain amid a torn UCL, he ended up recovering in time for training camp and officially took the starting job.

The 49ers traded former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance to the Dallas Cowboys, proving they are all in on Purdy. Still, Purdy has limited experience as an NFL starting quarterback. Even though he had a phenomenal rookie year, he has yet to play over an entire NFL season.

He also faces pressure because he is the leader of one of the most talented teams in the NFL. The 49ers have one of the most loaded rosters from top to bottom with stars like George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and Trent Williams. With all of these players in their prime and Purdy on a bargain rookie contract, now’s the perfect time for the team to take advantage of their Super Bowl window.

the game is too easy for Brock Purdy pic.twitter.com/M3yk5v1HYj

— 🦅 #SurvivingJiAyir (@SadNinersFan) August 28, 2023

2. Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers

After the Green Bay Packers have now had Hall of Fame quarterback play for over 20 years, they have become rightfully spoiled. While it may not be fair, fourth-year quarterback Jordan Love has the daunting task of taking over the Packers’ gig after Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers most recently roamed the Green Bay backfield.

Love has patiently been waiting in the wings since he was drafted in the first round of 2020. Though expectations may not be high for the Packers in 2023, Love will definitely be expected to show serious potential as the future of Green Bay or they may look in another direction.

3. Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans quarterback has been under scrutiny for a couple of years now, since he threw three interceptions in a playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Following that loss, the Titans missed the playoffs in 2022 for the first time in three years.

To make it more clear the Titans aren’t sold on the 35-year-old Tannehill, they have drafted quarterbacks in back-to-back years. Tennessee took Malik Willis in the third round in 2022, before grabbing Will Levis in the second round this year. They clearly are investing in other options outside of Tannehill, and likely won’t be afraid to turn to either of their younger quarterbacks if Tannehill falters.

4. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys

There are few positions under constant watch more than the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback. Unfortunately for Dak Prescott, that means he is regularly up for critique, maybe more than any other QB in the NFL.

Prescott came under fire after another disappointing early playoff exit to the 49ers. Though regularly making the playoffs and divisional round would be considered a success for most quarterbacks, anything less than a Super Bowl run is not enough for the Cowboys.

To make matters worse, Prescott struggled with turnovers last year. Despite missing five games due to injury, Dak still tied for the league lead in interceptions with fifteen. If Prescott doesn’t limit turnovers and/or lead a deep Dallas playoff run, he may be on the hot seat by the end of the year.

Good morning, here are some Dak Prescott highlightspic.twitter.com/TN5yjXWsUK

— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) July 9, 2023

5. Russell Wilson – Denver Broncos

The Russell Wilson trade was a major failure for the Denver Broncos in year one. In the 2022 offseason, the Broncos traded two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris, and Drew Lock in exchange for Wilson and a fourth-round pick.

The trade was supposed to put the Broncos in playoff contention in a crowded AFC West with the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. Yet it did the opposite. In Wilson’s first season, the Broncos went 4-11 all while Wilson had one of his worst statistical seasons as a passer. Wilson set career-lows in both completion percentage and touchdowns, posting a 60.5% completion percentage and just 16 touchdowns, far from the game-changing quarterback Denver anticipated.

Though Wilson was heavily criticized, the brunt of the blame fell on the offensive line and coach Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired. Since, the Broncos have added offensive mastermind Sean Payton as their new head coach and bolstered their offensive line by adding former San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey. With these new pieces all intact, Wilson has no excuses left and must play way better.