5 NFL quarterbacks under the most pressure to perform well in 2023

Expectations for quarterbacks continue to rise. Offensive explosions are the norm in the NFL – forcing franchises to invest in arm talent.

Transactions in the offseason via free agency and the draft helped teams adjust for the upcoming season. Franchises share the same objectives. Score points and win football games.

While fans watch athletes report to OTAs and training camps, analysts evaluate success odds. There will be 32 starting quarterbacks entering Week 1. Which ones will be under the most pressure to perform?

NFL Quarterback #5: Deshaun Watson

This will be Deshaun Watson’s first full season with the Browns. Fans are anxious and expect to see results. In 2023, Cleveland finished at the bottom of the AFC North. The offense struggled to score points (21.2) and couldn’t rely on their defense to hold opposing offenses. Jacoby Brissett did his best to fill in. The results were sub-par. Watson returned from a lengthy suspension at the end of the campaign. He experienced his first offseason with the franchise and should be ready to navigate Cleveland through an eventful season.

NFL Quarterback #4: Kenny Pickett

Impressive showings during his rookie year helped Pittsburgh’s fanbase buy into a short rebuild. Head Coach Mike Tomlin put his faith behind rookie Kenny Pickett for the majority of the 2022 campaign. George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth helped Pickett control his offense. No. 8 saved Pittsburgh’s season – winning three of the last four games.

High praise with few accomplishments placed Pickett on my list. His stats did not jump off the page, but he proved to be a leader in the locker room. Pickett will become a great quarterback for the Steelers, but he must show consistency beginning this season.