The race for the distinction of top quarterback in the NFL has been a tight one all season, and it's getting even tighter by the week.
Entering Week 9, we have a lot to break down following another incredible week of action around the NFL. And as I always like to say, don't blink, because the season is going to be over before we know it. You've got to enjoy it.
One of the biggest quarterback developments in Week 8 was the latest injury suffered by Lamar Jackson, who appears to have a season-ending thumb injury. Some are speculating that it could have been the last time we see Jackson in a Ravens uniform, but that's another conversation for another time.
Let's take a look at some of the biggest risers and fallers in our latest QB power rankings, which has a newcomer to the top 5 overall.
NFL QB Power Rankings, Week 9: Latest rankings after Week 8 action
32. Joe Fagnano, Baltimore Ravens
It’s possible that it’s happened before, but I genuinely can’t recall the 3rd emergency quarterback rule ever actually coming into effect. After injuries to both Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley, rookie Joe Fagnano was called into action and predictably struggled against the Bills.
He completed just 10 of his 21 passes, threw an interception, and was sacked three times.
And how’s this for being thrown to the wolves as an NFL quarterback? Fagnano is now in line to start for the Ravens on a short week against the Jaguars, who look like one of the best teams in the league.
31. Tanner McKee, Philadelphia Eagles
Speaking of being thrown to the wolves, the Philadelphia Eagles have thrown Tanner McKee into a rather tough situation in the wake of Jalen Hurts’ medical issues. I think it’s fair to say that McKee has made some nice throws, but he’s clearly not going to be any type of game-changer at the quarterback position.
Even going up against one of the NFL’s worst defenses on Sunday night – the Washington Commanders – it was still a struggle for McKee, who threw an interception and lost a fumble in the game.
Still, you can see some signs of progress here. McKee may only be a backup, but he’s had some flashes. You really can’t grade his performances too harshly up to this point given the circumstances.
30. Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
For a quarterback who can be such a threat with his legs, it’s hard to believe that Malik Willis has already been sacked 21 times so far this season. His sack rate of 10.29 percent is not going to cut it when he’s only running for 32 yards per game.
The Dolphins need to figure out a better balance of his skill set, even though we’ve seen them take some steps forward as a team over the past couple of weeks.
Willis helped lead them to a win over the New York Jets in Week 7, and then the Dolphins hung tough for a while with the Patriots in Week 8. To the point, however, Willis only ran the ball one time for two yards.
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