5 least-feared quarterbacks entering 2022 NFL season ft. Carson Wentz
Teams will know where they stand for the 2022 NFL season once they get into training camp. For some, a deep playoff run is the minimum requirement, while for others, simply making the postseason is considered an achievement.
A lot of what makes a team a playoff contender is their quarterback. The likes of Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes hold their teams' aspirations in their hands, literally.
But for all the great quarterbacks who scare defensive coordinators, there are plenty of others who simply do not have the same effect.
Here are five of the least-feared quarterbacks entering the 2022 NFL season.
#5 Sam Darnold
The 25-year-old does not strike fear in any defensive coordinator. After starting last season in a blaze of glory (3-0), things quickly went downhill for Carolina.
With Darnold under center, there is not much to get excited about. While he can move around and use his legs rather well, he struggles to throw the football consistently.
Sam Darnold interception on the first play of the game 😬
Welcome to Week 6!
https://t.co/NT9feQ3SJl
He started 11 games last year and had a 4-7 record, throwing just nine touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions. He also only completed just 59.9% of his passes.
Carolina simply do not trust him anymore and reports suggest they are exploring the possibility of bringing in Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns.
#4 Drew Lock
Involved in the deal that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos, Drew Lock now calls Seattle home. He started three games for Denver last year and lost all three. He threw two touchdowns and two interceptions in those games, totalling 787 yards.
Now in Seattle with fewer weapons and a worse defense, Lock is expected to struggle if he is the team's starter come Week 1.
Colin Kaepernick and Baker Mayfield are rumored to be targets for Seattle and if one of the two is brought in, Lock could be relegated to a back-up role.
Might be the worst interception I've seen all season.
Horrific decision by Drew Lock. https://t.co/QzFu8546Gj
#3 Jared Goff
The former Rams quarterback lands on the list simply because of the team he plays for. Last year, Goff went 3-10-1 in 14 games, throwing 19 touchdowns and a respectable eight interceptions.
However, it is his mental mistakes that continually get him into trouble. With the Lions still rebuilding their squad, Goff is likely to be more down than up in 2022.
Jared Goff connects with Jalen Ramsey in the end zone 🎯
https://t.co/zxoKstzP4d
#2 Daniel Jones
If a team doesn't pick up your fifth-year option despite being a first-round pick, chances are you have not held up your end of the bargain.
Daniel Jones went 4-7 last season, throwing 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. There is just nothing aside from his ability to use his legs that worries defenses in the league.
With the Giants nailing their draft picks this year (on defense) and giving Jones another receiver in Wan'Dale Robinson, there's hope that he will start to take control.
#1 Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz had just about everything a quarterback in the NFL needed with the Colts last season. Despite being blessed with a great offensive line, a superstar running back, a decent receiving core, a good defense, Wentz failed to lead the Colts to the postseason.
Wentz threw 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions, but finished with a 9-8 record. His tendency to crumble under pressure was visible last season as he was humbled in a loss to the lowly Jaguars, which ended the Colts' playoff hopes.
Haha Carson Wentz, that one might be the worst interception of the year. That makes two interceptions thrown this year for Wentz with his left hand 🤣
#NFLTwitter https://t.co/YVYYXI8gpQ
Now with the Commanders, Wentz has, according to many, taken a step back team-wise. It will be interesting to see how things pan out for him across the season.