The Highest Graded Week 12 Quarterbacks: Key Takeaways from a Thrilling NFL Week…
Week 12 of the NFL season saw intense action across the league, with playoff implications on the line for many teams. Among the standouts of the week were several quarterbacks who turned in exceptional performances, earning high grades from analysts and pro scouts. These quarterbacks were not just putting up numbers; they were commanding their offenses with precision, showing resilience under pressure, and executing with intelligence. In this article, we’ll break down the highest-graded quarterbacks from Week 12, highlighting their impressive performances and what made them stand out.
1.Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) A Clinic in Playmaking
Patrick Mahomes, the reigning Super Bowl MVP and one of the league’s most electric quarterbacks, continues to display why he’s often considered the best in the NFL. In Week 12, Mahomes delivered another performance that was nothing short of spectacular. Despite being without some of his top receiving threats, Mahomes was able to keep his offense humming with his usual blend of arm strength, mobility, and ability to read defenses.
Mahomes’ command of the pocket was on full display against a tough defense. His mobility allowed him to evade pressure and make throws on the run, a skill that makes him nearly impossible to defend. Whether it was deep throws down the sideline, perfectly placed throws into tight windows, or improvisational plays where Mahomes created something out of nothing, his playmaking ability shined throughout the game.
Beyond just the raw statistics, Mahomes’ decision-making was also top-notch. He displayed an uncanny ability to recognize mismatches and took advantage of them, something that has become a hallmark of his career. His grading was bolstered by his poise in key moments of the game, leading his team to an important victory.
2. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) A Dual Threat to Be Reckoned With
Jalen Hurts is a quarterback whose stock continues to rise. Hurts has become a dynamic force for the Eagles, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. In Week 12, he once again proved why he’s among the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Hurts’ ability to contribute in both the passing and running games makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he demonstrated that versatility in a big way this week.
Hurts’ passing was on point throughout the game. His accuracy on short to medium throws was impeccable, and he showcased his deep-ball precision with some stunning throws downfield. But it was his ability to use his legs when the play broke down that really stood out. Hurts took over in critical moments, using his physicality and vision to rip off key rushing gains and score touchdowns on the ground.
Moreover, Hurts has matured as a passer, making intelligent decisions and knowing when to take risks. His ability to read defenses and execute his game plan with efficiency was evident, as he helped his team stay on track for a playoff run. Whether it was on designed quarterback runs or in broken plays, Hurts delivered with poise and confidence, leading to his high grade for the week.
3. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) Precision Passing and Quick Decisions
Tua Tagovailoa’s Week 12 performance was a testament to his development as a quarterback. Known for his accuracy and quick decision-making, Tua has quietly become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. His ability to process information quickly and deliver pinpoint throws has made the Dolphins’ offense one of the most dangerous in the NFL this season.
In Week 12, Tua’s performance was stellar, as he was able to exploit mismatches and find his playmakers with ease. He demonstrated excellent chemistry with his receiving corps, consistently delivering balls on time and in rhythm. His deep ball accuracy was especially sharp, connecting with his wideouts on several big gains. But it wasn’t just the deep throws Tua was effective in the short-to-medium range as well, showing off his accuracy on slant routes, screens, and quick out patterns.
Another key element to Tua’s success in Week 12 was his decision-making under pressure. He made quick decisions, ensuring the offense moved efficiently and didn’t waste possessions. When the pocket broke down, Tua also did a great job of resetting his feet and keeping his eyes downfield, which contributed to his impressive grading.
4. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Dominating with His Arm and Legs
Josh Allen is another quarterback who has become known for his combination of size, athleticism, and arm strength. In Week 12, Allen showcased all of those attributes and more in a game that helped the Buffalo Bills keep their playoff hopes alive. His play was critical in the team’s success, and he earned a high grade for his effort.
Allen’s cannon of an arm allows him to make throws that most quarterbacks can’t even dream of. In Week 12, he used his arm to make a number of deep throws downfield, threading the needle on passes in tight coverage. What made his performance so special, however, was the way he blended his arm strength with his ability to run the football. Allen isn’t just a quarterback who can scramble he’s a true running threat in short-yardage situations, and he used his legs to score and extend drives when necessary.
His ability to balance his style of play looking downfield for big plays while also recognizing when to take off and run was key to his success. Although he still occasionally makes throws that are a little risky, his overall playmaking ability in Week 12 proved that he remains one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league.
5. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) Poised for Another MVP Run
Lamar Jackson’s Week 12 performance was another masterclass in quarterback play. As one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, Jackson’s ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs keeps opposing defenses on their heels. In Week 12, Jackson showed why he is such a unique talent in the NFL, mixing accurate passing with his game-breaking rushing ability.
Jackson’s arm strength and accuracy were on full display as he delivered crisp, tight throws all over the field. His deep ball was especially accurate, and his connection with his receivers showed growth from earlier in the season. But it was Jackson’s mobility that truly elevated his performance. Whether it was breaking free from tacklers or setting up plays with designed runs, Jackson kept the defense guessing, and his ability to make plays with his legs was key in sustaining drives and scoring points.
What stands out most about Jackson is his calmness in high-pressure situations. He has matured as a quarterback, making fewer mistakes and showing an ability to manage the game in a way that was previously unseen. Week 12 further solidified Jackson’s candidacy for another MVP award, as he continues to lead the Ravens with a perfect blend of leadership, athleticism, and intelligence.
Conclusion: The Evolution of the Quarterback Position
Week 12 highlighted some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, each excelling in different aspects of the game. From Mahomes’ ability to improvise and make jaw-dropping plays, to Hurts’ dual-threat prowess, to Tua’s quick decision-making, these quarterbacks are pushing the envelope for what it means to be a top-tier signal-caller in the modern NFL.
What stands out most from Week 12 is the evolution of the quarterback position. In the past, quarterbacks were typically seen as traditional passers who relied on the pocket to make their throws. However, in today’s game, versatility and dual-threat capabilities have become a necessity. Whether it’s the ability to make plays with their legs or manage the game in tough situations, these quarterbacks are setting new standards for what it takes to be an elite player.
As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these quarterbacks continue to impact the playoff race, and whether one of them will emerge as the league’s MVP. But for now, Week 12 was a reminder of just how high the bar has been set for the quarterback position in the NFL today.
