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News, Blog and GuidesVeteran quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers will look to maintain their dominance amid an influx of new talent in the sport’s most crucial position when the NFL season starts.
AS EnglishUpdate: Sep 8th, 2021 06:13 EDT
Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers will look to maintain their dominance amid an influx of new talent in the sport’s most crucial position when the NFL season kicks off this week.
A record eight QBs were taken in the first three rounds of this year’s draft but it is the sport’s biggest names who are best positioned for further success.
Brady led Tampa Bay to a blowout Super Bowl victory last season in his first year with the franchise to claim his record-extending seventh championship ring.
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Aug 28, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY SportsTroy TaorminaUSA TODAY Sports
Bucs looking for 2022 title win
The 44-year-old is looking to improve in his 22nd season and make the Buccaneers the first team in 16 years to win back-to-back titles, leaving desperate fans in the NFC South to ponder whether there is any hope for a postseason.
“(Offensive coordinator) Byron Leftwich said something really good the other day: It’s a very simple game that’s so hard to execute,” Brady said in an interview with NBC Sports.
“It’s a totally imperfect game that you’re trying to do as perfectly as possible. Every day I come out trying to do it. I’m hoping this is my best year.”
Brady said he planned to play until he is no longer a “championship-level quarterback“, which could be another several years given his mastery of the position.
#WeRunAsONE who’s ready?! pic.twitter.com/BToH6myzT6
— Shaquil Barrett (@ShaquilBarrett) September 7, 2021
Rodgers looking to put off-season isses behind hime
Reigning league MVP Rodgers could also have renewed focus following a drama-filled offseason where it appeared the 37-year-old might not return to Green Bay.
The Packers raised eyebrows when the team traded up to select quarterback and possible eventual Rodgers replacement Jordan Love in the 2020 draft.
Rodgers said his future with the team was uncertain after falling to the Bucs in the NFC Championship last season.
But the fiercely competitive Rodgers will be back under center for the Packers and if he can channel any lingering frustration into his play on the field, the rest of the league better look out.
A look back at the 2011 season opener vs. the Saints, including @rcobb18's electrifying rookie debut.Packers Daily ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0jtUUNYaYy
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) September 7, 2021
Mahomes looking for 2022 win
Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes will look to avenge last season’s Super Bowl thumping at the hands of Brady and the overpowering Bucs defense.
Mahomes, 25, was touted as the future of the league after he led the Chiefs to a come-from-behind victory over San Francisco in Super Bowl LIV and will be out to prove that his lethal combination of speed and accuracy is the future of the position.
He's back 😐 @realrandyreid pic.twitter.com/tHtnoehQhB
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 2, 2021
Mahomes last year signed a blockbuster 10-year, $503 million contract extension, the biggest in NFL history.
Rookie players calling
But rookie signal callers are also poised to make their presence felt.
First overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence will make his debut for the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday while second pick Zach Wilson will be handed the keys to the struggling New York Jets franchise.
Mac Jones, selected in the first round by New England, will also be thrown right into action after the Patriots’ surprising decision last month to part ways with veteran quarterback Cam Newton, who underwhelmed last season after a strong start.
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(FILES) In this file photo Cam Newton #1 of the New England Patriots walks to the practice field during training camp at Gillette Stadium on August 23, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts.STEVEN SENNEAFP
Jones has impressed during the preseason and will look to keep that momentum going in the league’s expanded, 17-game regular season.
Quarterback drama could play out in San Francisco, where the 49ers will have to decide whether to stick with the established but often-injured Jimmy Garoppolo or hand the reigns to rookie Trey Lance, who the team took with the No. 3 pick.
