Patrick Mahomes vaults back to No. 1; Kirk Cousins closing in on top five

2023 stats: 7 games | 67.2 percent | 1,821 passing yards | 7.5 yards per attempt | 9 passing touchdowns | 8 interceptions | 274 rushing yards | 6 rushing touchdowns | 2 fumbles

One particular throw in Sunday night’s game perfectly encapsulates Hurts’ entire 2023 season for me. On first-and-10 at midfield, Hurts demonstrated immense confidence in his abilities by launching a pass downfield to A.J. Brown, who was tightly covered by two defenders. Hurts fearlessly stood his ground and released the ball just as an oncoming rusher closed in on him. Amazingly, Brown managed to make the catch, resulting in a 42-yard gain. This play showcased Hurts’ trust in himself beyond what seems possible to most people. However, this level of audacity was also evident in his interception, where he believed he could throw the ball through the facemask of a closing defender, ultimately leading to a pick-six. While his confidence usually propels him to perform exceptionally well, we must acknowledge that occasional mistakes will happen, such as when he fumbled due to carelessness in a collapsing pocket. Nevertheless, Hurts’ ability to direct the offense, extend plays, and create magic sets him apart from most quarterbacks. We can only hope that he learns to be more cautious without sacrificing his playmaking prowess, as that is what truly makes him an exhilarating player to watch. By the way, he also threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over the Dolphins. It’s a relief to note that for the stat-sheet enthusiasts.