Ranking the Opposing QBs the Panthers Will Face in 2023
Frank Reich and the new coaching staff in Carolina caught a bit of a break with the 2023 schedule in that they don't have to face any of the top quarterbacks in the league.
Instead, the Panthers will see each of the top rookies and mix of mid-level starters trying to prove themselves. Here's how I ranked the Panthers' opposing QBs for the 2023 season.
14. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
I love Richardson's potential but he's got boom or bust written all over him. His rookie campaign will be full of struggles and will only have a few bright spots.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 9
13. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
Stroud doesn't have the best talent surrounding him but I do believe he's more NFL-ready than Anthony Richardson, which is why I have him one spot higher. Future star if the Texans handle his development right.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 8
12. Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons
From a talent perspective Ridder tops Mayfield. However, he's only played a handful of snaps and with an extremely small sample size, I can't rate him any higher.
Matchup with Panthers: Weeks 1 & 15
11. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Love is essentially an older version of Anthony Richardson. There's a lot of reason to believe he'll be a star in the league but there are many reasons to be concerned with his future as well. Although he's been sitting and learning behind Aaron Rodgers, I don't expect a smooth first year as the full-time starter.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 16
10. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Once the season is over and the handful of guys below Mayfield get experience, Baker will tumble to the bottom of this list. The one thing he does have going for him is the weapons at receiver. The duo of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will hide some of his glaring issues.
Matchup with Panthers: Weeks 13 & 18
9. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
I'm not sure Tannehill will be the starter by the time the Panthers meet the Titans but we'll assume Will Levis takes a redshirt year. Tannehill is good enough to help the team win games, but he's not going to singlehandedly lift Tennessee to victory. If Carolina dares the Titans to throw the ball, the secondary should be able to feast.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 12
8. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Fields is a terrific runner. Aside from Lamar Jackson, I'm not sure there is a more dynamic quarterback when it comes to running the ball. The problem is, he's so inconsistent in the passing game. He misses some relatively easy throws and occasionally holds onto the ball too long.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 10
7. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
I'd have Tua lower on this list, but the schedule is relatively weak in terms of opposing QBs, so Tua, you're here at No. 7. Injury history and an offense that creates easy completions and skews the numbers are what hold me back on the Fins' QB.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 6
6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Goff isn't nearly as bad as he is perceived nationally. In fact, I don't think he gets enough credit. He helped lead the Lions to their first winning season since 2017.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 5
5. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Is Geno a one-hit wonder? Nah. Personally, I believe he would have done what he did in 2022 a few years ago had someone just gave him a second chance. Smith also has DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a strong one-two punch at RB, and a solid o-line to work with.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 3
4. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
Carr is, in my opinion, a great value version of Kirk Cousins. He's fairly consistent but just can't seem to win the big games. All that said, he is the most accomplished quarterback in the NFC South entering the 2023 season.
Matchup with Panthers: Weeks 2 & 14
3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
I admit, I had a hard time figuring out where to put Dak on this list. He has the ability to be an elite quarterback in this league if he would just cut down on the interceptions. For now, I have him sandwiched between Carr and Lawrence.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 11
2. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
I firmly believe Lawrence will be in the discussion as a top-five-ish quarterback by the end of the season. I don't know if he'll quite make that tier but he'll be close. He's in a MUCH better situation now with Doug Pederson and will begin to live up to the expectations of a number one overall pick.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 17
1. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Not to be disrespectful, but you know you have a pretty favorable schedule when Kirk Cousins is the best quarterback you face all year. But in all honesty, there's no one else deserving of this top spot.
Matchup with Panthers: Week 4
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