Post-Super Bowl LIX: A New Beginning for NFL Teams
With the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX, the National Football League (NFL) is gearing up for a fresh start. The upcoming free agency and draft period in spring 2025 are filled with promise and anticipation, offering teams the chance to reshape their rosters and chase their dreams. However, the pressure is particularly intense for quarterbacks, who often bear the brunt of expectations as the faces of their franchises. As teams prepare for the 2025 season, several quarterbacks find themselves under a microscope, each facing unique challenges and high hopes from their respective fan bases and front offices.
Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is entering a crucial period in his young career. General Manager Chris Ballard, in his end-of-season press conference, made it clear that the team plans to add competition for Richardson. This move comes after Richardson’s inconsistent performance as a passer, marked by a 50.6% completion rate in just 15 games. Additionally, injuries have forced him to miss 17 games over his two seasons with the Colts. Despite the team’s commitment to supporting him, Richardson is well aware that the 2025 season will likely be his last chance to prove his worth as the Colts’ franchise quarterback. The pressure to deliver is palpable, and Richardson will have to show significant improvement both in terms of his passing accuracy and his ability to stay on the field to secure his future with the team.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence, the highly touted quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars, is also under significant pressure heading into the 2025 season. Last June, Lawrence signed a lucrative five-year, $275 million extension, which came with high expectations. However, injuries in 2024 derailed his season, and he now faces the challenge of building a rapport with new Head Coach Liam Coen. Lawrence’s career has yet to reach the consistent heights many anticipated after the Jaguars’ impressive 2022 season, where they won the AFC South and a playoff game. The team’s investment in Lawrence demands that he demonstrates a higher level of consistency and leadership on the field. The 2025 season will be crucial for him to start living up to the significant financial and performance expectations placed upon him.
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa, the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has a unique set of challenges to overcome. Known for his history of concussions, Tagovailoa has even contemplated retirement. The 2024 season was particularly difficult, as he missed a career-high six games due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, the Dolphins extended Tagovailoa’s contract with a four-year, $212.4 million deal last summer, showing their faith in his abilities. However, the team’s investment means they will be closely monitoring his progress and health. Tagovailoa has only one playoff appearance in three seasons under Head Coach Mike McDaniel, and no postseason victories to his name. The Dolphins will be eager to see a return on their substantial investment, and 2025 will be a pivotal year for Tagovailoa to prove his resilience and leadership.
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott, the longtime quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, is no stranger to pressure. However, the upcoming season will place him under an even more intense spotlight. After signing a record-breaking $60 million-per-year extension, Prescott missed nine games due to injury in 2024. His playoff record stands at 2-5, and he has not won a postseason game since the 2022 season. Furthermore, Prescott has yet to lead the Cowboys to an NFC Championship Game. The pressure to stay healthy and deliver consistently in high-stakes games is immense. Prescott’s relationship with new Offensive Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer could be a key factor in his ability to turn things around in 2025. The Cowboys and their passionate fan base will be watching closely for any signs of improvement and success in the playoffs.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert, the quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers, is under intense scrutiny following his recent playoff performances. In the 2024 wild-card round, he threw four interceptions against the Houston Texans, a stark contrast to his regular-season performance where he only threw three picks all year. This disaster followed the Chargers’ notorious collapse in the 2022 wild-card round, where they squandered a 27-0 lead to the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the most shocking upsets in NFL playoff history. These setbacks have fueled doubts about Herbert’s ability to perform in critical games. Despite his talent and regular-season success, Herbert must prove his reliability in the playoffs. The 2025 season is a critical period for him to demonstrate that he can lead the Chargers to meaningful postseason victories.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, is another quarterback facing significant pressure. Despite his accolades and dominant regular-season performances, Allen remains winless against Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs. The Bills’ recent AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs marked Allen’s fourth postseason defeat against Mahomes, a record that has become a source of frustration for both the team and its fans. Allen is widely regarded as one of the top three quarterbacks in the world, but his inability to overcome Mahomes in the playoffs and reach the Super Bowl continues to cast a shadow over his legacy. The 2025 season presents a critical opportunity for Allen to break this trend and solidify his status as an elite quarterback in the NFL.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson, the quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens, is perhaps the most high-profile name among those facing pressure entering 2025. Jackson is a two-time MVP and has compiled a remarkable regular-season record of 70-24. However, his playoff performance, with a record of 3-5, has left much to be desired. The lack of a Super Bowl appearance, let alone a win, keeps Jackson in a different tier from the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks, despite his regular-season dominance. As Jackson is in his prime, the expectations for him to reach and excel in the Super Bowl are higher than ever. The Ravens have built a strong team around Jackson, and the 2025 season will be a significant test of his ability to lead his team to the ultimate goal. Jackson’s performance in the upcoming season could be the key to elevating his legacy and proving that he can deliver in the biggest moments.
In conclusion, the 2025 NFL season will be a make-or-break period for several quarterbacks. Each player faces unique challenges and expectations, but the common thread is the pressure to perform at the highest level and deliver the results their teams and fans so desperately crave. The free agency and draft period will only intensify this pressure, as teams look to bolster their rosters and give these quarterbacks the best possible chance to succeed. The coming year will be pivotal in shaping the careers and legacies of Anthony Richardson, Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa, Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson.
