QB Report Cards for 2025 NFL Week 10

The inconsistency seen among quarterbacks during the 2025 campaign has been eye-opening.

The NFL may be a quarterback-driven league, but opposing defenses have found ways to finally slow offenses and make signal-callers consistently uncomfortable through excellent gameplans marrying the back end to strong pressure packages.

Quarterbacks are no longer going out and regularly throwing for 300 yards. Some, who previously looked like Superman, simply need more help from their surrounding cast.

Each week, the vacillating performances from nearly everyone to take a snap indicate why a running back, Jonathan Taylor, should be the leading MVP candidate, even though quarterbacks have held a stranglehold on the league's highest-profile hardware for the last 12 seasons (and 17 of the last 18).

The past week's action proved to be no different, with one quarterback standing above the rest as the very best at this point in time.

Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Maddy Grassy

Score: 44-22 loss vs. Seattle Seahawks

Stat Line: 24 of 44 for 258 yards, two touchdowns and two fumbles lost

Just when the Arizona Cardinals thought they were heading in the right direction, with Jacoby Brissett leading the offense, the Seahawks put their division rival in its place.

Brissett didn't even have a chance to get comfortable. The Cardinals trailed by 13 after surrendering an opening-drive score followed by the quarterback fumbling the ball, which turned into Seattle's first defensive touchdown. Two series later, Brissett coughed up the ball a second time, and the Seahawks capitalized again.

By trailing 35-7 at half, the Cardinals were caught in a tailspin without a chance to course-correct. Brissett did throw a pair of touchdowns, but the effort proved to be too little, too late.

With Kyler Murray on injured reserve for at least the next three weeks, Brissett can get back to operating the offense how he did prior to Sunday's outing.

Grade: D

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Markus Schreiber

Score: 31-25 loss vs. Indianapolis Colts

Stat Line: 12 of 28 for 177 yards, touchdown and a fumble lost

Continued improvement is the most important aspect of a young quarterback's development. Michael Penix Jr. is in his first full season as an NFL starter, and he's nearly the same exact quarterback today as he was with the Washington Huskies.

No one questions Penix's desire, raw throwing ability or overall talent. However, he's far too inconsistent with his mechanics and touch. Also, he provides little-to-nothing when working outside of structure. These issues once again became clear during Sunday's contest.

Granted, Penix's teammates can help to a degree by limiting drops and picking up pressure. Even so, the Falcons are now 3-6 and Penix understands his performance hasn't been good enough.

"I got to play like it," Penix said in an interview when asked about being Atlanta's franchise player. "I don't feel like I'm playing like it. I gotta do better."

Grade: D

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo

Score: 27-19 win vs. Minnesota Vikings

Stat Line: 17 of 29 for 176 yards and a touchdown; nine carries for 36 yards

Lamar Jackson did enough to help the Baltimore Ravens win their third straight contest. The Ravens emerged victorious primarily because of the Vikings' three turnovers, 13 penalties and terrible offensive performance on third down.

Even so, Jackson now has a five-to-zero touchdown-to-interception ratio since returning to the lineup.

Jackson is a superstar. He's capable of carrying the Ravens, which he's done at times. But this version of the team is evolving with each week. Right now, the two-time NFL MVP doesn't need to shoulder expectations, not when his defense is emerging after a poor start to the campaign.

"Obviously, we have Lamar Jackson," cornerback Marlon Humphrey told reporters, "but … we're trying to get it to where we can win games on defense. We don't even need the offense to put up any points. On defense, we can turn the ball over, we can get them the ball in the red zone. That's been the big key, the mindset shift of even though we have Lamar Jackson, let's give him a smoke break, let's give him an off day. He's bailed us out so many times, how about we do it?"

Grade: C

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

AP Photo

Score: 30-13 loss vs. Miami Dolphins

Stat Line: 28 of 40 for 306 yards, two touchdowns, an interception and a fumble lost

The Buffalo Bills found themselves in an obvious trap game after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs and the letdown commenced.

Josh Allen and Co. don't get credit for putting up numbers and scoring a couple of touchdowns late in the contest after being punched in the mouth through three quarters of play, especially with the quarterback committing two turnovers while trying to orchestrate a comeback.

The Dolphins held a 16-0 lead going into the final frame. Two De'Von Achane rushing touchdowns slammed the door shut.

"I have to be better in the protection game and pass game, run game all of it," Allen told reporters. "Any time you turn it over three times and two in the red zone, it's a recipe for disaster."

To Allen's point, he averaged more time to throw Sunday than any game since the start of his professional career, according to NFL Next Gen Stats (h/t News 4 Buffalo's Carl Jones). Even the reigning MVP needs help and Allen isn't getting enough.

Grade: D

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Score: 17-7 loss vs. New Orleans Saints

Stat Line: 17 of 25 for 124 yards, an interception and fumble lost

Without a strong run game, Bryce Young and the rest of the Carolina Panthers became exposed.

Young wasn't asked to do much when Carolina won four of its previous five contests—Andy Dalton actually started the game which the team lost. Instead, the Panthers leaned heavily on running back Rico Dowdle.

Dowdle averaged 2.9 yards per carry against the Saints, which placed a heavier burden on Young. The quarterback didn't respond.

"I think we were just putting our eyes in the right place, doing our job and just making sure our technique was right," Saints defensive back Alontae Taylor told reporters. "I think Demario [Davis] did a really good job with just bringing everybody in after almost every series and just making sure that we just did our assignments. And I think we did that, and I think it showed up."

The Saints were ready for the Panthers' offensive approach, and Young failed to make New Orleans pay.

Grade: F

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski

Score: 24-20 win vs. New York Giants

Stat Line: 20 of 36 for 220 yards and a touchdown; eight carries for 63 yards and a score

Caleb Williams' late-game heroics pushed the Chicago Bears to their sixth win in the last seven games.

"The guy just makes plays all over the place," guard Joe Thuney told reporters. "With his arms. With his legs. He's giving us a chance and doing a great job of leading. Super proud of him."

Much like the season itself, Williams and Co. got off to a slow start Sunday. In fact, Chicago scored once during its initial six offensive series (not including a kneel-down prior to halftime). However, Williams led two touchdown drives, which culminated in a 17-yard touchdown scramble to gain the final advantage.

"He looks like a Houdini back there," head coach Ben Johnson said. "That's the unique thing about his skill set. He's got that ability. As a play-caller, certainly helps me out because I don't feel like I need to be perfect with these play calls. He's going to make these things right."

Grade: B

Dillon Gabriel, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo

Score: 27-20 loss vs. New York Jets

Stat Line: 17 of 32 for 167 yards and two touchdowns; five carries for 54 yards

The Cleveland Browns aren't making a change quarterback, at least for now.

"We're going to stick with Dillon [Gabriel]. Obviously, young players that you're always trying to get one game better," head coach Keving Stefanski told reporters after Sunday's loss to the New York Jets. "We have to play better as an offense. We have to coach better. All of the above."

Stefanski is correct that young players need time to improve. In Gabriel's case, the growing concern is that he lacks the physical tools to fully execute an offensive system. He's a rhythm, short-to-intermediate passer. As a result, he averaged under six yards per attempt in four of his five starts. For context, Gabriel's average ranked 33rd among quarterbacks with at least five starts entering this past weekend's action.

Cleveland's offense appears handcuffed with the third-round rookie behind center.

For whatever the reason, the Browns' coaching staff hasn't seriously considered Shedeur Sanders as a starting option. At 2-7, the team will need to see what its other rookie quarterback can do.

Grade: C-

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Score: 10-7 win vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Stat Line: 16 of 28 for 150 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions

Bo Nix is fortunate the Denver Broncos field a fantastic defense, because the second-year quarterback hasn't played particularly well over the last two games.

"Yeah, we've got to do better," he said after Thursday's contest. "At some point 10 points ain't going to be enough. We've got to score more. ... We've got to find some juice somewhere."

His first interception against the Raiders had no business being thrown as a deep shot into double-coverage that Nix sailed. The second ricocheted off his receiver, but the pass might have been a half-second late while trying to drive it into a tight window.

Whatever the case, the Broncos are 8-2 despite the offense playing poorly and getting off to slow starts, and Nix continues to get bailed out even though he understands more is expected of him.

Grade: D

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Score: 44-22 win vs. Washington Commanders

Stat Line: 25 of 33 for 320 yards and three touchdowns

The Detroit Lions offense hadn't been operating at peak efficiency as of late. As evidence, head coach Dan Campbell decided to make a switch in Week 10 by anointing himself as the team's offensive play-caller.

"Let's just see if maybe a different play caller can maybe get us a little rhythm," he told reporters. "That's all. Honestly, it's nothing more than that. We made a change, and it was good for [Sunday]."

It definitely worked. Jared Goff looked like his ultra-efficient self once again, with 320 passing yards and three touchdowns. Goff got the ball out quickly by completing 14 of 16 passing in under 2.5 seconds, according to NFL Next Gen Stats (h/t FantasyPros' Russell Brown).

The approach isn't going to change back anytime soon.

"I feel good with where we're at," Campbell said. "I wasn't perfect. Goff bailed me out of some stuff today, but I like the setup of the staff, and I think the players are in a good place, and I think we can grow from here. I really do."

Grade: A

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

AP Photo/Morry Gash

Score: 10-7 loss vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Stat Line: 20 of 36 for 176 yards and a fumble lost

After a strong start to the season, where the Green Bay Packers looked like a potential Super Bowl contender, Matt LaFleur's squad has now lost two in a row. Green Bay scored a total 20 total points during the current losing streak, with only seven Monday against the Eagles.

A week ago, the Packers were terrible in the red zone by scoring only one touchdown in five opportunities. During the latest contest, the entire offense felt disjointed.

Jordan Love is at the crux of these issues. LaFleur opened the contest by leaning heavily on the run game. When the ball was placed in the quarterback's hands, Love did not operate the offense efficiently. Even when Green Bay moved the ball during the fourth quarter, with all four series ending on Philadelphia's side of the field, the Packers punted, scored a touchdown, fumbled and missed a long field-goal attempt.

Right now, the Packers have a lot to figure out offensively. It starts with LaFleur's play-calling and extends to Love's performance.

Grade: D

Davis Mills, Houston Texans

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Score: 36-29 win vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Stat Line: 27 of 45 for 292 yards, two touchdowns and an interception; three carries for 20 yards and a score

With starter C.J. Stroud in the NFL's concussion protocol, the Houston Texans coaching staff probably didn't expect an offensive explosion in Davis Mills' first start of the season. That's exactly what happened, though.

Mills threw for 292 yards and two scores, while the Texans offense racked up 412 yards. More importantly, Houston rallied from a 19-point deficit at the onset of the fourth quarter.

"The whole team had faith we were going to win that game the entire time," Mills told reporters. "I think our team is very confident in our own abilities. We have a lot of players who can make plays. And we just needed to get things clicking."

The backup-turned-starter led three fourth-quarter touchdown drives, including the game-sealing 14-yard scoring scramble. Aside from an interception, which was read beautifully by Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, Mills proved to be exceptional and helped keep the Texans' season alive.

Grade: A-

Daniel Jones, Indianapolis Colts

Doug Benc/AP Content Services for the NFL

Score: 31-25 win vs. Atlanta Falcons

Stat Line: 19 of 26 for 255 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a fumble lost; seven carries for 53 yards

Daniel Jones and his Indianapolis Colts emerged victorious despite the quarterback being battered, bruised and bloodied during Sunday's overtime contest against the Falcons.

Jones and Indianapolis' offensive unit hasn't been anywhere near as efficient over the last two weeks.

Opponents are bringing aggressive pressure packages, with tight man-coverage on the outside, daring the Colts' offensive skill players to beat them. As a result, Jones has been sacked 12 times over the last two weeks, including seven during Sunday's action. Yet Jones stepped up and made multiple key plays to help his team win.

On 3rd-and-21 with 1:26 remaining in the fourth quarter, while trailing by three points, Jones escaped the pocket and ran for 19 yards. A play later, he connected with tight end Tyler Warren to convert on 4th-and-2 despite pressure directly in his face. During overtime, Jones and Warren connected again, this time on a gorgeous 23-yard corner route. Running back Jonathan Taylor did the rest.

This version of Jones isn't folding. He's stepping up when it matters the most.

Grade: B-

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo

Score: 36-29 loss vs. Houston Texans

Stat Line: 13 of 23 for 158 yards, one touchdown, an interception and a fumble lost

Trevor Lawrence helped lead the Jacksonville Jaguars to scoring drives during five of their initial seven offensive possessions against the Texans. His surrounding cast let him down during the final frame, as Houston charged back for the unexpected victory.

"The reality is we gave up a 19-point lead to lose the game," Jacksonville head coach Liam Coen told Williams. "Part of winning in the National Football League is sustaining a lead. We just needed one stop and didn't get one. You score 29 and you feel like you're going to have a chance to go get a win, but we didn't get it done."

While the Jaguars defense disappointed, particularly the unit's pass rush, Jacksonville's offensive line didn't do Lawrence any favors. As The Ringer's Steven Ruiz noted, Lawrence dropped back to pass six times during Sunday's fourth quarter and Houston generated a 100 percent pressure rate, which resulted in three sacks, two scrambles and one batted pass.

Grade: C

Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders

AP Photo/Jack Dempsey

Score: 10-7 loss vs. Denver Broncos

Stat Line: 16 of 26 for 143 yards and an interception

The law of diminishing returns now applies to Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith.

Smith was brought in to provide a veteran presence and stability to an offense that desperately needed a quarterback. Once again, he struggled, this time against the Broncos' outstanding defense.

The Raiders managed only 188 yards during Thursday's contest. Smith shouldn't be faulted for another interception since it bounced directly off a wide receiver's hands. At the same time, the 35-year-old signal-caller isn't making the situation any better.

What the point of Smith being in the Raiders lineup when the team is 2-7 and counted among the league's worst?

Smith is currently injured with a thigh bruise, which is the perfect excuse to make a quarterback change. But head coach Pete Carroll spoke as if the veteran will be in the lineup whenever he's cleared by the medical staff.

"It's not like some other injuries," Carroll told reporters. "This is not one that he can't come back from."

Grade: F

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Score: 25-10 win vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Stat Line: 20 of 33 for 220 yards and a touchdown

After losing three of four contests, the Los Angeles Chargers readied themselves for a Thursday night affair with the Minnesota Vikings. The Chargers haven't looked back by winning three in a row.

Justin Herbert continues to endure too much pressure, though. The Steelers sacked him five times and generated nine more quarterback hits. This outcome was to be somewhat expected with left tackle Joe Alt not in the lineup. It happened even though Herbert posted the fastest average time to throw during his professional career, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

The Chargers controlled Sunday's matchup, because the team increased its level of physicality as a whole, and the defense played extremely well.

"The defense played incredibly well," Herbert told reporters, "to be able to get some turnovers like that, a bunch of huge stops and the special teams getting a turnover, too. They made our jobs so much easier."

Grade: B

Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Maddy Grassy

Score: 42-26 win vs. San Francisco 49ers

Stat Line: 24 of 36 for 280 yards and four touchdowns

Matthew Stafford is playing better than any other quarterback.

With Sunday's performance, Stafford became the first in NFL history to throw for four touchdowns, with no interceptions, in three straight games. He's officially reached S-tier status.

"He's just been in total command," head coach Sean McVay told reporters. "It's a continuation of a guy that really works his tail off throughout the course of the week. He uses the accumulation of knowledge and experience, and he's just playing really confident. It looks like the game is really in slow motion to him right now."

Wide receiver Puka Nacua said, "When you're on a heater, you just don't touch whatever he's doing. I'm like, 'You could do whatever. You could walk on water right now.'"

At 7-2, the Rams are tied for the NFC's best record. With the way Stafford is currently playing, an argument can be made in Los Angeles' favor as the NFL's top team.

Grade: A+

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins

AP Photo

AP Photo/Doug Murray

Score: 30-13 win vs. Buffalo Bills

Stat Line: 15 of 21 for 173 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions

The ups and downs experienced by the Miami Dolphins over the last four games have been nothing short of staggering.

First, Mike McDaniel's squad was blown out by the Cleveland Browns. When all seemed lost, Miami responded with a blowout victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The Baltimore Ravens easily beat the Dolphins the following week. Finally, Miami played up against the rival Bills and controlled most of the game.

Tua Tagovailoa provided multiple swings in performance Sunday by connecting on three deep passes. Unfortunately, two of them landed into double-coverage and turned into interceptions. However, the Dolphins quarterback also connected with Jaylen Waddle on a 38-yard score.

Tagovailoa continues to bring a Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde presence to the Dolphins' offense. Meanwhile, De'Von Achane emerged as the star Sunday and ran Miami to its latest win.

Grade: C

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo

Score: 27-19 loss vs. Baltimore Ravens

Stat Line: 20 of 42 for 248 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions; five carries for 48 yards

The snap to initiate a play is the most fundamental aspect of football. The Minnesota Vikings struggled Sunday to execute the mundane, which reflects directly on their quarterback.

Some credence can be placed in McCarthy coming back from injury and the cadence being different than when Carson Wentz led the offense. However, Minnesota didn't have the same issue a week earlier upon McCarthy's return.

Officials called eight false-start penalties during Sunday's meeting with the Ravens.

"Whatever was going on with the cadence, or whatever it may be," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said, "just not acceptable in any way."

McCarthy added, "As a quarterback, you're the orchestrator of the orchestra. I take full responsibility for anything that happens on that field."

It's pointless to discuss the rest of McCarthy's performance when the offense struggled to even get a play started.

Grade: F

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Score: 28-23 win vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stat Line: 16 of 31 for 270 yards, two touchdowns and an interception

Drake Maye may not have played like a future MVP, as he had in previous weeks, but his performance against the Buccaneers and their aggressive defense was more than enough for the New England Patriots to win their seventh straight game.

What's exciting about New England's latest outcome is that Maye didn't need to play at an elite level. The sophomore quarterback still made some excellent throws, specifically a beautiful corner-endzone toss to Stefon Diggs and a deep dime to Mack Hollins in the fourth quarter.

Maye did make the mistake of not seeing an underneath dropper and throwing a fourth-quarter, red-zone interception—which would have stalled Tampa Bay's attempted comeback.

Otherwise, the quarterback did what needed. In this case, he handed the ball to TreVeyon Henderson 14 times for 147 yards, then let the defense go to work.

Grade: B

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Rusty Jones

Score: 17-7 win vs. Carolina Panthers

Stat Line: 19 of 27 for 282 yards, two touchdowns

After looking lost in his first start, Saints rookie Tyler Shough stepped up literally and figuratively during his second.

"Tyler took an awesome step today," head coach Kellen Moore told reporters. "I thought he made awesome plays and he made some off-schedule plays with movement inside the pocket."

Shough's 282 passing yards set a new season-high for Saints quarterbacks.

The 26-year-old rookie has obvious physical tools to rip passes into tight windows and even create outside of structure. His age was viewed as a positive throughout the draft process, because he had been through three programs and learned multiple systems. However, the NFL is a different animal and it showed when Shough looked overwhelmed.

To the rookie's credit, those nerves didn't reappear against the rival Panthers. If Shough continues to build on this performance, the Saints will win more games and not have to worry about drafting a quarterback next offseason.

Grade: A

Jaxson Dart and Russell Wilson, New York Giants

AP Photo

Score: 24-20 loss vs. Chicago Bears

Stat Line: (Dart) 19 of 29 for 242 yards, a fumble lost, six carries for 66 yards, two touchdowns; (Wilson) three of seven for 45 yards

Rookie Jaxson Dart did not finish Sunday's contest against the Bears after suffering a concussion.

"So, with Dart it was going back out on the field, just didn't seem right," Giants head coach Brian Daboll told reporters. "So called the trainers over and said, 'Let's get him out and make sure he gets looked at. So, he went in and got looked at, evaluated for concussion."

Dart's development became the primary driving force behind the current Giants campaign. After taking a shot after a fumble, then struggling to get up, and allowing him to play one more series before getting the quarterback checked for a concussion, the Giants staff failed in their duty to protect New York's franchise player.

With the team sitting at 2-8, the situation developed into a fireable offense, with Daboll being relieved of his duties Monday.

Prior to that point, Dart played well enough, particularly as a runner, to afford the Giants a 20-10 fourth-quarter lead. Once Wilson entered the lineup, he failed to score from the 2-yard line, the offense punted twice and finished the game with three straight incompletions.

Grade: (Dart) C ; Wilson (D)

Justin Fields, New York Jets

AP Photo

Score: 27-20 win vs. Cleveland Browns

Stat Line: six of 11 for 54 yards, one touchdown and an interception; seven carries for 28 yards

Amazingly, the New York Jets captured a victory over the Cleveland Browns despite their quarterback throwing for only 54 yards.

Even more astonishingly, 42 of those yards came on a running back screen thrown behind the line of scrimmage, where Breece Hall scored the Jets' only offensive touchdown.

New York managed the win because of special teams play. The Jets scored touchdowns on kick and punt returns, while kicker Nick Folk converted both of his field-goal attempts.

"I'm on the sideline like, 'Yo, we don't need to do no work,'" Fields told reporters. "Nah, special teams definitely did their thing today. Proud of those guys, and we finally had some hit."

True to his word, Fields followed up by not doing much of anything.

Grade: F

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Matt Ludtke

Score: 10-7 win vs. Green Bay Packers

Stat Line: 15 of 26 for 183 yards, one touchdown and a fumble lost

Just when conversation about what's wrong with the Philadelphia Eagles offense died down, the unit looked uninspired and lethargic coming out of the team's bye week.

Once again, questions about Jalen Hurts' effectiveness will jump to the forefront after a fumble during Philadelphia's initial offensive series Monday, which was followed by 24 yards of offense to round out the first half.

Conversely, Hurts did connect with wide receiver DeVonta Smith on a 36-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, which ended up being the game-winning play.

Overall, Monday's performance became the fifth time this season that Hurts threw for fewer than 185 yards. Obviously, the Eagles have other ways to win, hence their continued success with a 7-2 record. Usually, Philadelphia can lean on its run game and outstanding offensive line. The defense did its part against the Packers.

At some point, Hurts needs to take the reins and become the team's offensive catalyst. In doing so, he can prove he's more than a gimmick short-yardage play.

Grade: D

Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Score: 25-10 loss vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Stat Line: 16 of 31 for 161 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions

Aaron Rodgers had exceeded all expectations entering Week 10. However, he finally looked like a 41-year-old quarterback against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Chargers had answers for the Steelers offensive approach, mainly by bracketing wide receiver DK Metcalf, and forcing Pittsburgh to target other weapons. Rodgers and Co. didn't respond well.

Pressure rattled the long-time veteran. Rodgers worked himself into Khalil Mack's arms for a safety. As a passer, Rodgers often snapped off throws too quickly. He wasn't anywhere near as accurate as previous weeks. To be perfectly fair, Rodgers' second interception did bounce directly off of Calvin Austin III's hands. However, Rodgers simply airmailed the first turnover.

"This was not my best performance," he told reporters. "I got to play better than this for us to win. Whatever it takes ... if it's better checks, if it's better throws, whatever it is, I got to play better. I will. ... We got to play better on offense, for sure. But this is part of the season. There's ebbs and flows, there's ups and downs, and we can't ride the wave."

Grade: F

Mac Jones, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

Score: 42-26 loss vs. Los Angeles Rams

Stat Line: 33 of 39 for 319 yards, three touchdowns and an interception

The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in an odd predicament. Mac Jones has played well enough to challenge Brock Purdy as the team's starting quarterback.

"He's a baller," running back Christian McCaffrey said, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "He commands a huddle, he knows where to go, has great poise and he's a baller."

Despite a slow start against the Rams, Jones and the Niners came roaring back and found themselves within one score in the fourth quarter. From that point, the Rams scored two consecutive touchdowns, while Jones threw an interception after being late on an underneath pass to McCaffrey.

Still, the 49ers' QB2 kept San Francisco in the game against a Rams squad playing as well or better than any other team thanks. Jones threw for 319 passing yards and three scores despite a depleted wide receiver corps.

Purdy is still viewed as the starter in San Francisco, but the Niners aren't in a rush to get him back onto the field.

Grade: B

Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Maddy Grassy

Score: 44-22 win vs. Arizona Cardinals

Stat Line: 10 of 12 for 178 yards, a touchdown, an interception and two fumbles lost

If someone said a team had fewer than 60 offensive plays coupled with three turnovers and only 174 passing yards, most would automatically assume the squad in question lost and probably by a large amount.

Instead, the Seahawks won Sunday in a rout over the rival Cardinals. Seattle doubled-up Arizona based on a strong run game that accumulated 198 yards and two defensive scores, courtesy of Demarcus Lawrence.

Sam Darnold didn't play nearly as well as he had lately. Granted, the Seahawks signal-caller completed all but two passes and the squad led 38-7 at halftime. The quarterback wasn't asked to do much, but he still needs to take care of the ball, particularly when holding a lead.

The performance shows the Seahawks are a complete squad and, when Darnold does play well, it's extremely difficult to beat.

Grade: D

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Score: 28-23 loss vs. New England Patriots

Stat Line: 28 of 43 for 273 yards and three touchdowns

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered a brutal stretch of games, starting with the New England Patriots. Baker Mayfield couldn't muster enough magic for another late-game comeback. But the previous statement does not mean that the quarterback played poorly.

Mayfield is making the most of what he has around him. Wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan, as well as running back Bucky Irving, are not in the lineup. The offensive line has also been in flux due to injuries.

Despite those roster ailments, Mayfield has kept his team competitive and demanded accountability.

"You have to have some pride … the fear of messing up for your teammates when we talk about something, you have to have that responsibility and accountability for the guys around you and get it fixed," the 30-year-old veteran told reporters, while including himself in that group.

The injuries are what they are. Some of those individuals aren't returning this season. Tampa Bay has to adjust and make the necessary plays in order to hold onto its NFC South lead.

Grade: B

Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders

AP Photo

Score: 44-22 loss vs. Detroit Lions

Stat Line: 16 of 22 for 213 yards and two touchdowns

The Washington Commanders' season teeters on the edge of oblivion, with Marcus Mariota trying to lead the team back toward relevancy.

The Commanders have lost five straight games and own a 3-7 record. Jayden Daniels' return from a dislocated elbow has yet to be determined. However, the MRI results were positive enough for the organization not to place him on injured reserve.

Maybe Daniels is back by Week 11. Or, the organization can play it safe and wait for a return after the team's Week 12 bye.

Once again, Mariota is the linchpin holding everything together. The backup didn't play poorly against the Lions. The defense let Washington down. Detroit scored on their first eight offensive possessions.

"I don't feel we're close," Mariota told reporters. "At the same time, though, day in and day out, I see guys coming in, giving it their all. So I do feel like we have the motivation, the determination to get this right. But we're running out of games, and we're running out of time."

Grade: C