Panic Meters for Struggling NFL QBs Entering Week 3 of the 2026 Season

There have been some rough starts. 

We're looking at you, Justin Herbert. And you, Aaron Rodgers. You too, Drake Maye, Cam Ward and Bo Nix. Far-from-ideal starts for each of you.

To what extent should each be panicking as we enter Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season? Let's break it down.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Justin Herbert

The Problem: The 28-year-old has already thrown three interceptions, fumbled three times and is the third-lowest-rated qualified passer in the league. His 24.4 rating on deep passes is the worst among quarterbacks with at least 10 deep attempts. 

The Solution: The entire offense—and Herbert in particular—has to figure out how to effectively run and perform in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's system. They look completely out of sync and have been plagued by mental mistakes. It has to click soon because they are in Buffalo and Seattle over the next two weeks. 

Panic Level: 8/10 -- Not because a talented quarterback like Herbert can't eventually figure this out, but because he's also relying on a so-so offense and facing a brutal schedule. Time is already running out for an offense that has scored 28 total points in back-to-back losses to start the season.

Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers 

AP Photo/Steven Senne

Aaron Rodgers

The Problem: The fading 42-year-old is the league's fourth-lowest-rated passer. He's just 3-for-26 on deep passes and 5-for-19 on third-down throws. The Steelers have scored 23 total points in two games. 

The Solution: Strip out the playbook clutter. It won't be easy, but Rodgers and Mike McCarthy have to show that the modern game hasn't passed them by. They'll have to make major adjustments to take the pressure off Rodgers in the pocket. Either that or the organization might have to pivot in a major way. 

Panic Level: 9/10 -- Rodgers and the offense can't afford another dud this weekend against Cincinnati. They're digging an early hole that will be hard to climb out of as the schedule gets tougher in November and December. 

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Charles Krupa

Drake Maye

The Problem: The reigning MVP runner-up is the NFL's second-lowest-rated qualified passer. He has a 29.6 passer rating on third down and an abysmal 43.6 rating in the second half of one-score games. On deep attempts, he's thrown zero touchdown passes and four interceptions as the Patriots have scored just 30 points in two weeks. 

The Solution: Facing some weaker defenses should help, as the Seahawks and Steelers bring a lot of talent to the table. Still, Josh McDaniels' offense has to become less predictable and rely less on Maye to play hero ball in big spots. Meanwhile, Maye himself simply needs to make more plays when called upon. The 24-year-old has looked lost thus far. 

Panic Level: 5/10 -- It's early. They're still 1-1. Maye was at least better in a Week 2 win than he was in a Week 1 loss. That said, a few more poor performances could cause skeptics to wonder if the league has figured him out after he shocked the football world in 2025. 

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Cam Ward

The Problem: In two weeks, the second-year No. 1 overall pick has completed two passes for 15-plus yards downfield. He's led the Titans to just 30 points in two games. More critically, he's often looked completely overwhelmed under tight reins.

The Solution: The offense has to start letting him loose. Ward has completed eight third-down passes, but only four have resulted in first downs. He also ranks fifth-lowest among qualifiers in terms of air yards per attempt. We can't get a read on whether Ward has a chance to be the real deal when he's this handcuffed. 

Panic Level: 3/10 -- He's only 19 starts into his career. There were bound to be growing pains adjusting to Brian Daboll's offense. The Titans have time to tinker, as we did see progress from Ward and the offense against Philadelphia in Week 2. 

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos 

AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Bo Nix

The Problem: He fumbled three times in a poor Week 1 performance against the Chiefs and has thrown an interception in each of the first two weeks. The Broncos have scored just 30 points in those two games. Nix has thrown 17 passes on third down. Only four of which have moved the chains. 

The Solution: Mainly patience, as we saw the new-look offense begin to click during the second half of Sunday's victory over the Jaguars. That said, consistency has been an issue for both Nix and the Denver offense in the past, so the pressure is firmly on. Nix has to find a way to be effective for four quarters, with the staff keeping him on schedule. 

Panic Level: 3/10 -- This is a quality team across the board with a new play-caller. Nix has the talent and support to get by while ideally making progress as Year 3 continues. There's some margin for error here.