The NFC East has never lacked quarterback talent or storylines. One week into the season, narratives are attaching themselves to the Philadelphia Eaglesand their rivals. Every team brings a different story.
Philadelphia is celebrating a victory. The Washington Commandersseem content to leave Jayden Daniels on an island. Even so, the latter came within a few plays of leading his team to victory.
The New York Giantsare off to a 1-0 start, and they are such at the expense of the Dallas Cowboys. New York is excited about Jaxson Dart's potential after the Giants won the time-of-possession battle and were better in nearly every category. Penalties and yardage were the only exceptions.
Dallas is once again searching for answers after a frustrating loss,
so here we are, taking an opportunity to separate team results from quarterback play. Wins and losses matter, but they don't always tell the entire story. Sometimes a quarterback plays well in defeat. Sometimes a signal-caller wins despite an uneven performance from the offense around him.
With Week 1 now in the books, here's how the NFC East's quarterbacks stack up based on performance, production, and the circumstances surrounding their respective outings.
1. Jalen Hurts — Philadelphia Eagles
PFF grades: Passing (71.9), Rushing (71.6), Overall (76.2)
Jalen Hurts took 35 snaps as a passer, according to PFF, and the results were impressive. In fact, one could argue he performed better than the offensive line protecting him.
Hurts completed 14 of 25 pass attempts for 203 yards and three touchdowns while avoiding turnovers. He posted a 71.2 QBR and a 122.2 passer rating despite spending much of the afternoon under pressure.
The most encouraging takeaway was his ability to deliver when the Eagles needed him most. Whether it was a perfectly placed touchdown throw or a critical fourth-quarter scramble on third-and-18, Hurts repeatedly found answers in key moments.
The performance wasn't flawless, but no NFC East quarterback combined efficiency, explosiveness, decision-making, and winning football better than Hurts did in Week 1.
2. Jaxson Dart — New York Giants
PFF grades: Passing (65.8), Rushing (78.1), Overall (71.9)
Jayden Daniels and Dak Prescott may be more accomplished quarterbacks right now, but Jaxson Dart earned the second spot after Week 1. It's difficult to watch him lead touchdown drives throughout all four quarters, throw three touchdown passes, and secure a victory while ranking lower than some of his division counterparts.
Dart finished with an 81.6 QBR and a 134.2 passer rating. He protected the football, overcame a fumble scare, and consistently made plays when opportunities presented themselves. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of his game is the intangibles that keep showing up. The Giants appear to have found a quarterback who can energize the offense and create plays when structure breaks down.
3. Jayden Daniels — Washington Commanders
PFF grades: Passing (71.9), Rushing (79.3), Overall (74.9)
Few quarterbacks had to work harder for their production than Jayden Daniels. The Eagles spent much of the afternoon collapsing the pocket, forcing Daniels to improvise and create offense on the move. Despite that, he nearly helped Washington steal a road victory.
Daniels threw two touchdown passes, posted a 66.3 QBR, and finished with an 85.9 passer rating. More importantly, he repeatedly converted difficult situations into positive plays, often with his legs.
Washington stayed in the game as long as it did because of Daniels' ability to manufacture offense. Had the Eagles faced a less mobile quarterback, they may have finished with six or more sacks.
The failed two-point conversion will draw attention, but the bigger takeaway is that Daniels continues to elevate the Commanders beyond what many would expect based solely on the talent around him.
4. Dak Prescott — Dallas Cowboys
PFF grades: Passing (77.6), Rushing (64.1), Overall (79.2)
Dak Prescott was Dallas' highest-graded player in Week 1 per Pro Football Focus, and from a pure passing standpoint, that's understandable. At his best, Prescott remains one of the division's most polished pocket passers. He understands coverage, delivers the football on time, and can operate efficiently within structure. Still, some familiar concerns resurfaced.
Prescott was the only NFC East quarterback to throw an interception in Week 1, and despite having arguably the best receiving tandem in the division with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, he couldn't lead Dallas to a victory.
It's fair to wonder what Daniels or Hurts might have done with that supporting cast. It's also fair to point out that Prescott's production didn't separate him from the field despite having more proven weapons than most of his divisional peers.
One week doesn't define a season, but it does provide a snapshot. Right now, Hurts sits atop the NFC East quarterback hierarchy because he paired winning with efficient play. Dart made the strongest statement of the division's younger quarterbacks. Daniels once again proved he's capable of carrying an offense for stretches, and Prescott remains talented enough to climb these rankings quickly.
The good news for football fans is that none of these stories are finished. The NFC East always finds a way to create quarterback drama, and after one week, it feels like we're only getting started.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Ranking every NFC East quarterback after their Week 1 performances
