Brock Purdy's Sensational Debut And The 5 Best Quarterback Performances Of Week 14

Week 14 of the NFL had more surprises than Christmas morning. NFL fans witnessed an impressive start from Mr. Irrelevant, a quarterback that was picked up on the waiver wire Tuesday, and a few familiar faces that were due for a breakout performance this season.

Here are the top 5 best performances at quarterback for week 14

Brock Purdy

Brock Purdy was the last pick (262nd overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, where he earned the title of Mr. Irrelevant. The former Iowa State quarterback proved Sunday; anything can happen in the NFL when preparation meets opportunity.

In his first career start in week 14, Purdy threw for 185 yards, zero interceptions, and two touchdowns against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi's Stadium. After leading San Fransisco to a 35-7 victory, the former two-time First-Team All-Big 12 rookie became the only quarterback ever to defeat Brady in his first career start, according to NFL Research.

The 49ers improve to 9-4 and are first in the NFC West.

Baker Mayfield

The Los Angeles Rams were on their last wish at quarterback. Baker Mayfield was signed on Tuesday and played two days later. The 2018 first overall draft pick helped break a six-game losing skid as the Rams hosted the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday Night Football.

Mayfield stepped in after L.A.’s first three-and-out, and threw for 230 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. Mayfield led two touchdown drives late in the fourth quarter to help the Rams beat the Raiders, 17-16 at SoFi Stadium.

With Mathew Stafford on injury reserve for the rest of the season (Spinal Contusion), Los Angeles was left with quarterback John Wolford next in line, who has more interceptions than touchdowns and suffering from a neck injury in 2022. The Rams improved to 4-9 and with Thursday’s performance Mayfield will get the nod at quarterback for the remainder of the year, according to Sports Illustrated.

Trevor Lawarence

Trevor Lawrence threw for 368 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions in Sunday’s 36-22 victory over the Titans on the road at Nissan Stadium. Lawrence launched a career-high in yards and total touchdowns against the Titans defense. Seven of his completions were for at least 20 yards or more. The 2021 first overall pick also scored his fourth rushing touchdown of 2022 from one yard out.

After Sunday’s victory over the Tennessee Titans, the Jacksonville Jaguars have placed their name back in the hat for a playoff spot in the AFC. The Jaguars improved to 5-8 and remain in contention for the AFC South title.

Jared Goff

Jared Goff threw for 330 yards, three touchdowns, and completed 27 of 39 passes in the 34-23 victory over the Minnesota Vikings Sunday at Ford Field. The two-time Pro-Bowler connected with rookie and former Alabama Crimson Tide standout Jemeson Williams for the first touchdown of his career with a 41-yard score. The Lions improved to 6-7 and have won five of their last six games.

Two seasons after Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams made an appearance in Super Bowl LIII, the 2016 first round pick was traded to the Detroit Lions. In 2022 Goff is back in Super Bowl form.

Detroit remains in the thick of the NFC wild-card mix, thanks in large part to the seven-year veteran's quarterback play.

Kirk Cousins

The three-time Pro-Bowler showed up in impressive fashion but came up short in the 34-23 loss to the Detroit Lions on the road at Ford Field Sunday.

Kirk Cousins threw for a season-high 425 yards and two touchdowns for a 124.5 passer rating. Second to Brock Purdy in week 14. Cousins connected with star receiver Justin Jefferson for 11 of his 31 completions and racked up 223 yards in the process. Jefferson broke Sammy White's Vikings 46-year-old single game receiving yardage record of 210 yards set all the way back in 1976.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Vikings are 10-3 and are in first place of the NFC North division title. The Minnesota Vikings defense had given up 400 yards in four-straight games and were considered 2.5 -point underdogs against NFC North rival the Lions heading into week 14