The ‘Forgotten Player of the Year’ goes to someone that didn’t listen to critics. Someone that worked harder and put in more work then the guy next to them. They stayed ready to go. Some unlikely, former high-profile players are reminding the league that they still got it. The nominees are primarily QBs with one RB sprinkled in. A pair of former Ohio State Buckeye teammates making statements in new homes. Geno Smith put it best in his quote after a national televised win a few years ago.

They wrote me off. I didn’t write back though. – Geno Smith

Baker has finally found an organization to call home. The former top overall pick for the Browns had the city of Cleveland in the palm of his hand. Having got them to the playoffs and even won a playoff game he was the King. The second Odell Beckham got to town all of that changed for Baker and he was pushed out of town. Baker used to have commercials about living in the Browns stadium, how can he get the boot that quick? He was seemingly loved in Cleveland until he wasn’t. The Buccaneers was the perfect situation for Baker.

Sam Darnold was a former top 5 pick to a fan base that will let you know if they don’t like you. New York is one of the hardest places to play QB. Darnold didn’t have a terrible rookie year throwing 17 TDs to 15 interceptions. He followed that up with a 19 TD to 13 interceptions. In 2020, like the rest of the world, wasn’t fair for Darnold. Following covid Darnold joined the Panthers and had 9 TDs in 12 games started. Spending last season with Mike Shanahan and backing up Brock Purdy was invaluable. Darnolds outplayed Trey Lance earning the backup role. Fast forward to this season, Darnold enters the season as the clear starter with rookie JJ McCarthy being hurt. Darnold has the Vikings perfect thru 5 games. He’s also currently tied with Baker Mayfield with 11 TDs with only 4 interceptions.

JK Dobbins is the early favorite for Comeback Player of the Year. Dobbins exploded in the first two games rushing for 130+ in each contest. Dobbins has spent the better part of the last 3 years rehabbing various injuries. When healthy Dobbins has been one of the best backs in the league averaging about 6 YPC. Chargers have run into pretty stingy run defenses the past two games so Dobbins has come back to earth. However, how can you not be ecstatic that Dobbins has remained healthy and looks fresh.

If the Bears put a better supporting cast around Justin Fields maybe we’d see different results in Chicago. He had some highlight reel plays but didn’t have the right pieces or coaching to elevate his game. Now he’s with Mike Tomlin and Pittsburgh. One of the most stable and well-run organizations in all of sports not just in the NFL. He’s got a better completion percentage then Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, Lamar Jackson and many more. They’re not relying on his legs which is something Chicago needed him to do if they had any chance of being competitive.

We’ll see if these players can sustain the success throughout the long season. So far these players don’t seem to be cooling off. More times then not it’s OK to not be a top 10 draft pick because that usually means the team has some glaring holes. QBs starting their rookie year used to be unheard of. Sitting behind a veteran for a few years is the best thing for some of these young QBs.