The 2024 NFL season is on its way to being a pivotal year for many players, but none more so than these six standout athletes. The stakes have never been higher with their teams and fans keeping a watchful eye.
This article delves into the immense pressure facing Deshaun Watson, Brian Burns, Stefon Diggs, Bryce Young, Devin White, and Joe Burrow, highlighting why their performances this season are crucial to their careers and teams.
Deshaun Watson: QB, Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson’s situation is one of the most scrutinized in the NFL. After signing a blockbuster deal worth $230 million in guaranteed money, the expectations were sky-high. However, Watson’s performance has left much to be desired, with a completion rate of just 59.8% and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 14:9. His passer rating stands at 81.7, and he
averages only 181.8 passing yards per game. Injuries and legal troubles have also been a significant concern. Watson missed 11 games in 2023 and hasn’t played a full season since 2020.
The pressure on Watson is immense. The “Dawg Pound” and the Browns’ management are looking for a quarterback who can lead them to perennial Super Bowl contention. Watson’s inconsistency and missed games due to suspensions and injuries have only added to the pressure. With veteran Jameis Winson being added to apply some pressure at the position, Watson needs to prove his worth this season.
Key Stats:
- Completion rate: 59.8%
- Touchdown-to-interception ratio: 14:9
- Passer rating: 81.7
- Passing yards per game: 181.8
Brian Burns: EDGE, New York Giants
Brian Burns enters the 2024 season with significant expectations after signing a lucrative contract. With 46 career sacks in 80 games, Burns has been a consistent performer but needs to elevate his game to meet the lofty standards set by players like Nick Bosa. Comparisons are inevitable, especially when you are stepping into a lineage that includes legends like Lawrence Taylor and Michael Strahan.
Dexter Lawrence, an All-Pro interior defender, and explosive pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux will lead a strong supporting cast for Burns. The New York Giants are looking for Burns to dominate, particularly in one-on-one situations. How he handles the pressure of being the premier pass rusher will significantly impact his legacy and the team’s success.
Key Stats:
- Career sacks: 46
- Games played: 80
- Sack record: 12.5 sacks in 2022
Stefon Diggs: WR, Houston Texans
Stefon Diggs finds himself in a unique situation. Despite being an ultra-productive wide receiver with six 1,000-yard seasons in his nine-year career, Diggs is already on his third team. Joining the Houston Texans, he faces the challenge of adapting to a new role amidst a competitive wide receiver lineup.
The Texans have emerging stars like Nico Collins and Tank Dell, who have shown big play potential. This season, Diggs needs to prove he can adapt to a different role within an offense not explicitly designed around him. Given his history of leading roles and high expectations, how Diggs performs will be watched closely.
Key Stats:
- 1,000-yard seasons: 6
- Career span: 9 years
- 100+ catch seasons since 2018: 5
Bryce Young: QB, Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young faces perhaps the most intense scrutiny among the six players. After a disappointing rookie season, the former No. 1 overall pick has many critics questioning his “franchise” potential. Playing under a new head coach, Dave Canales, who has a reputation for resurrecting careers, Young needs to step up.
Given his talent and the investment the Panthers have made in him, there’s a lot riding on Young’s ability to bounce back. The comparison with his classmate, CJ Stroud, who is already looking like a potential superstar, adds another layer of pressure. The team added some support at wide receiver, signing Diontae Johnson and drafting South Carolina star Xavier Legette in the first round. Young must show significant improvement to alleviate concerns and justify his draft status.
Key Stats:
- Rookie season: Disappointing
- New head coach: Dave Canales
Devin White: LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Devin White’s career trajectory has also hit a bump. The former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is betting on himself with a one-year deal in Philadelphia, hoping to secure a blockbuster contract. Despite his impressive resume of 500+ tackles, 64 quarterback hits, and 23 sacks, White’s performance dipped last season.
Joining Vic Fangio’s defense, White has the opportunity to reinvent himself. His elite pass-rushing skills and potential as a disruptive force make him a critical player for the Eagles. However, he must overcome the narrative of his sub-par campaign last year and prove his worth as a leader and a playmaker.
Key Stats:
- Tackles: 500+
- Quarterback hits: 64
- Sacks: 23
Joe Burrow: QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow is set to be one of the most compelling comeback stories of the 2024 NFL season. Bengals supporters and the entire NFL community are eagerly anticipating Burrow’s return after a season-ending wrist injury in 2023. The Bengals’ quarterback has already shown his potential to lead the league in passing yards, with bold predictions suggesting he could achieve career-high statistics this season.
Burrow’s performance is not just about personal redemption but also about the Bengals’ aspirations for the season. With the AFC North being one of the toughest divisions, Burrow will need to shoulder a significant burden to keep the Bengals competitive. His ability to lead the team could result in the Bengals being serious contenders for the AFC Championship and even the Super Bowl.
Key Stats:
- Career-high passing yards predicted for 2024
- Potential MVP candidate
- Bengals’ odds to win the AFC North: +170
- Bengals’ Super Bowl odds: +1300
The Bengals win odds are a testament to the high expectations placed on Burrow and the team. With a favorable schedule and a healthy roster, the Bengals are destined to bounce back from their disappointing previous season. If Burrow can stay healthy and deliver on these predictions, the Bengals could not only secure a playoff spot but also make a deep run in the postseason, potentially capturing their first-ever Lombardi Trophy.
Conclusion
The 2024 NFL season is a make-or-break year for Deshaun Watson, Brian Burns, Stefon Diggs, Bryce Young, and Devin White. For Joe Burrow, it’s a chance to bounce back and prove why he’s one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL. Each player faces unique challenges and pressures to perform at elite levels. Their performances will not only shape their careers but also significantly impact their teams’ seasons.
As the football world watches closely, these six players are prime candidates for the most pivotal storylines in the NFL this year.
