The End of an Era: NFL playoffs will be missing these 3 icons for the first time since 2017

Andy McNamara

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The End of an Era: NFL playoffs will be missing these 3 icons for the first time since 2017 image

For the first time in nine years, we'll be entering the playoffs without three of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the NFL.

It's hard to imagine one, never mind all three of Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Joe Burrow not being in the post-season.

NFL analyst Ross Tucker made an interesting addition to this on X:

Now only Josh Allen remains standing amongst the perennial threats of AFC gunslingers.

More: College football is broken: Unbelievable percentage of D1 starters currently in the transfer portal

What Happened?!

The statistics tell a brutal story of injuries and "down" years:

  • Patrick Mahomes: For the first time in his career, the Chiefs are not in the playoffs. After going 6-9, Mahomes’ campaign ended in Week 15 with torn knee ligaments. He finishes with a respectable but "un-Mahomes-like" 22 TDs and 11 interceptions.

  • Joe Burrow: "Joe Cool" battled another injury plagued season. A turf toe ailment cost him nine games, leaving the Bengals at a dismal 5-10. Even with a late-season surge of 17 touchdowns in just eight starts, the hole was too great to dig out of.

  • Lamar Jackson: The dual-threat former MVP saw his rushing numbers crater to a career low of 349 yards. Hamstring, back and ankle issues took their, making Jackson more one dimensional. The Ravens (7-9) were eliminated in a heartbreaking Week 18 loss to rival Pittsburgh.

New Favorites

Now is the chance for a batch of young, fresh quarterbacks to step into the spotlight. 

Second year studs Drake Maye (Patriots) and Bo Nix (Broncos) are the two top seeds in the AFC.

Is this Trevor Lawrence's time to rise to his lofty first overall draft pick status and march the Jaguars to glory? Or can Josh Allen take advantage of the power vacuum, and finally get the Bills back to the Super Bowl?

However it shakes out, not having Mahomes, Jackson and Burrow around for January football will give this year's NFL playoffs a whole new feel.

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Contributing Writer