NFL quarterbacks are like orchestra conductors.
They are in command of maximizing their skill players to create a tremendous offensive rhythm.
They know when to prioritize the run or make the deep throw.
When they push the right buttons, these play-callers can lead their team to victory.
Here are the best performances from Week 10 of the 2021 NFL season.
3. Mac Jones
His numbers may not be as eye-popping compared to other quarterbacks.
But the rookie from Alabama is learning to take care of the ball by making their correct plays.
Mac Jones finished with only 198 passing yards against the Cleveland Browns.
However, he misfired on only four passes (19 of 23) and threw for three touchdowns.
Mac Jones: 142.1 passer rating in Week 10
Highest among all QBs 👀 pic.twitter.com/UOzWNfwSn3
— PFF (@PFF) November 15, 2021
More importantly, the New England Patriots are on a four-game win streak, and he only has one interception during that stretch.
Jones helped establish New England’s run game that gained 184 rushing yards, 100 of which were by Rhamondre Stevenson.
Likewise, he’s not afraid to make difficult throws like this touchdown strike to Kendrick Bourne between two defenders.
Mac Jones 🤝 Kendrick Bourne
This throw and catch 🎯
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/cen2YFyqif
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) November 14, 2021
The Patriots got their sixth win in 10 games via a 45-7 demolition of the Browns.
This game also adds another feather in Jones’ cap, making him the best quarterback from the 2021 draft class.
After Week 10, Jones leads all rookies in passing yards (2,333), yards per completion (7.2), and touchdown passes (13).
2. Taylor Heinicke
Is Taylor Heinicke starting to be Tom Brady’s nemesis?
Last season, the former Old Dominion standout made his first NFL start and nearly defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
This year, Heinicke finally defeated Tampa Bay, 29-19.
This time, Taylor Heinicke finishes off Tom Brady.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 14, 2021
It was an upset of significant proportions because a 2-6 team defeated a surefire playoff contender.
Sportsbooks had the Buccaneers as the favorites to win the game.
Heinicke didn’t care and led Washington to victory against the NFC South leaders who came off their bye week.
He completed 81 percent of his passes (26 of 32) for 256 yards and a touchdown.
19 PLAYS. 80 YARDS. OVER TEN MINUTES.@WashingtonNFL just iced the game with a historic TD drive. #WashingtonFootball #TBvsWAS pic.twitter.com/pgG0qi9P9V
— NFL (@NFL) November 14, 2021
He also dialed up Antonio Gibson for two rushing touchdowns.
This season it’s only Washington’s third win, but they got a big one in the defending champions.
1. Patrick Mahomes
The first half of the season was a nightmare for Patrick Mahomes.
He had 10 interceptions in seven weeks, causing the Kansas City offense to struggle.
But the Chiefs are on a three-game winning streak, and Mahomes played his best game of the season against division rival Las Vegas Raiders.
The Super Bowl LIV MVP completed 35 passes for 406 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
35/50.
406 yards.
5 TDs.Statement performance. @PatrickMahomes pic.twitter.com/dMGwPZZARG
— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2021
That performance was his third 400-yard, five-touchdown game, tying him with Dan Marino and Joe Montana.
The win also improved Mahomes’ road division record to 11-0, putting him one game away from Peyton Manning and nine games behind Montana’s record.
This game could signal the resurgence of the Chiefs as title contenders, and the rest of the league must take notice.
Patrick Mahomes & Darrel Williams (38-yard TD)
Completion Probability: 25.8%🔹 Speed at Throw: 12.70 MPH
🔹 Air Distance: 43.1 yards
🔹 Target Separation: 0.3 yards**Mahomes' least amount of target separation on a completion in his career#StatThat | Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/oUC72ncOr6
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) November 15, 2021
They are on top of the AFC West again after the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos lost their respective games.
Mahomes is looking like the player that Kansas City signed to a 10-year, $450 million deal, and that’s trouble for everyone in their way.
NEXT: 3 Worst QB Performances From NFL Week 10