Crashing for Caleb

Who will hit rock bottom to claim USC’s prized gunslinger?

By Finn Turton October 29th 2023

It’s only week eight but this year’s wacky race between franchises positioned on the grid of mid-season mediocrity is underway. At the finishing line, clutching a chequered flag, stands generational QB, Caleb Williams. His elite arm strength, speed and record-breaking pass accuracy provide a field stretching combination which makes him a lock for the number one spot in next year’s NFL draft.

Those teams seemingly set to crash for Caleb are becoming increasingly apparent, squandering points, and making deadline trades that should be considered ludicrous. Favoured pacesetters, the Washington Commanders (3-5), have traded Pro Bowl pass rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat for a meagre second and third round pick. Placed alongside, despite forking out a staggering $200 million pre-season contract for the permanently injured Daniel Jones, it’s the New York Giants (2-6). They have balanced a string of uninspiring defeats against the enticing crash value of shipping star defensive end, Leonard Williams to the Seattle Seahawks for even less. 

In pursuit of this hapless pair, the Arizona Cardinals (1-7) who, possibly envisioning a bleak road ahead, released top ten wideout De’Andre Hopkins before the season commenced. That said, many trackside commentators believe the Cardinals will retain faith in currently injured playmaker Kyler Murray, drafted first overall in 2019, choosing instead to   exchange any top podium spot for a tank full of additional picks.

And so, race fans, as they rush towards the abyss of NFL obscurity, we can only wonder who is destined to hit rock bottom and claim USC’s prized gunslinger.