A little while back we discussed Michael Turner's inefficiency from the 1-yard line for Atlanta last year. Perhaps that's part of why his quarterback, Matt Ryan, tied for the league league in pass attempts from the 1 last season.
Ryan, Peyton Manning, and Ben Roethlisberger, each with 8, threw more passes from the 1-yard line than any other quarterback a year ago. It's not surprising that each of those teams is somewhat unsettled at tailback heading into the 2013 season. At least those three quarterbacks are good at it; they also led the league in touchdown passes from the 1.
You probably won't be surprised to learn which team was worst from in close last year: Philadelphia. Michael Vick (0-4) and Nick Foles (1-3) were a combined 1 of 7.
The numbers on pass attempts from the 1, sorted by touchdowns, for the league's quarterbacks last season are presented below.
Passing from the 1-yard-line, 2012
TDs Att
5 8 P.Manning, Den.
5 8 B.Roethlisberger, Pitt.
4 8 M.Ryan, Atl.
4 5 D.Brees, N.O.
3 3 A.Rodgers, G.B.
3 7 M.Schaub, Hou.
3 3 B.Gabbert/C.Henne, Jac.
3 4 C.Palmer, Oak.
3 5 S.Bradford, St.L.
3 7 J.Freeman, T.B.
2 7 M.Stafford, Det.
2 4 C.Ponder, Minn.
2 3 M.Sanchez/G.McElroy, NYJ
1 3 R.Fitzpatrick, Buff.
1 2 A.Dalton, Cin.
1 2 T.Romo, Dall.
1 3 M.Cassel/B.Quinn, K.C.
1 1 R.Tannehill, Mia.
1 3 E.Manning, NYG
1 7 M.Vick/N.Foles, Phi.
1 1 A.Smith, S.F.
0 1 J.Skelton, Ari.
0 1 J.Flacco, Balt.
0 1 C.Newton, Car.
0 1 B.Weeden, Clev.
0 2 A.Luck, Ind.
0 1 P.Rivers, S.D.
0 1 M.Hasselbeck, Tenn.
--Andy Richardson