Not all NFL plays go according to plan. On offense, the opponents will do anything legal to stop the ball from advancing. One approach is to force the quarterback to go off-script by sending out pass rushers from various directions. However, defensive coordinators must think twice about blitzing when facing these four QBs.
Pro Football Focus identified the quarterbacks who have excelled when forced outside the pocket since 2022. Patrick Mahomes tops the list with a 92.2 grade, and it's no secret that his ability to extend plays through improvisation has helped the Kansas City Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowl titles. His elusiveness led to portions of his 401 completions, 4,183 passing yards, and 27 touchdowns.
The best QBs outside the pocket over the last two seasons pic.twitter.com/2uwdDB1v6o
— PFF (@PFF) July 10, 2024
PFF ranked Buffalo's Josh Allen second with a 91.8 grade outside the pocket. He had a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns from 524 rushing yards last season while tallying 385 completions for 4,306 passing yards and 29 passing touchdowns.
At third is reigning Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson with an 89.9 grade. In addition to his 3,678 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, he's a dual-threat quarterback, as proven by his 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Finally, Brock Purdy was excellent outside the pocket, scoring 89.6 in his first two seasons. He helped the San Francisco 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII with a Pro Bowl season (308 completions, 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns). Of the four quarterbacks listed here, Purdy is the only one due for a lucrative contract extension.
-Lance Fernandez