Best QBs on throws outside of the pocket

At PFF we chart virtually everything that occurs on an NFL football field, which means that by now – mid-way through the season – we have an expansive database filled with all sorts of information that you won’t find anywhere else. Today we’re going to take a deep dive into our QB data and take a look at how quarterbacks have fared throwing the ball outside of the pocket this season. Below you’ll find a list of the 33 qualified quarterbacks who’ve had at least 10 dropbacks this season end up outside of the pocket (whether it be due to a rollout or a scramble from a straight dropback) ranked by their passer rating on such throws.

1. Jameis Winston, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Passer Rating: 137.3

Winston has attempted 23 passes so far this season outside of the pocket, connecting on 14 of them for a total of 248 yards and three touchdowns to go with no picks. He faced pressure on 14 of those 23 dropbacks – and was hit on seven of them – but he’s only had to throw away one ball so far this season when outside the pocket while he has yet to be sacked.

2. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Passer Rating: 121.8

Prescott has attempted 38 throws outside of the pocket so far this season, completing 24 of them for 372 yards and three touchdowns. He’s been pressured on 19-of-40 dropbacks (and been sacked twice) and forced to throw the ball away five times, despite that though he ranks second among this group with an average of 9.8 yards per attempt outside of the pocket.

3. Case Keenum, Minnesota Vikings

Passer Rating: 114.1

Keenum has connected on 24-of-41 attempts outside of the pocket so far this season for a total of 302 yards and four touchdowns. 72.5 percent of his passing yards on throws outside of the pocket have come after the catch (219 of 302), the fourth-highest rate among these QBs.

4. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Passer Rating: 113.8

Carr has thrown the ball 20 times this season when outside the pocket, completing 13 of those passes for a total of 116 yards and two touchdowns, his 77.8 adjusted completion percentage on such throws ranks fifth among QBs. Carr has seen pressure on nine of his 20 attempts, including one hit, and has been forced to throw the ball away twice.

5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Passer Rating: 103.4

Before suffering a broken collarbone, Rodgers attempted 37 passes outside of the pocket and connected with his receiver on 21 of them for 240 yards, three touchdowns and no picks. Rodgers also scrambled for 84 yards on 10 runs, picking up six first downs.