NFL Playoffs: Breaking Down the Quarterbacks
Quarterbacks are the heartbeat of NFL teams, especially in the playoffs, where their performance often determines success or failure. So, among the 14 playoff-bound signal-callers, who has the edge this year?
To find out, I analyzed five key statistical categories. Four of the 14 quarterbacks stood out as leaders in at least one area. Here’s how they stack up:
1. Pressure-to-Sack Rate: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
How often does pressure lead to a sack? For Buffalo's Josh Allen, the answer is just 8% of the time—making him the least-sacked quarterback among this year’s playoff field. Allen’s ability to evade defenders, scramble, or throw the ball away ensures that even under pressure, he’s a playmaker. If Allen keeps this up, the Bills’ offense will be tough to stop.
2. Average Time to Throw: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
This metric reflects how much time quarterbacks have in the pocket before releasing the ball—a sign of both the quarterback’s poise and the offensive line’s dominance. Jalen Hurts gets a league-best 3.21 seconds to throw, well above the playoff QB average of 2.89 seconds. With this time, the Eagles’ dynamic RPO (run-pass option) offense can shine. If Hurts capitalizes, Philly could soar deep into the playoffs.
3. Quarterback Rating: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
QB rating combines completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdown rate, and interception rate into one efficiency score. Lamar Jackson tops the list with an astounding 119.6 rating, far surpassing the playoff QB average of 100.5. This makes Jackson the most efficient passer heading into the postseason, a critical advantage for the Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations.
4. Completion Percentage & Drop Rate: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Detroit’s Jared Goff leads in two vital categories: completion percentage and drop rate. His stunning 72.4% completion rate is one of only two playoff quarterbacks above 70%, and his receivers drop just 1.3% of his passes—the lowest in the field. Goff’s pinpoint accuracy and reliable connection with his targets make the Lions’ passing attack a nightmare for defenses to handle.
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