Best quarterback on intermediate throws. Best when targeting slot wide receivers. Best when throwing crossing routes. Even the best quarterback on designed rollouts.
After we dug deep into Pro Football Focus last week to evaluate the NFL's best at everything, we're back for an in-depth look at football's most important position. We have graded every throw from the first 11 weeks of the season to pick the best quarterbacks in 35 different categories. All stats are from our data set:
Best overall
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
While it's getting close at the top of the rankings, Wilson is still our highest-graded signal-caller at 91.0 overall. It has been an incredible season for the 2012 third-round pick, who ranks second in big-time throw percentage -- big-time throws are PFF's highest-graded pass attempts based upon ball placement, velocity, targeted depth and other factors -- and first at avoiding turnover-worthy plays, an elite combination for quarterbacks.
Best at throwing inside the numbers
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks, and Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Wilson and Stafford are tied for the best PFF grade on passes in between the numbers at 94.0. Stafford leads the league with 13 big-time throws on these passes, while Wilson ranks first in completion percentage (85.7%) and second in yards per attempt (10.7).
Best targeting outside the numbers
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Rodgers leads the league with a 92.3 grade on throws outside the numbers, and he is tied for second with 16 big-time throws to go with only two turnover-worthy plays. His passer rating of 110.7 ranks fourth.
Best by route: Out
Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Since taking over as the starter for the Titans, Tannehill has had success on out-breaking routes, leading the way with a 92.5 grade and ranking fifth in yards per attempt (8.4). His best out route was a well-placed 20-yarder to Anthony Firkser in the comeback victory over the Chiefs.