The RPO: Daniel Jones, New York Giants
Baker Mayfield and Aaron Rodgers tied for the most attempts on run-pass option throws last season with 49, but neither was terribly efficient with them — Mayfield threw two touchdowns and two picks, and Rodgers had none of either. The most efficient RPO thrower in 2019 was Daniel Jones, who posted a 136.1 passer rating with 15 completions on 18 attempts for 140 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Short stuff yes, but not bad for a rookie.
The screen pass: Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Well, Brady was going to have to get his passing game going in some fashion, and given the fact that none of his receivers outside of Julian Edelman could consistently gain separation downfield, the quick screen was at times the way to produce. Brady had a passer rating of 138.8 on screens, completing 25 of 29 passes for 262 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. We’re guessing he won’t be checking down as much with the Buccaneers, given the physical abilities of his new targets.
In the pocket: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Brees has long been known as a devastating quarterback on the run to his right, because those rollouts give him easy throwing lanes. But in 2019, he was the NFL’s most effective thrower in the pocket, with a 119.3 passer rating, and 259 completions on 341 attempts for 2,789 yards, 24 touchdowns, and three interceptions. That’s tough to top.
Outside the pocket: Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Tannehill has always been an athletic mover, but in previous seasons, his GPS when throwing on the move was iffy at best. But in Arthur Smith’s offense, Tannehill was able to combine quick throws with play-action and rollouts to a highly effective end. He had a 134.7 passer rating on out-of-pocket throws, completing 24 of 39 passes for 391 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions.