Assessing the Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks by Targeted Depth in 2023
As the NFL season of 2023 progressed, quarterbacks showcased an impressive array of skills and strategies, leading to exciting performances. This article dives deep into the stats and highlights the most proficient passers across various depths of the field, from short throws to deep bombs. Let’s analyze the impact of these players on the game and their team’s fortunes.
Short Passing Game: Kings of the Quick Release
In the short passing game (less than 10 yards), several quarterbacks stood out with remarkable efficiency. Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills’ star, led the pack with a passing grade of 84.1, accumulating 2,274 yards. Following closely was Justin Herbert from the Los Angeles Chargers, boasting a grade of 83.8 and 1,779 yards. The significance of short passing can’t be understated, as it often sets up large gains and helps maintain offensive momentum.
| Rank | Player | Team | Passing Grade | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | 84.1 | 2,274 |
| 2 | Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers | 83.8 | 1,779 |
| T-3 | Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville Jaguars | 82.1 | 2,148 |
| T-3 | Kirk Cousins | Minnesota Vikings | 82.1 | 1,171 |
| 5 | Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | 81.1 | 2,447 |
| 6 | Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers | 80.9 | 2,077 |
| 7 | Jared Goff | Detroit Lions | 79.3 | 2,385 |
| 8 | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | 78.8 | 2,275 |
| 9 | Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | 78.6 | 1,409 |
| 10 | Baker Mayfield | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 77.0 | 2,114 |
It’s noteworthy that even though Patrick Mahomes led the league in short-yardage passing with 2,447 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns, he had strong competition in Jared Goff and Jordan Love, who also posted impressive statistics.
“Success in short passing often leads to more explosive plays as defenses tighten up,” said an analyst.
Intermediate Passing: Finding the Sweet Spot
When it comes to intermediate passes (between 10-19 yards), Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens took center stage. With a passing grade of 95.5, he not only excelled at moving the chains but also amassed a solid 1,532 yards.
| Rank | Player | Team | Passing Grade | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens | 95.5 | 1,532 |
| 2 | Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles | 94.8 | 1,089 |
| 3 | Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs | 92.3 | 1,266 |
| 4 | Tua Tagovailoa | Miami Dolphins | 91.8 | 1,541 |
| 5 | Kirk Cousins | Minnesota Vikings | 91.6 | 807 |
| 6 | Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers | 91.4 | 1,777 |
| 7 | Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | 90.9 | 1,788 |
| 8 | Jared Goff | Detroit Lions | 90.8 | 1,471 |
| 9 | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | 90.5 | 1,254 |
| 10 | Russell Wilson | Denver Broncos | 88.5 | 622 |
Jalen Hurts had an incredible run, completing 99 attempts without any turnover-worthy plays—a testament to his accuracy and decision-making abilities.
Quarterbacks showcasing their skills in the game
Deep Passing: Going for Gold
In the realm of deep passing (20 yards or more), Brock Purdy proved that he is more than just a game manager. With a jaw-dropping passing grade of 99.9 and 962 yards, he made a strong case for his deep passing skills, completing 30 of 53 attempts. Emerging stars like C.J. Stroud and Matthew Stafford also showed significant prowess, with passing grades of 98.6 and 97.8, respectively.
| Rank | Player | Team | Passing Grade | Passing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brock Purdy | San Francisco 49ers | 99.9 | 962 |
| 2 | C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans | 98.6 | 1,204 |
| 3 | Matthew Stafford | Los Angeles Rams | 97.8 | 984 |
| 4 | Justin Fields | Chicago Bears | 96.7 | 695 |
| 5 | Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville Jaguars | 96.6 | 1,272 |
| 6 | Tua Tagovailoa | Miami Dolphins | 96.2 | 1,127 |
| 7 | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | 96.1 | 1,024 |
| 8 | Geno Smith | Seattle Seahawks | 95.6 | 811 |
| 9 | Jared Goff | Detroit Lions | 92.7 | 831 |
| 10 | Russell Wilson | Denver Broncos | 92.3 | 855 |
Purdy’s performance, especially his pinpoint accuracy on longer throws, has challenged the perception that he thrives solely on short-yardage plays. This season, he’s reshaping his narrative by proving that he can also connect on deep routes effectively, with 11 touchdowns and only a single interception in deep passing.
Quarterbacks executing deep passes live
Conclusion
This season’s class of quarterbacks has revealed a range of talents that influence their respective teams’ dynamics. With varying styles—be it through executing short passes to enhance yardage, maintaining a high completion percentage in the intermediate game, or throwing deep for explosive gains—the 2023 season has produced some remarkable performances that fans will remember long after the final whistle.
Quarterbacks continue to redefine their respective roles within the game, and it’s clear that adaptability remains key. As teams prepare for future seasons, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these quarterbacks will be crucial in building winning rosters.
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