In what was a rough week for quarterback play around the NFL, Minnesota Vikings signal caller Sam Bradford found himself at the head of the class.
According to ESPN, Week 14 is on pace for the worst Total QBR in a week since ESPN Stats & Information began tracking it in 2006.
Of the 30 quarterbacks who have already played this week the average QBR is 43.7 – 1.8 points lower than any other single week since the start of the 2006 season.
But Bradford was nearly double the average. He posted an 83.4 QBR – tops for Sunday.
A strong day from Bradford secured a road victory for the Vikings. Full grades recap: https://t.co/TFdQI37Q3M pic.twitter.com/76ZORFFnL2
— PFF (@PFF) December 12, 2016
Bradford’s day wasn’t monstrous. He completed 70.6 percent of his passes for 292 yards and a touchdown.
The biggest reason for Bradford’s big day – time to throw the ball. The Vikings offensive line didn’t allow a sack and Bradford was only hurried nine times.
Pro Football Focus notes that he was accurate when he was under duress. And even on plays where things could have gone badly, Bradford turned them into positives.
Bradford fumbles.
Picks it up.
Still finds McKinnon…1st down, @VIKINGS! #SKOL https://t.co/W33LCL7K85
— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2016
Bradford and the Vikings offense were able to connect on a few big plays. Three passes gained at least 40 yards – including a 45-yard connection with Stefon Diggs.
ESPN 1500 notes it took Bradford an average of 2.97 seconds to release the ball Sunday – a half-second slower than his average under Shurmur this year.
The result was more time for the receivers to get open downfield, and it paid off for Bradford and the Vikings.
