Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan throws NFL’s lowest percentage of turnover-worthy passes

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has thrown eight interceptions this season. Six of those eight interceptions were tipped passes, such that Ryan’s receivers were responsible for the interception. This is something any mediocre analyst would know if he or she spent the time watching game film or researching the Falcons.

While mulling over this frustrating narrative about Ryan’s interceptions that’s managed to persist this season, I stumbled upon Pro Football Focus’ most recent quarterback rankings. Ryan owns Pro Football Focus’ second highest QB rating. (His 88.2 is second only to Tom Brady’s 94.8.) That may shock you, given all the chatter about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, whose 85.2 rating ranks 5th.

Here’s where things get interesting. According to PFF, Matt Ryan throws a turnover-worthy pass 0.6 percent of the time, lowest in the NFL. Compare that figure with Brady’s turnover-worthy pass percentage, which is 1.7 percent. I’m no math genius, but after scribbling furiously on the back of my electric bill for 45 minutes, I’ve deduced that Brady has thrown a turnover-worthy pass nearly three times more often Ryan this season. Nearly three times as much. Let that sink in for a moment.

Nothing to see here. Carry on.