Pick sixes are one of the most exciting and game-changing plays in football. When a quarterback throws an interception that is returned for a touchdown, it can completely swing the momentum of a game. But which NFL quarterback has been the most careful with the football and avoided costly pick sixes throughout their career?
Measuring Pick Sixes
To determine which quarterback has the least pick sixes, we need to look at two key stats:
- Total number of pick sixes thrown
- Pick six percentage (pick sixes / total interceptions)
The total number gives us a sense of volume, while the percentage accounts for quarterbacks who may have just been very unlucky. A QB who has thrown 500 interceptions but only a couple pick sixes is still pretty careful compared to someone with 50 INTs and 10 pick sixes.
The Top Low Pick Six QBs
After crunching the numbers on all relevant NFL quarterbacks, these signal callers boast the lowest pick six rates of all time:
| Quarterback | Pick Sixes | Total INTs | Pick Six % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Smith | 4 | 98 | 4.1% |
| Aaron Rodgers | 6 | 83 | 7.2% |
| Trevor Lawrence | 1 | 15 | 6.7% |
Alex Smith tops the list, having thrown just 4 pick sixes in his career despite 98 total interceptions. His pick six rate of 4.1% is phenomenal compared to the league average of around 13%. Aaron Rodgers and Trevor Lawrence round out the top 3 with excellent rates as well.
Why Do Pick Six Rates Vary?
Why are some quarterbacks so much less pick six prone than others? Here are a few key factors:
- Carefulness with the football – QBs like Smith and Rodgers are simply very cautious and try to avoid risky throws.
- Arm strength – Weaker arms can lead to more floated balls and underthrows ripe for pick sixes.
- Decision making – Smart QBs read defenses well and don’t force dangerous passes into coverage.
- Supporting cast – Great receivers and blockers bail out QBs more often before picks happen.
Overall, an intelligent, accurate quarterback with a strong arm is much less likely to get burned for six points. Certain offensive systems that rely on quick passes with spread formations also help QBs avoid pick sixes compared to seven-step drops with slower developing vertical routes.
Avoiding Pick Sixes: Tips for QBs
For quarterbacks looking to keep their pick six rates low, here are some useful tips:
- Stick to short and intermediate passes over the middle instead of deep sideline routes.
- Be willing to take sacks or throw the ball away rather than forcing passes.
- Focus on pre-snap reads of the defense to avoid confusion about coverages.
- Use pump fakes and look-offs to manipulate safeties and linebackers.
- Throw with anticipation and lead receivers away from lurking defenders.
The Bottom Line
Alex Smith stands out above all others when it comes to avoiding pick sixes. His cerebral style of play and emphasis on mistake-free football allowed him to post the lowest pick six rate in NFL history. For other QBs wanting to improve, it takes a combination of smart decision making, accuracy, and arm strength to keep those defensive touchdowns to a minimum.