NFC's Best Passer Against the Blitz Actually Isn't Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers

Quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson have proven themselves to be among the NFL's most elusive in the pocket, as they make it difficult for opposing defenses to disrupt their progressions. Particularly among NFC signal-callers alone, one would likely assume that either of them would be the most efficient passer when facing a blitz, right?

Well, that's not exactly the case, as Pro Football Focus has released data they've collected on the top passer ratings against the blitz, and you'll never guess who came in first: Kirk Cousins!

Yes, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback who has been ridiculed for his errant throws and has been thrown under the bus by his own wide receivers is actually top of the pops when there's extra pressure coming. Against the blitz, Cousins has posted a passer rating of 130.0, with fellow NFC North quarterback Matthew Stafford trailing behind with a 125.7 rating.

Russell Wilson finds himself next on the list with a 122.9 rating, and Rodgers is fifth with a 118.6. That may not be too large of a statistical discrepancy to have major implications on those quarterback's play, but there's no denying that it's surprising to see Cousins atop that list.

Then again, maybe fans should start taking it a little easier on Cousins, as he's been heating up recently, leading the Vikings to a 6-2 record after they started the season 2-2.