Pff Labs: What Makes A Great Player?

Just a few weeks into the college football season, hosts Cam Mellor & Wes Huber take a look at the potential impact of sophomore athletes across the nation, who had some very good debut seasons with their respective universities. Be they redshirt-sophomores or true sophomores, the hosts discuss their specific traits that made these athletes stand out among the rest with our exclusive PFF signature stats.

Steve Palazzolo and Zac Robinson dive into the Matthew Stafford contract and whether or not he's worth being the highest-paid player in the NFL (2:20). They cover the announcements of multiple Week 1 starters, including Tom Savage (13:20) and DeShone Kizer (20:05), while giving names to watch as breakout and regression candidates (27:00). Is this the year Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston takes the next step? How will Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins fare with new playmakers and a new offensive coordinator? Can Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan duplicate last year's MVP season? That and much more on this week's Big-Time Throwcast.

Steve and Zac break down the week 1 rookie preseason performances. They Start with Mitch Trubisky, and how the Bear's offense is playing to his strengths  (5:00). Zac liked what he saw out of Patrick Mahomes in his debut. The Chiefs kept it simple and Mahomes stayed on schedule.(14:25). Steve talks about how Deshaun Watson missed a few plays but showed a spark with his long TD run (23:30).

Steve Palazzolo and Zac Robinson break down the Miami Dolphins' signing of Jay Cutler (3:45). How will he replace Ryan Tannehill and is he a better option than Matt Moore? What did head coach Adam Gase do with Cutler in 2015 to get the most out of him? Steve and Zac also take a look at Tyrod Taylor of the Buffalo Bills (17:40), breaking down his strengths and weaknesses before diving into the Denver Broncos quarterback situation (29:30). Is Trevor Siemian the answer? When will Paxton Lynch be ready. Is there a secret third option for the Broncos?

Steve and Zac talk about Flacco's career, how he has succeeded in the past, and what he has to do to recapture that in the future.

Steve and Zac sift through Bortle's 2016 season looking for bright spots. Then, Zac tries to come up with a scheme where he can succeed.  

Steve and Zac cover Alex Smith this week. They talk about his limitations and if they will hold the chiefs back. 

Steve and Zac talk about if Carson Palmer can bounce back this year. They describe in detail how the Cardinal's run their offense and what Palmer needs to do to be successful.

Steve and Zac take a look at what Andy Dalton brings to the table. They discuss how the offensive line will affect him this year, as well as how the pass catching talent around him will perform. 

Steve and Zac try to gauge where Ryan Tannehill's career is at. He's been inconsistent game to game but has the ability to play very well.

Steve and Zac revisit Goff's tough rookie year, they look for bright spots as well as addressing areas of concern. Then, they make some predictions for his sophomore season.

Steve and Zac discuss Cam Newton. They look back at his past few seasons, evaluate his surrounding talent,  and ponder what the Panthers offense might look like next season. 

Steve and Zac try to make sense of the Browns QB situation, They go over what Kessler can do, as well as what Deshone Kizer brings to the table.

Steve and Zac talk about Big Ben's 2016 season. Then they discuss what the rest of his career will look like, they touch on his supporting cast, as well as his health

Steve and Zac breakdown Sam Bradford's 2016. They go in-depth on the construction of his overall grade and what their expectations are for his 2017.

Steve and Zac talk about Matt Stafford's life after Calvin Johnson. They touch on some of the improvements he made last year and the difference Jim Bob Cooter has made.

Steve and Zac talk about Matt Ryan's historic 2016, from passer rating to yards per attempt. They try to temper expectations for next year, but they are excited to see what he can do.

Steve and Zac take a look at Aaron Rogers 2016 campaign. They talk about the 180 his season took and how the Packers offense is looking for next year. 

Steve and Zac break down Tom Brady. They explain some of the things that make him elite and then they try to find some flaws in his game. Finally, Steve ends the show by crowning Brady the greatest player ever.