pff's grading system...

[nosuchthingasapanther]

with all the references to pff, i thought it would make sense to help people understand how they grade...

 

pff grading...

The goal of our detailed grading process is to gauge how players execute their roles over the course of a game by looking at the performance of each individual on each play. We look beyond the stat sheet at game footage to try to gain an understanding of how well a lineman is blocking on a given play, how much space and help a runner is being given on a play, how effectively a pass rusher brings pressure or how well a defender covers a receiver.

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We collect lots of extra statistics such as yards after catch, yards after contact, missed tackles, dropped passes etc., but our real focus is on grading individual performance on each play. Did an offensive lineman seal his block to spring the runner through a hole? Did a defensive lineman beat his block to force a runner to change the play direction in the backfield? Was the crucial third-down completion due to the quarterback beating the coverage or a breakdown in coverage?

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We examine not just the statistical result of a play, but the context of that statistic. The defensive tackle may have made a tackle on a play, but if it was 3rd-and-5 and he got blown 4 yards off of the ball to make the tackle after a 6-yard gain, that’s not a good play.

The grading takes into account many things and effectively brings “intelligence” to raw statistics.

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For example, a raw stat might tell you a tackle conceded a sack. However, how long did he protect the QB for before he gave it up? Additionally, when did he give it up? If it was within the last two minutes on a potentially game-tying drive, it may be rather more important than when his team is running out the clock in a 30-point blowout.

it's a very interesting read.

[Ruff]

PFF's stats are just as arbitrary as anything else. Their stupidity shows when they tout that Luke is an average MLB and has inflated stats shows me they're not worth listening to.

[PntherPryd]

The problem I have with PFF is the same thing I have with accountants trying to tell me how to run my business.  Numbers are a tool, not a be-all end-all.  Sometimes you go with your gut and your eyes.

 

Also, I have problems with their absoluteness.  How do they know absolutely that player A blew and assignment when it could have easily been player B, C or even a coach that made the mistake?

 

If you go into their assessments with the mindset that 60% of their finding "COULD" be suspect you can come away with some information that could be useful as a fan.