Favorite Stats?

[GenoT]

A three-time NFL champ with the Detroit Lions, Texas-ex QB Bobby Layne was quoted as saying, “The only stat that matters is the final score.”

While technically correct, we all know that quite a few “lessor” statistics can be used (or misused?) in order to somewhat accurately track past and existing patterns in pro sports, while occasionally predicting future trends.

Most of us on these forums will cite certain stats in order to support debate points or when attempting to refute others’ claims.

So...what are some of your pet/favorite stats and why?

 

[Roadtrip635]

It's not my favorite but a stat I learned today that's pretty amazing in 14 years in the NFL, Larry Fitzgerald has more career tackles 36, than career drops 28.

 

[EST_1986]

E. Smith 18,355

 

[McKDaddy]

It's not my favorite but a stat I learned today that's pretty amazing in 14 years in the NFL, Larry Fitzgerald has more career tackles 36, than career drops 28.

WOW!!! That is awesome!!

 

[Aviano90]

I like to look at Drive Stats on Football Outsiders. Helps to see how the offense and defense perform relative to other teams on a per drive basis instead of looking at the overall total.

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Jason Witten missing only one game in his career
Hard to have a stat line if you're not on the field

 

[Direwolf63]

5 Super Bowl wins in 8 appearances.

 

[Killerinstinct]

Turnover differential is probably one of the more important stats.

 

[conner01]

It's not my favorite but a stat I learned today that's pretty amazing in 14 years in the NFL, Larry Fitzgerald has more career tackles 36, than career drops 28.

Amazing

 

[conner01]

My favorite is wins
Most stats can be manipulated to prove a point but winning is everything

 

[percyhoward]

I like to look at Drive Stats on Football Outsiders. Helps to see how the offense and defense perform relative to other teams on a per drive basis instead of looking at the overall total.

Turnover differential is probably one of the more important stats.

These.

FO's points per drive and drive success rate (percentage of down series that result in another first down or TD) are especially good.

Also passer rating differential. In fact, the differentials of any of those four metrics have strong correlations to wins.

 

[GenoT]

I tend to focus on points-for and points-allowed, as those directly show up on the scoreboard. Of course, a couple of blowouts or beat-downs can kinda skew your PF/PA numbers.

Anyway, if you can average +7 or better in PF/PA differential, that’s pretty darn good.

 

[Melonfeud]

I was rather stunned after seeing BARRY SANDERS negative yardage stat that one time

 

[Tangle_Foot]

Tom Landry taking the Boys to 10 NFC championship games in 13 years from 70 to 82

 

[Centex]

I think rushing yards is the single most followed football stat. Ever since OJ Simpson broke 2000 yards everyone wonders who will do it next.

 

[percyhoward]

Tom Landry taking the Boys to 10 NFC championship games in 13 years from 70 to 82

You'll appreciate this one.

https://cowboyszone.com/threads/the-man-in-the-hat-and-one-amazing-stat.234661/

 

[jobberone]

TO, Sc%, RZ%, Passing Diff

 

[Sydla]

A three-time NFL champ with the Detroit Lions, Texas-ex QB Bobby Layne was quoted as saying, “The only stat that matters is the final score.”

While technically correct, we all know that quite a few “lessor” statistics can be used (or misused?) in order to somewhat accurately track past and existing patterns in pro sports, while occasionally predicting future trends.

Most of us on these forums will cite certain stats in order to support debate points or when attempting to refute others’ claims.

So...what are some of your pet/favorite stats and why?

I like to look at a variety of stats, especially on defense.

I eschew the notion that because we rank well in yards per game on defense, that means we have a good defense.

So I like to look at points per game, points per drive, sacks, turnovers generated, opposing QB rating and then the DVOA metrics from Football Outsiders.

 

[Bobhaze]

How about Tom Landry’s 20 straight winning seasons or making the playoffs 17 of 18 seasons?

 

[Bobhaze]

Playoff wins. SB wins. That’s the gold standard.