Pro Football Focus

[Harry]

There’s been a misconception that I don’t like PFF. My concern has always been it’s a work in progress. Early on I endorse the effort at football sabremetrics. On the other hand I wasn’t urging people to subscribe. Even when teams began to use it, you had to consider whether those evaluating had the expertise to grade players. Last year it appeared Keim utilized their ratings, though I would have to say that beyond Murray there was nothing special about the Cards’ draft. Second round pick, Murphy, was a nickel corner not worthy of such an early choice. The same could be said for Isabella. This is not to say these players may not develop, but were simply not worthy of being elevated. A couple of the late round projects may pan out, but their playing time came more from desperation than performance.

So why am I bringing this up now? Having too much spare time I’ve had the opportunity to review the site in depth. With the Cards likely to be using it extensively in this year’s draft, I was curious. I also reviewed some of their “classroom” info that can teach fans about in-depth terminology used on this forum site. Things like gaps, numbered techniques and the functional differences of various style of defense are provided. Finally, if like me, you got spare time on your hands to read. A quick review has told me it’s not ESPN+, but it’s decent. Plus they’re now offering a 1 year subscription at 30% off. I do not get free access nor am I compensated by them. It’s just something to pass the time at a reasonable price. You can always cancel next year. You can suscibe monthly as well. You’ll essentially get 2 drafts for your investment.

 

[football karma]

where PFF / analytics may influence the Cards draft:

they value the passing game above all else: producing it / stopping it

so they elevate WRs, especially outside WRs above other positions. They value cover guys above other defensive positions.

If the Cards go WR in Rd 1 -- that tells me they are paying attention to analytics/PFF

 

[BritCard]

There’s been a misconception that I don’t like PFF. My concern has always been it’s a work in progress. Early on I endorse the effort at football sabremetrics. On the other hand I wasn’t urging people to subscribe. Even when teams began to use it, you had to consider whether those evaluating had the expertise to grade players. Last year it appeared Keim utilized their ratings, though I would have to say that beyond Murray there was nothing special about the Cards’ draft. Second round pick, Murphy, was a nickel corner not worthy of such an early choice. The same could be said for Isabella. This is not to say these players may not develop, but were simply not worthy of being elevated. A couple of the late round projects may pan out, but their playing time came more from desperation than performance.

So why am I bringing this up now? Having too much spare time I’ve had the opportunity to review the site in depth. With the Cards likely to be using it extensively in this year’s draft, I was curious. I also reviewed some of their “classroom” info that can teach fans about in-depth terminology used on this forum site. Things like gaps, numbered techniques and the functional differences of various style of defense are provided. Finally, if like me, you got spare time on your hands to read. A quick review has told me it’s not ESPN+, but it’s decent. Plus they’re now offering a 1 year subscription at 30% off. I do not get free access nor am I compensated by them. It’s just something to pass the time at a reasonable price. You can always cancel next year. You can suscibe monthly as well. You’ll essentially get 2 drafts for your investment.

The most common criticism I hear is regarding O line because it's difficult to know the calls. Who should be blocking who etc.

I think the Bengals long time OL coach went in a couple of years ago and sat down with them. They went over tape of 700+ Bengals snaps where the coach could see how the analysts had assigned responsibility and he only found 6 wrong.

In my opinion, if they can be that accurate on OL snaps which is probably the toughest category they are doing pretty well.

 

[MadCardDisease]

I've always said that Stat sites like this provide teams with useful information that they would normally have to put together themselves.

However what I do have issues with is their bogus grading systems that they try to put out there for players.

 

[Harry]

The most common criticism I hear is regarding O line because it's difficult to know the calls. Who should be blocking who etc.

I think the Bengals long time OL coach went in a couple of years ago and sat down with them. They went over tape of 700+ Bengals snaps where the coach could see how the analysts had assigned responsibility and he only found 6 wrong.

In my opinion, if they can be that accurate on OL snaps which is probably the toughest category they are doing pretty well.

Part of what’s different is the presence of more analysts and getting them more experience. If you see the same teams every week it doesn’t take long to ID the blocking assignments. What’s still tricky is when a pass goes to the wrong place, who blew it?

 

[BritCard]

Part of what’s different is the presence of more analysts and getting them more experience. If you see the same teams every week it doesn’t take long to ID the blocking assignments. What’s still tricky is when a pass goes to the wrong place, who blew it?

I think it's worth noting their process as well. It's not one analyst but three that analyse every play then signed off by a supervisor. If the 3 marks a play differently then it's debated between the 4 to clarify. A lot goes into every play for every player. Heck of a lot of work.

It's rare to look at PFF season grades and be surprised. Your great players like Mahomes, Kittle, Hopkins, Julio, Wagner etc normally have grades where you would expect. Same for the bad players like Reddick.