PFF:2014 Inc Pass Breakdown: QBs

[Schneed10]

I like these statistics but they definitely need to be interpreted carefully. The adage that statistics can prove anything you want is completely false, if you're thinking about them carefully, including what the statistics are NOT telling you, then they can only tell you one thing.

1) These stats do not take into account the distance the ball travels downfield. Obviously the shorter your passes the easier it is to be accurate. I don't think Griffin was just dinking and dunking all the time but he wasn't bombing it either.

2) These stats measure only your success rate when you threw the ball. Holding onto the ball too long due to missed reads and bailing out early due to pressure were Griffin's biggest problems. The worst part of his game isn't captured by these metrics - missed opportunities. He misses the opportunity to make throws because he's not getting through his progressions fast enough. He double clutches, he second-guesses, and he takes lots of sacks. Those don't show up as throws.

3) It does show that when he throws the ball, he's accurate. But you can't directly compare his accuracy numbers here to those of the other QBs, because he's throwing more of his passes when the 1st or 2nd read is open. Obviously when you drop back and your first read gets open, it's very easy to hit the target. Other QBs are throwing the ball when the 3rd or 4th option is open, which reduces accuracy because by the time you get to the 3rd or 4th read the defense is bearing down on you. Where other QBs are giving their teams a chance on the 3rd or 4th read, Robert is busy taking a sack.

It says this: he has no shortage of arm talent. He's plenty accurate enough and has plenty of arm strength. That we knew. His issues are mental.

Good stats if interpreted correctly. Of course, if you're watching the game you don't need the stats. You can see the problem is mental.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

It says this: he has no shortage of arm talent. He's plenty accurate enough and has plenty of arm strength. That we knew. His issues are mental.

Good stats if interpreted correctly. Of course, if you're watching the game you don't need the stats. You can see the problem is mental.

Exactly. Arguments that RGIII dinks and dunks are just ridiculous. I too "saw with my own eyes" as balls went over the heads of defenders. Physically, he has all the tools.

I've said it before, I'll say it again, RG3 has the physical ability to be great. I also think he has certain leadership "it" factor intangibles that will work for him IF he can demonstrate the ability to learn the mental/instinctual aspects of the QB position and win on the field.

However, we are four years into it, he has suffered multiple injuries, and he has demonstrated a lot of immaturity/divaness at times. I am pulling for him and I think the team Scot McC is trying to build is the one that will help him take the next step. At the same time, he needs to demonstrate significant strides in understanding the NFL QB position.

Ultimately, I just don't know if he ever learn the proper "feel" the position. I don't doubt he's smart. I don't doubt he works hard and is willing to put time in the film room (yes, yes, I know the reports). Just not sure you can "learn" proper pocket instincts, etc.

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

I like these statistics but they definitely need to be interpreted carefully. The adage that statistics can prove anything you want is completely false, if you're thinking about them carefully, including what the statistics are NOT telling you, then they can only tell you one thing.

1) These stats do not take into account the distance the ball travels downfield. Obviously the shorter your passes the easier it is to be accurate. I don't think Griffin was just dinking and dunking all the time but he wasn't bombing it either.

2) These stats measure only your success rate when you threw the ball. Holding onto the ball too long due to missed reads and bailing out early due to pressure were Griffin's biggest problems. The worst part of his game isn't captured by these metrics - missed opportunities. He misses the opportunity to make throws because he's not getting through his progressions fast enough. He double clutches, he second-guesses, and he takes lots of sacks. Those don't show up as throws.

3) It does show that when he throws the ball, he's accurate. But you can't directly compare his accuracy numbers here to those of the other QBs, because he's throwing more of his passes when the 1st or 2nd read is open. Obviously when you drop back and your first read gets open, it's very easy to hit the target. Other QBs are throwing the ball when the 3rd or 4th option is open, which reduces accuracy because by the time you get to the 3rd or 4th read the defense is bearing down on you. Where other QBs are giving their teams a chance on the 3rd or 4th read, Robert is busy taking a sack.

It says this: he has no shortage of arm talent. He's plenty accurate enough and has plenty of arm strength. That we knew. His issues are mental.

Good stats if interpreted correctly. Of course, if you're watching the game you don't need the stats. You can see the problem is mental.

You got it right, arm/accuracy has never been the problem with RGIII.
Reading defenses, running a play correctly, dropping back with the correct number of steps and unloading the ball has been the major issue. So these stats do not mean anything. It is not like anyone is saying he is the second best Qb. Anyone that saw him play will say he is one of the least prepared and under performing QB's in 2014. That is the simple truth....I hope nobody upset by it. His TD production was terrible.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

What it appears Scot Mc is trying to accomplish with the building of our team is what they have done up and over in Seattle. If he can accomplish this than RGIII can be very effective with that team being that the pressure of him having to take the team on his back and win games solely by himself will be alleviated.

I am excited for this kid and the team as a whole. I don't expect a ton of wins this year but I do expect to see a gritty team who will find its way down the stretch. leading to another positive offseason and a team who will start to compete heavily very soon. I like this all the way around..

I can't wait to see a competent defense again. That is one key that helped turn 2012 around in the last half of the year the defense came in step with the offensive production and we started winning.

[30gut]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

....
3) It does show that when he throws the ball, he's accurate. But you can't directly compare his accuracy numbers here to those of the other QBs, because he's throwing more of his passes when the 1st or 2nd read is open. Obviously when you drop back and your first read gets open, it's very easy to hit the target. Other QBs are throwing the ball when the 3rd or 4th option is open, which reduces accuracy because by the time you get to the 3rd or 4th read the defense is bearing down on you.

I agree with some of your post. But I disagree with the above bolded opinion.

A QBs accuracy doesn't necessarily have to drop as they go through their progressions as the defense 'bears down on them'. First going through progression reads isn't inherently a slow process. When a QB knows where to go with the ball whether its the 1st read or the 4th read it can all happen before the defensive pressure gets there.

Now to be sure; Griffin causes some of his pressures because he's needs to process information and go through his progression faster.
But, even still when it comes to passing under pressure, which would be the equivalent of the defense bearing down on you, Griffin was still top 10 in accuracy:

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blo...nder-pressure/

On the topic specifically of Incomplete/'Bad Throws' Griffin's accuracy is still evident. But this metric isn't a commentary on all the other aspects of Griffin's game.


Off topic:

Sometimes I wish there was thread that just discussed the QBs in general because this thread seems to be turning away from the topic of discussing the Incomplete/"Bad Throws" to an overall discussion of Griffin where most posts don't even mentions the OP.