Failed Completions

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

I read the link and wihout doing some of my own digging onto stats, one thing pops out at me. The analysis counts "failed completions" as plays of less than 4.5 yd on 1st, 60% on second down (obviously this will vary), and 100% on 3rd or 4th (no problem on that). I would like to see the numbers on just the 3rd & 4th down percentages, I think that's much more telling, because if a team is passing on those downs then the QB is in a position to have to "make a play", good ones do, mediocre/poor ones don't.

My first thought on why Orton, Brees, Manning, and Schaub are up there is their style of offense and lack of emphasis on the running game (yes I know the Saints were 6th in rushing, but they are a "pass first" offense), so a 4 yd smoke, bubble, or whatever, would count as an "unsuccessful" completion, yet it's just as good as a 4 yd run. on first down.

I agree. The failed completion stat seems by far most relevant when on 3rd/4th down.