Football analysis and strategy from Chris B. Brown
The Packers have allowed more yards than they’ve gained, but what does that mean?
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The Packers have allowed more yards than they’ve gained, but what does that mean?
After 15 games, the Green Bay Packers are 14-1. But this season, the Packers have been outgained by their opponents. In fact, the Packers have won more than half of their games while losing the yardage battle. How is that possible? If a team is 14-1, the natural inclination is to assume that they’re an…
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A closer look at the New England Patriots defense
No one suggests that the Patriots defense is good, or even average. For starters, well, look at the starters. Here was New England’s starting lineup this weekend against the Broncos: DE Brandon Deaderick DT Kyle Love DT Vince Wilfork DE Andre Carter OLB Jerod Mayo MLB Dane Fletcher OLB Rob Ninkovich CB Devin McCourty FS…
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Simple Rating System: Final results and predicting the Bowls – 12/5/2011
Believe it or not, the Oklahoma State Cowboys ended up finishing #2 in the SRS. Like last week, LSU remains the clear #1. But on the basis of the most impressive SRS game of the season, the Cowboys topped the Crimson Tide. Rk. Team Conf G MOV SOS SRS W-L 1. LSU SEC 13 24.4…
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Who should be the NFL rookie of the year? Cam Newton vs. Andy Dalton
Cam Newton and Andy Dalton are having outstanding rookie seasons. Newton has been setting records since the beginning of the season, while Dalton has helped make Cincinnati the NFL’s most surprising playoff contender. With the season 11 weeks old, many fans are thinking about who will wind up winning some of the NFL’s main individual…
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Can inexperienced quarterbacks succeed in the playoffs? The Houston Texans and the T.J. Yates experiment
The Houston Texans are currently having the finest season in their nine-year existence. With an 8-3 record, Houston is almost certainly going to make the playoffs. But after losing quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart in consecutive games, the Texans are down to their third string quarterback. That man is T.J. Yates, a rookie quarterback…
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Simple Rating System for 11/28/2011 – Finish line in sight, the final picture sharpens
Last week, the Simple Rating System did not have Arkansas in the top three; the SRS was unimpressed by the Razorbacks, which explains why they didn’t drop too much. Last week, the SRS had Arkansas at #13 with a score of 53.4; this week they’re 13th at 52.1. LSU is now alone at the top,…
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Simple Rating System: Where the SEC is not 1-2-3 – 11/21/2011
Last week, Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Oregon all ranked in the top five of the SRS. And while all three lost this weekend as big favorites — and each of their SRS ratings dropped significantly — they had built up such a large lead over the rest of the pack that they remain in the…
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Analyzing NFL running games through 10 weeks
NFL teams are passing more frequently and more effectively than ever before. Given enough opportunities, most teams will eventually connect on big plays through the air. But while running backs have taken a backseat in most offenses, a successful rushing attack is still a significant component in most effective offenses. As teams — and by…
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Simple Rating System: The Oklahoma State Cowboys rise to top the rankings, with a caveat
By now, you understand how the Simple Rating System works. Last week, Stanford and Boise State were top six teams with BCS aspirations. Following home losses, both teams can still take pride in how far they’ve come: a second straight 12-1 season will be viewed as a disappointment. As always, thanks to Dr. Peter Wolfe…
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Frank Gore to break 60-year old team record
If you take a second, and are spotted a guess or two, you could probably guess the career leader in rushing yards for every team. Some are immediately obvious, as is the case for franchises like Dallas, Cleveland, Detroit or Chicago. A couple might take a few guesses (Tampa Bay? Philadelphia? Arizona?) while others have…