The Evolution of Tackling Statistics in the NFL

In the fast-paced world of the National Football League, every offensive play is meticulously dissected and analyzed for its statistical impact. However, when it comes to defensive performance, the metrics have often fallen short, relying on basic stats like sacks and takeaways. This led the NFL Next Gen Stats department to take tackling statistics to a new level.

Traditionally, the analysis of tackling has been limited to whether a tackle was made or not. But now, thanks to advancements in tracking technology, the NFL is able to delve deeper into the art of tackling. With the help of machine learning engineers from Amazon Web Services, the league has developed an advanced stats model that measures the quality of tackles and identifies players who excel at making or breaking tackles.

By tracking every movement of all 11 defensive players on the field with high-tech chips embedded in their pads, the NFL can now quantify the probability of a successful tackle on every play. This data has revealed intriguing insights, such as the most efficient tacklers and the top tackle-breakers in the league.

For example, in the 2023 season, Zaire Franklin led the league in missed tackles, while Kevin Byard boasted a remarkable 96.8% success rate. On the offensive side, players like Travis Etienne, Christian McCaffrey, and Kyren Williams emerged as the best at breaking tackles in their respective positions.

But tackling statistics go beyond just missed and broken tackles. The NFL Next Gen Stats group can now measure how many yards a defensive player saved or gave up on each tackle attempt, providing a more nuanced view of a player’s impact on the game.

With this innovative approach to tackling statistics, the NFL is not only revolutionizing the way we analyze the game but also making it more accessible to fans, both new and old. By combining cutting-edge technology with traditional football expertise, the league is painting a richer, more detailed picture of the game we love.

As the NFL continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with data analytics, one thing is clear: the future of football statistics is brighter than ever before.

Source: AP NFL