Pro Football Focus (PFF) has become a ubiquitous presence in football discussions, providing detailed player grades that influence fan opinions and even impact coaching decisions. But what exactly are PFF grades, and how are they calculated? This comprehensive guide dives deep into the methodology, interpretation, and limitations of PFF grades.
What are PFF Grades?
PFF grades aren't simply arbitrary numbers; they represent a complex calculation based on countless individual plays. A team of trained graders watches every snap of every NFL game, meticulously charting each player's performance. They assess various factors, leading to a final grade on a 0-100 scale. A higher grade indicates better performance relative to other players at the same position. It's crucial to understand that PFF grades are relative, not absolute. A 70 grade for a linebacker might be excellent, while a 70 for a quarterback could be considered poor.
How are PFF Grades Calculated?
The exact formula PFF uses is proprietary, but we know the key ingredients:
- Individual Play Grading: Each play is graded individually based on the player's actions. Did they make a positive impact on the play? Did they miss a tackle? Did they allow a reception? Every detail is considered.
- Contextual Analysis: PFF doesn't just look at the outcome of the play. They analyze the difficulty of the situation, the player's role in the play, and the opponent's skill level.
- Positional Adjustments: Grading scales differ by position. A 75 grade for a cornerback might be considered very good, while the same grade for an offensive tackle could be more average. PFF adjusts grades to account for position-specific expectations.
- Advanced Statistics: PFF incorporates advanced metrics beyond traditional stats like tackles and receptions. These metrics help quantify factors like pass-rushing effectiveness, coverage ability, and run blocking efficiency.
What Do PFF Grades Mean?
While a higher grade is generally better, it's essential to consider the context:
- 90+: Elite performance, consistently among the best at their position.
- 80-89: Above-average performance, regularly making significant contributions.
- 70-79: Average performance, meeting expectations for their position.
- Below 70: Below-average performance, frequently making mistakes or failing to meet expectations.
However, these are just guidelines. The meaning of a specific grade depends on the player's position and the overall quality of play at that position in a given year.
Are PFF Grades Accurate?
PFF grades are a valuable resource, offering a more nuanced evaluation than traditional statistics. However, they are not without limitations:
- Subjectivity: While graders are trained, some degree of subjectivity remains in evaluating plays. Different graders might interpret the same play slightly differently.
- Limited Context: PFF grades primarily focus on individual performance, neglecting factors like coaching schemes and team dynamics that can significantly impact player outcomes.
- Focus on Individual Plays: While insightful, focusing solely on individual plays can sometimes overlook the overall impact a player has on the game.
How Can I Use PFF Grades Effectively?
PFF grades should be considered one tool among many when evaluating player performance. They provide a helpful starting point for analysis but shouldn't be the sole basis for judging a player's talent or potential. Use them alongside traditional statistics, scouting reports, and game film to form a comprehensive understanding.
What are the different types of PFF grades?
PFF offers various grades, focusing on specific aspects of a player's game. These can include overall grades, pass-rushing grades, run-blocking grades, coverage grades, and more. Each grade offers a more specialized view of the player’s performance in a certain area.
How does PFF account for injuries in their grading system?
PFF aims to account for injuries by considering the player’s performance relative to their pre-injury level and taking into account any limitations imposed by the injury. A player returning from a significant injury might not be expected to perform at the same level immediately.
How often are PFF grades updated?
PFF grades are updated regularly throughout the season, typically after each game. This provides a dynamic picture of player performance that evolves throughout the year.
Are PFF grades used by NFL teams?
While PFF doesn't publicly release data showing NFL team usage, it's widely believed that many teams use PFF grades (or similar data) as part of their broader scouting and player evaluation processes. This information, however, is typically kept confidential.
This detailed guide should provide a clearer understanding of PFF grades. Remember, they are a valuable tool but should be used in conjunction with other information for the most accurate player evaluation.
