Stats That Matter

By:  Christian Hardy

Ahh, week three in the NFL season; just how we expected. The Detroit Lions are 3-0, as are the Bills: the Cowboys can actually kick field goals; and the “Dream Team” is at the bottom of the NFC East…wait…what was that? That’s right. All of that is true. But I’m no Sportscenter; I’m not here to award you with just any knowledge. This is only the best knowledge: the best stats. After days of stat-tracking and an insane game watching, I think it’s time to look back on what a crazy first three weeks this has been.

Stat: Tom Brady, as you know, leads the league in passing with 1,327 yards (!). That’s not just any number. With 1,327 yards, Tom Brady has claimed the record with the most yards in a three week period that was previously held by Drew Brees (1,257 yards). Brady is also on pace to throw for 7,077 yards on the season and shatter Dan Marino’s  single-season passing record of 5,084 yards. In that record breaking season for Marino, he started with 847 yards and 10 touchdowns in the first three games. Not only is Brady surpassing his competitors in yards, but in touchdowns as well. He is on pace to reach 59 touchdowns breaking his own record of 50.

What I learned: Tom Brady is an absolute monster. Not that I didn’t already know that, but it is a sure this now. Nothing can keep this guy out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Stat: Matt Forte, Dane Sanzenbacher, and the Bears’ top two tight ends on the depth chart are the only ones to catch a touchdown pass this year for the Bears.

What I Learned: To go along with the tremendous amount of pass plays that Mike Martz has called this year (94 passes, 21 rushes in first three games); somehow, the Bears’ wide receivers have been almost none existent. After talks of Johnny Knox having a great in weeks two and three, he did not show up. After the debate of the revival of Roy Williams (I was one of the people who believed in him, I must admit); that did not happen. After talks of Earl Bennett becoming the #1 wide receiver for the Bears, that was a no go as well. Instead? Dane Sanzenbacher, undrafted rookie from Ohio State, has caught the touchdowns from Cutler.

Stat: Ryan Grant is averaging more yards per carry than James Starks after receiving the same amount of carries in three weeks (32 each).

What I Learned: Rather this is because of the situations the two have to run out of, I have determined that right now Ryan Grant is the better running back for the Packers. But, for all of you fantasy football owners (Me! Me! Me!), Starks has more value going forward. I have noticed that if Starks breaks a run then he stays in the game. But even when he doesn’t do anything then Starks is still getting carries. It’s different for Grant though because he isn’t the type of guy who breaks the big run (season long is 14). Grant has to earn his touches by being consistent and gaining significant yards on every play. This week, Grant got 17 touches (none in the pass game) and Starks touched the ball 14 times. We’ll see how this works in weeks to come, but if Grant can continue to average nearly 5 yards a rush consistently, he is going to be the guy,

Stat: 42% of all Jaguars passes are targeted for Mike Thomas

What I Learned: I knew this guy was targeted a lot, and I knew that the Jags don’t throw much, but 42%? That is 29/70 passes. I guess it doesn’t boost a player’s stats when your quarterback can’t hit the target, and your offense isn’t driving the field.

Stat: Five quarterbacks are on pace to break Dan Marino’s single season passing yardage record.

What I Learned:  Not only are quarterbacks picking apart defenses, but there have been 33 300-yard passers: the most ever in three weeks of NFL football.  I’m not sure what is going on with pass defenses to be quite honest. I mean, it’s ok for the Cowboys to play bad pass defense, but when everyone plays as bad as the Cowboys then is makes every quarterback looks like that high school recruit that everyone wants. People are talking about defensive backs being out of shape and other things of that nature, but I don’t think that is the main factor to be honest. Offenses have just been throwing the ball like crazy (i.e. the Bears stat) and it is working. When something’s working you don’t stop, you keep doing it. I see this becoming a trend in the NFL, at least for this year.

Well, I’ll tell you what. This football thing isn’t half bad. In fact, it’s doggone remarkable. What is better than a Sunday full of football? I mean that is just tough to beat. In week three there were ten fourth quarter comebacks: a new NFL record. It’s been exceptionally fascinating so far, but does that mean we’re going to be let down in weeks to come? No way. This is football. This is awesomeness (yes, I just said that). 

If you want more of my article, and even some of Zach’s articles, you can check out my blog. 

Also, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter (@TheFFAddict) as well as the rest of the ReclinerQB crew: @ReclinerQB, @Zatchj62, @mwyche2, @amazingmattyp, and @heartsfootball.