How to Compare NFL Quarterbacks Statistics

NFL quarterback ratings provide a comparison of statistics

The NFL quarterback rating system is one of the most confusing statistical categories in sports. However, its objective is to provide statisticians with a comparative analysis of a given quarterback to other quarterbacks over the current and previous seasons. This method relies on four statistical categories: 1) percentage of completions per attempt; 2) average yards gained per attempt; 3) percentage of touchdown passes per attempt; and 4) percentage of interceptions per attempt. A rating of 158.3 is considered perfect.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• NFL statistics

Instructions

1. Divide the passes completed by the passes attempted and multiply by 100 to obtain a completion percentage. Subtract 30 from the completion percentage. Multiply by 0.05. The resulting number serves as the point rating for the pass completion category. If the passing percentage is below 30 percent, then zero points are awarded. Any point total must not exceed 2.375. If a player earns higher than a 2.375 point rating, then reduce that player's point total to the maximum of 2.375.

2. Divide the number of passing yards by attempts to determine the quarterback's average yards per attempt. From the total, subtract three and then multiply by 0.25. The result is the passing yards per attempt point rating. A rating less than zero shall convert to zero, while a maximum point rating shall again total 2.375 points.

3. Divide the total touchdowns thrown by the number of pass attempts and multiply by 100 to find the percentage of touchdowns thrown. Multiply the percentage by 0.2 to find a point rating. This category again has a maximum point total of 2.375.

4. Divide the number of interceptions thrown by the number of passes attempted and multiply by 100 to find the interception percentage. Multiply the percentage by 0.25 and subtract the total from 2.375 points. Should the resulting point total come in lower than zero, then award no points.

5. Add the rating point total from each of the above four categories. Divide that number by six and multiply by 100. The end result is the quarterback rating used by official NFL statisticians. The rating is designed to measure passing abilities only and can be applied to any player that has thrown at least one pass in the NFL.

References

• NFL: Quarterback Rating Calculations
• New York Times: PRO FOOTBALL; The N.F.L.'s Passer Rating, Arcane and Misunderstood