NFL Quarterback rating formula
The usually misunderstood quarterback rating formula is not nearly as complicated as many might believe. For example, the quarterback rating system used by the NFL can be calculated. The NFL Quarterback rating formula rates its passers for statistical purposes against a fixed performance standard based on statistical achievements of all qualified pro passers since 1965. The current system replaced one that rated passers in relation to their position in a total group based on various criteria.
It's important to remember that the system is used to rate passers, not quarterbacks. Statistics don't reflect leadership, play calling, and other intangible factors that go into making a successful professional QB rating formula.
Four categories are used as a basis for compiling a rating:
1. Percentage of interceptions per attempt.
2. Percentage of touchdown passes per attempt.
3. Average yards gained per attempt.
4. Percentage of completions per attempt.
The average standard, is 1.000. The bottom is 0.000. To earn a 2.200 rating, a passer must perform at exceptional levels, i.e, 70% in completions, 10% in touchdowns, 1.5% in interceptions, and 11 yards average gain per pass attempt. The maximum a passer could receive in any category is 2.360.
For example, to gain a 2.360 in completion percentage, a passer would have to complete 77.5% of his passes. The NFL record QB rating formula is 70.55 by Ken Anderson.
To earn a 2.375 in percentage of touchdowns, a passer would have to achieve a percentage of 11.9. The record is 13.9 by Sid Luckman.
To gain 2.375 in percentage of interceptions, a passer would have to go the entire season without an interception. The 2.375 figure in average yards is 12.50, compared with the NFL record is 11.36.
In order to make the rating more understandable, the point rating is then converted into a scale of 100.00. In rare cases, where statistical performance has been superior, it's possible for a passer to surpass a 100.00 rating.
For example, take Young's record setting season in 1995 when he completed 323 of 462 passes for 3,975 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
The Quarterback rating formula calculations would be:
1) Percentage of Interceptions — 10 interceptions in 461 attempts is 2.17 percent. Multiply the interception percentage by 0.25 (0.542) and subtract the number from 2.375. The result is 1.833.
Note: If the result is less than zero (interception percentage greater than 9.5), award zero points.
2) Percentage of Touchdown Passes — 35 touchdowns in 461 attempts is 7.59 percent. Multiply the touchdown percentage by 0.2. The result is 1.518.
Note: If the result is greater than 2.375 (touchdown percentage greater than 11.875), award 2.375.
3) Average Yards Gained Per Attempt - 3,975 yards divided by 462 attempts is 8.62. Subtract three yards from yards per attempt (5.62) and multiply the result by 0.26. The result is 1.404.
Note: If the result is less than 0 (yards per attempt less than 3.00), award 0 points. If the result is greater than 2.382 (yards-per-attempt greater than 11.6), award 2.358points.
4) Percentage of Completions — 324 of 461 is 70.28 percent. Subtract 30 from the completion percentage (40.28) and multiply the result by 0.05. The result is a point rating of 2.014.
Note: If the result is less than zero (Comp. Pct. less than 30.0), award zero points. If the results are greater than 2.375 (Comp. Pct. greater than 77.5), award 2.375.
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