The Method

What is NO-HYPE?

No-hype is the editorial policy used in all TFS material. I formulated this policy because of the amount of hype I heard while breaking down game tapes. So much of the television and print coverage of the NFL is centered around hyping the greatness of NFL players that it can become very difficult to accurately assess a player’s performance without having a no-hype filter. Hype is the antithesis of reason and has no analytical value.
I want my work to be an objective voice of reason in this cacophony of hype and I accomplish this by adhering to five No-Hype core rules:

  1. Generate factual, on-field performance-based analysis.
  2. Information, not opinion, is the key to accurate analysis. One cold, hard fact is worth 10 opinions.
  3. Always view a player’s on-field performance from a matchup perspective.
  4. Stats alone do not tell the story. It is just as important to know why a player succeeded as it is to know that he succeeded.
  5. Do not fear, and in fact welcome, being iconoclastic. Just because the rest of the world thinks a certain player is an All-Pro doesn’t mean he is.

By adhering to these core rules, I am able to steer clear of the hype and give you the straight scoop!

GLOSSARY

Below are are list of terms and abbreviations used by KC in his analysis.

Bad decision – Usually when the QB forces the ball into coverage, or does something that he obviously shouldn’t do. Too many of these, especially if under a pass rush, is a sign that the QB can be rattled.

Bad pass – Pass that the QB put in a place that was very hard for the receiver to catch the pass, if it was catchable at all.

Blown coverage – When a DB leaves a receiver completely uncovered due to a mistake, usually when the DB is watching the QB instead of the receiver.

DBs following receivers – When a DB moves from his regular position to follow a WR. Done when a defensive team wants to ensure a favorable matchup. Not all teams do this.

DBs staying home – When a DB stays at his starting position when the WR lined up across from him moves to the other side of the field. Done if a team doesn’t care about matchups, or their players aren’t well versed enough in the coverage scheme to allow for a switch.

Dog – Another term for blitz.

Good coverage – When a DB is within 1 step of the receiver as the pass arrives, or when they have good position on a pass. Compare to tight coverage.

Good read – When a QB or receiver reads a coverage well and reacts accordingly.

Inc – Incomplete pass

Int – Interception

Lineup matchup – The matchup a receiver or DB would have if their team lined up according to their standard lineup.

The standard lineup matchup positions are as follows:

  • Split end (receiver on left side of lineup) vs right cornerback (RCB)
  • Tight end vs strong safety (SS) or strongside linebacker (SLB)
  • Flanker (receiver on right side of lineup) vs left cornerback (LCB)
  • Slot receiver (#3 receiver) vs nickel cornerback

Miscommunication – When a receiver runs a route one way and the QB throws the pass to another direction. Happens most frequently on site adjust passes (see below).

Pass defensed – When a DB knocks a pass down before the receiver catches it, or knocks the pass out of the receiver’s hands to force an incompletion.

Pass/run ratio – The number of pass plays versus the number of running plays.

PI - Abbreviation for pass interference penalty

Scramble play – A route adjustment made by a receiver when the QB is forced out of the pocket. Can often lead to big plays if a receiver runs it properly.

Site adjust – When a receiver runs a much quicker pass route than was originally called. Used when the defense blitzes, and is most effective if the QB throws to a receiver whose DB blitzed on the play. Can be a dangerous play if the receiver and the QB don’t read the blitz identically and the QB throws a short pass while the receiver runs a deeper route.

Soft zone – When a defensive team’s defenders drop far back into their zones and don’t contest passes. Can be prevent defense, or can be defense on 3rd & 8.

Targeted – A defensive back who is being thrown at very frequently. Is a very strong indicator that the DB in question either isn’t very good, or is unproven.

Tight coverage – When a DB is all over a receiver as the pass arrives. To differentiate between this and good coverage: Good coverage can be beaten with a perfectly thrown pass. Tight coverage is almost never beaten.