Every Wednesday, I break down the NFL’s defensive ecosystem by pairing proprietary charting metrics with tape-tested reality. Below is the Week 9 diagnostic for all 32 units.
» Data provided by PFF and FTN.
EPA & Success Rates
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Personnel
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Coverage Stats
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Blitz Stats
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Pressure Stats
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Run Defense
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Conversions
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These weekly snapshots track the micro trends. The macro schematic shifts will be fully charted, analyzed, and available exclusively to paid subscribers in this winter's 5th Annual MatchQuarters Off-Season Study Guide.
Glossary of Terms
MatchQuarters Proprietary Metrics
CEI Pro% (Coverage Execution Index): A composite metric isolating pure secondary execution from pass-rush influence. It standardizes five pillars—catch-point leverage, down-to-down scheme efficiency, deep ball denial, open-field tackling, and forced quarterback errors—against the 32-team baseline to measure what defensive backs actually control.
REI Pro% (Run Execution Index): A composite metric isolating defensive front mechanics and gap integrity. It standardizes five pillars—backfield disruption (STF%), gap control (SUC%), point-of-attack dominance (YBCO), tackling (YACO), and explosive prevention (EX%)—against the 32-team baseline to measure pure run defense technique independent of raw volume.
Rushing Efficiency & Front Mechanics (FTN)
STF% (Stuffed Rate): The percentage of rushing attempts that result in zero or negative yards. An indicator of backfield disruption and early-down havoc.
SUC% (Success Rate - Run): The percentage of rushing plays that keep the offense on schedule (typically defined as gaining 40% of required yards on 1st down, 60% on 2nd down, and 100% on 3rd/4th down). Measures down-to-down gap integrity.
EX% (Explosive Run Rate): The percentage of rushing attempts that gain 10 or more yards. Tracks structural breakdowns and safety cap failures.
YBCO (Yards Before Contact per Attempt): The average yards gained by a rusher before initial defensive contact. Evaluates point-of-attack dominance and line-of-scrimmage control.
YACO (Yards After Contact per Attempt): The average yards gained by a rusher after initial defensive contact. Quantifies open-field tackling execution and secondary run support.
Coverage & Passing Efficiency (FTN)
Def. Win% (Defensive Win Rate): The rate at which the defense prevents a successful passing play based on down and distance parameters.
Separation%: The percentage of targets where the receiver generates clear separation from the primary defender.
20+ COM% (Deep Completion Rate): The completion percentage on pass attempts traveling 20 or more air yards. Measures deep ball denial and top-down leverage.
YAC/C (Yards After Catch per Completion): The average yards allowed after the receiver secures the ball. A pure indicator of space tackling and rally speed.
TOW% (Turnover Worthy Play Rate): The percentage of passing plays that feature a turnover-worthy event, such as a dropped interception or forced tight-window throw.
Total YPD (Yards Per Dropback): Total passing yards allowed divided by total dropbacks (including sacks).
Macro Advanced Analytics (FTN)
EPA (Expected Points Added): The difference in Expected Points before and after a play. Measures the pure point value of a given snap.
EPA/ATT (Expected Points Added per Attempt): The average EPA generated or allowed per rushing attempt.
EPA/DB (Expected Points Added per Dropback): The average EPA generated or allowed per passing dropback.
DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average): A proprietary metric that calculates a team’s success based on down, distance, and situation, adjusted for opponent quality. Represented as a percentage above or below the league average.
FAQs
What is R & P? Run & Pass
What is Sim? Simulated pressure, or a blitz that shows 5+ but only rushes 4.
Where is Cover 8 (HQQ) located in the data? Cover 6
What is a stunt? Line movement
What is a blitz? Any play with an off-ball player attacking the line of scrimmage
» If you have any other questions, please leave them in the comments.
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