ALTERNATOR BOOKS FOOTBALL SUPER STATS JEFF SAVAGE Lerner Publications Minneapolis
INTRODUCTION POPULARITY CONTEST ootball has become America's most popular sport In 1939 the NBC network used just two cameras to air TV's first pro football game The 2016 Super Bowl was covered from every angle and watched by 112 million people Over time fans have seen many changes to the National Football League NFL New rules and better equipment huge indoor stadiums and incredible TV technology have all changed the game But one thing has stayed the same the usefulness of statistics stats Fans use stats to judge players and teams Teams use stats to make decisions during games For example a team may run the ball more often against a defense that usually allows a lot of rushing yards What are football's greatest and most important statistics First you should know a little about the history sport's
PLATOON SYSTEM In football's early years most players stayed on the field all the time They played offense defense and special teams This was known as one platoon football In 1943 Sammy Baugh of the Washington Redskins led the NFL in passing accuracy on offense and interceptions caught on defense He also led the league in punting yards per kick Ernie Nevers set the record for most points scored by a player in a game He scored six touchdowns and kicked four extra points on Thanksgiving Day in 1929 The 40 point record still stands One platoon football is still used by many high school teams But in college football and the NFL it is a thing of the past Each player focuses on one job in the NFL and college and it shows in their stats 1939 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES PLAYING GAMES Until 1946 NFL teams played between 10 and 12 games each season From 1947 to 1960 schedules were set at 12 games Then from 1961 to 1977 teams played 14 game schedules In 1978 the season expanded to 16 games where it remains When comparing stats keep the era in mind and the number of games played per season 2016 DENVER BRONCOS
