Stat Analysis

Defenses have taken a wide variety of responses to the rise of 11 personnel. Is any one system better than another? And how has the rise of the "moneybacker" changed defensive philosophy?

It's a three-receiver league, but for the first time since 2010, the frequency of 11 personnel actually went down last year. Was it a blip, or sign of things to come?

The Cardinals had a winning record with backup quarterbacks last year thanks in large part to their high-profile edge rusher who terrorized opposing offenses. We look at defeat leaders for every position, as well as overall leaders over the past few seasons.

YAC+ shows a lot of positives for the 2017 Rams, but will things continue after the trade for Brandin Cooks? Also: an underrated wide receiver leads for the second year in a row, an odd year for tight ends, and does YAC even matter for Mike Evans?

Which receiver did Drew Brees raise to career highs this time? Does Mike Evans really help Jameis Winston that much? Which running back duo had a terrible case of butterfingers? How bad were the rookie seasons for Evan Engram and Zay Jones?

Drew Brees continued his dominance in passing plus-minus, but was he as good as in his previous seasons? Also: big post-Jeff Fisher leaps for Jared Goff and Case Keenum, talent may have trumped coaching in San Francisco, and two No. 1 overall picks disappoint.

It has been many years since we have seen a quarterback as unlucky as Matt Ryan was last year. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings should be extremely concerned about the quarterbacks (yes, plural) they acquired this offseason.

The Rams and Jaguars finally turned their young talent into playoff berths in 2017. Cleveland looks to be taking over the mantle for "team of the future." Also: Buffalo's wild turnover and the youngest secondary in eight years.

When an offense is simply looking to maintain possession for as long as possible, is there an inherent advantage in running the ball as opposed to passing?

Bill Belichick says that players are getting hurt more because they are practicing less, but the numbers don't support that theory.