Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 10

[patfanken]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I find these 2 inferences to be very exciting to think about.
1. The Pats thought Ridley was a much better RB than most draft experts, as most felt that they "reached" for him in the 3rd round.(most thought by 2 rounds at least) BTW- IIRC most Pats fans comments about Ridley after he was drafted talked more about him as a GL/SY RB than an explosive 3 down RB, which he seems to be.

2. The Pats thought Vareen was a better RB than Ridley. This is what gets me excited. Injuries kept us from seeing much of Vareen's potential on the field, but even though the Pats knew Ridley was a lot better than the current wisdom at that time; they still felt Vareen was better.

That's why I'm VERY excited about the running game this season, Ridley might have been the 2nd best rookie RB last season. So having him coming back is exciting enough, but the thought that he might be sharing snaps with a RB who could be equally as talented, and viewed by our scouts as actually being MORE talented, just could be the reason BB is looking into investing in the FB position this season.

It could be that the Jets aren't going to be the only ground and pound outfit in the AFCE this season

 

[letekro]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I am not sure either of the above accurately depicts BJGE or Ridley.

Since BJGE never fumbles, you must be saying that BJGE is not slow as dirt. Slow as Marion Butts? Perhaps not. Slow as dirt? indeed.

 

[Hudson Pats Fan]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

You realize that Ridley had exactly one more regular season fumble than BenJarvus "Never Fumbles" Green-Ellis, right?

Fumbles occur on 1.16% of NFL run plays (source).

Ridley fumbled once in 87 carries, which is good for a 1.15% rate (source)

In other words, Ridley fumbled at exactly the league-average rate for running backs. Yeah, the fumble against Denver in the postseason was disappointing, if only because of the poor fundamentals that he displayed, but the whole ordeal has been so overblown on Patsfans that it's ridiculous. We're not dealing with 2001-2002 Kevin Faulk, here. It's not a major issue, and Ridley's technique will be improved for the 2012 season.

IMO I'm not sure how many other backs would've held onto the ball with the hit that he took on that play vs. Denver.

 

[40yrpatsfan]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

Ridley's number was high because he broke off a number of long runs after contact. I think BJGE is the more powerful short yardage runner and probably his number was higher on runs of 10 yards or less - e.g., he busted thru DT's in the Baltimore playoff game. But Ridley made big things happen, especially on the outside.

 

[Fixit]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I'll miss Law Firm, but I'm very excited to see the kids run.

 

[signbabybrady]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

Sure it does. If you feel otherwise, do explain why.

I would concede it's too early to draw any firm evaluation of Ridley, but we already know he's significantly more dynamic than BJGE.

I just dont think Ridley has proven to be as Dynamic as the OP was decribing nor do I think BJGE is as slow as the OP was describing.

Ridley a looked pretty good at times and I have as much hope as the next guy but it is still hope and lets not down play BJGE.

 

[Lurks_All_Day]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

Is this stat reflective of how far the ball flies out after the hit?

Here's your sign.
Troll (Internet) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[TB146]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

PFF sucks, but even a broken clock is accurate at least twice a day.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but what do you mean by "at least twice a day"? It's twice- no more, maybe less.

 

[JackBauer]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I just dont think Ridley has proven to be as Dynamic as the OP was decribing nor do I think BJGE is as slow as the OP was describing.

Well, I guess this is just a difference of opinion, I guess.

Ridley a looked pretty good at times and I have as much hope as the next guy but it is still hope and lets not down play BJGE.

I don't think it's downplaying BJGE at all. If you have 510 carries with a career long of 33 yards, you're slow, if only by NFL RB standards.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

For all of the hype over speed, it's not the only thing that makes for an accomplished running back, and sometimes it can even be a hindrance. Benny may not have been the fastest guy on the field, but his vision, patience, and instinct definitely helped make up for it. His touchdown against Baltimore was a perfect example of this.

I'm excited to see Ridley get his shot, but just being faster than our last RB isn't necessarily going to make him better.

It's not just speed. But Ridley averages 3+ yards after contact. That shows the ability to run with power and shrug off arm tackles as well. I'd like to see Ridley get his shot. I think we get a middle tier FA RB to fill the veteran role and let em battle it out in training camp for the starter's job!

 

[tobias funke]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

It's not just speed. But Ridley averages 3+ yards after contact. That shows the ability to run with power and shrug off arm tackles as well.

The guy has 87 carries. Not to mention the high probability of "regression to the mean". How much stock do you really want to put into that stat?

I'm not trying to crap on Ridley. I'm just not ready to say he's a huge upgrade over Green-Ellis when there are so many factors that go into it, especially on this team. I saw the carries he got in 2011 and he had some great runs. He also had a number of not-so-great runs.

Another factor is pass protection. Benny improved greatly in this area over time. It really limits your offense if your RB cannot pick up a blitz. Ridley won't get enough snaps to do regular damage if he isn't solid in this area.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I mentioned Ridleys 5 carries 20+ yards in the drawn out Forte thread. Not the true measuring stick of greatness but something to look forward to for this upcoming season.

In comparison this is a list of players In no way am I saying that Ridley is better than any of these guys as he hasn't proven a thing yet. But again, let's see what he does with more work next season. Click on the 20+ and the yards per average and you will see something interesting when you see the other players amount of carries opposed to S Ridley.

NFL Stats - CBSSports.com

 

[jlu52]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I am, and will continue to be, a fan of BJGE (except when playing the Pats). Benny's not exciting, but very reliable, the epitome of 3 yards and a cloud of dust, and always while keeping a firm grip on the rock. That being said, I think Ridley is going to do a great job taking his place. Ridley has the skills to take it to the house on any given play, and is going to make the Patriots even tougher to defend in the coming year(s). I don't mind and even encourage the Patriots to sign a veteran back up RB, but I want Ridley to be given the opportunity to be the team's #1 RB. I liked what I saw of him last season, a good combination of speed and power. BB and Fears will drill and correct any ball security issues Steven may have, if he really has any issues hanging on to the ball.

 

[supafly]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

Another factor is pass protection. Benny improved greatly in this area over time. It really limits your offense if your RB cannot pick up a blitz. Ridley won't get enough snaps to do regular damage if he isn't solid in this area.

Very good point that many oddly seem to forget when trying to determine whether or not our RB's will see the field or get carries.

 

[supafly]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I thought that PFF was pooh poohed and looked down by many here on the forum, so it probably doesn't matter what the stats show anyway

I agree with a lot of their stuff, and I also think that some of their other stats are a huge stretch...basically I take what I need from them, and look past some of the other stuff, just like any other stat source out there.

 

[WhiZa]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

I'd rather have a dynamic RB who fumbles occasionally than one that is slow as dirt and never fumbles.

That's a good point. On average how much does a fumble cost a team? Yards? Points? Morale?

 

[stcjones]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

He only had like 80 attempts all year so I am sure that slants the numbers quite a bit right? The more attempts you have (especially with teams with poor run blocking like the Pats have had) and getting stuffed at the LOS kills your averages. Anyways I think Ridley has shown great moves and elusiveness at times....hopefully he can hold onto the ball!

...and they ranked BJGE to be within the bottom 5.

I'm really not too big on PFF (that's a whole 'nother thread), but it's an interesting read. They are unveiling their new "Elusive Rating Signature Stat" that attempts to separate a RB from his offensive line. One of the (many) components of that stat is Yards After Contact. Apparently Ridley was over 3 yards per carry after initial contact; which puts him within the top 10. Pretty cool.

Personally, I'd suspect that yards after contact can be greatly inflated/diminished based on how the RB is used (especially in terms of situation). But, still, good for Ridley.


https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/03/27/2011-elusive-rating/


Interestingly for Cincinnati, they appear to be trading one player from the Bottom 5 for another, with both Cedric Benson and BenJarvus Green-Ellis posting identical figures in average yards after contact.

One of the players in line to replace Green-Ellis in New England is all the way back at the top end of the scale, inside the Top 10. Stevan Ridley had just 87 carries in the 2011 regular season, but averaged over three yards per carry after contact, a full yard more than the player whose carries he may be receiving in 2012.

 

[signbabybrady]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

Well, I guess this is just a difference of opinion, I guess.



I don't think it's downplaying BJGE at all. If you have 510 carries with a career long of 33 yards, you're slow, if only by NFL RB standards.

For that stat to mean much I would need to know how many plus 33 yard runs an average back has. Me thinks they are probably fewer than one would suspect.

I think you hit on it with your first comment "difference of opinion"

I dont think we really need to debate the merits of BJGE speed because IMO while speed is obviously one of a RBs biggest weapons it is not the end all be all and BJGE has been a productive NFL RB on one of the better teams in the NFL while Ridley has done nothing more than show flashes of what we all hope he becomes.

Your original response was to someone calling out Ridley's fumbling and the basic gist of your post was that you would rather Ridley than BJGE. And I hope and I even think you might be right but as of now it is not the case yet and all I was trying to say was dont underestimate BJGE and before we crown Ridley the better back lets see what he can do. We watched BJGE for several years and he turned into a pretty good RB but I think we new he reached the ceiling with this team and if we want better production we have to try something else and the somethings else we have Vareen and Ridley in theory have a much higher ceiling than BJGE but so did Maroney.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

For that stat to mean much I would need to know how many plus 33 yard runs an average back has. Me thinks they are probably fewer than one would suspect.

I think you hit on it with your first comment "difference of opinion"

I dont think we really need to debate the merits of BJGE speed because IMO while speed is obviously one of a RBs biggest weapons it is not the end all be all and BJGE has been a productive NFL RB on one of the better teams in the NFL while Ridley has done nothing more than show flashes of what we all hope he becomes.

Your original response was to someone calling out Ridley's fumbling and the basic gist of your post was that you would rather Ridley than BJGE. And I hope and I even think you might be right but as of now it is not the case yet and all I was trying to say was dont underestimate BJGE and before we crown Ridley the better back lets see what he can do. We watched BJGE for several years and he turned into a pretty good RB but I think we new he reached the ceiling with this team and if we want better production we have to try something else and the somethings else we have Vareen and Ridley in theory have a much higher ceiling than BJGE but so did Maroney.

For his career, BJGE has 5 runs of 20+ yards

BenJarvus Green-Ellis: Career Stats at NFL.com

19 running backs had more than that just last season.

NFL Stats: by Player Category

 

[West Philly Patriot]

Re: Pro Football Focus ranks S.Ridley's 'yards after contact' output within the top 1

Not sure how much stock I put into the stat, but the eye test supports it. I consider myself one of the bigger Ridley fans on the board, so I'm glad he is going to get a chance to show us what he can do with a larger sample size.

I think Ridley is going to make a sizable jump in his second year, and BJGE was going to become more of a complimentary piece in this offense. I believe the Pats offer to him may have reflected that as well. BradyFTW is correct, the fumbling issue has been way overblown here.