[mark3k]

Interesting analysis of a good stat, though I would note one significant shortcoming: simple averages ignore the often critical implications of volatility.  

I watched the incrediblly exciting Barry Sanders for years, and he would commonly run for 0 yards, then negative 3, then 1, then 24... an example which equates to an impressive 5.5 YPC average.  Of course, if you repeat that cycle in various sequences, you\'ll get a few first downs between punts, but rarely more (in practice, it forced our lame QBs into many third-and-long sequences which they rarely converted).

Similarly, if you complete 35 yard passes on every 5th attempt or so, you\'ll have  a great average to go along with your numerous punts.

I\'m not saying that our offense is "worse" than last year, but as fun as it is to watch the big play (particularly those executed by Mr. Sanders) the consistency with which Toby delivered his yards (particularly on third down) made his YPC much more valuable.

[mark3k]

Interesting analysis of a good stat, though I would note one significant shortcoming: simple averages ignore the often critical implications of volatility.  

I watched the incrediblly exciting Barry Sanders for years, and he would commonly run for 0 yards, then negative 3, then 1, then 24... an example which equates to an impressive 5.5 YPC average.  Of course, if you repeat that cycle in various sequences, you\'ll get a few first downs between punts, but rarely more (in practice, it forced our lame QBs into many third-and-long sequences which they rarely converted).

Similarly, if you complete 35 yard passes on every 5th attempt or so, you\'ll have  a great average to go along with your numerous punts.

I\'m not saying that our offense is "worse" than last year, but as fun as it is to watch the big play (particularly those executed by Mr. Sanders) the consistency with which Toby delivered his yards (particularly on third down) made his YPC much more valuable.