The fancy stats can give NFL fans an in-depth look at NFL players. In regard to those types of figures and the Buffalo Bills, NFL.com says the name to look at is safety Jordan Poyer.
The outlet tabbed the player on each team in the league who is most “underappreciated” and analytics guru Cynthia Frelund says it’s Poyer for Buffalo.
But, there’s one interesting nugget in this research. Bills fans know via the eye test that Poyer and fellow safety Micah Hyde feed off of each other. Now there’s proof that the eye test has worked:
I love safeties who can force turnovers. Poyer’s five takeaways (two interceptions and three fumble recoveries; tied for 12th-most in the NFL) last season show impressive production in some traditional stat categories. However, some not-so-traditional stats show even more value. My favorite metric from his computer-vision-derived information is help in the run game, where he ranked eighth-best among safeties. Also, fun fact: The combination of Poyer and fellow Bills safety Micah Hyde increases the value of both players. When I put them on different teams (dorky things data scientists do), they don’t drive as much individual value.
Dorky thing withstanding, what a neat tidbit to note. Such insight shows the Bills made a very solid decision this offseason. While other players such as offensive lineman Dion Dawkins and linebacker Matt Milano are in need of contract extensions, the Bills inked Poyer to one first.
The 29-year-old signed a two-year extension. He’ll be around until 2022, while Hyde is still under contract through 2021. Keeping that dynamic duo in place for the next two seasons is clearly a smart idea.
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