Numbers can tell stories.
As we await word on how the 2020 NFL season will look, we can begin to think about how that season will unfold on the field. Both the draft and free agency are behind us, and we now have a clearer picture of how the teams will look on the field.
The beauty of both the draft and free agency is that it provides us with a window into how teams feel about their rosters. Media driven events such as press conferences, interviews and the like often find the subjects guarded. General managers and head coaches do not want to give much away, and that leads to boiler plate phrases like “we feel good about where we are” or “we are looking to improve at every position” or of course, “we’re on to Cincinnati.”
But the draft and free agency are active periods of time, where teams have to made decisions that can be analyzed. What teams do during those periods informs us more than anything people in positions of power can say during a press conference. They are forced to make choices and those choices guide our thinking. If a team, for example, signs multiple offensive linemen during free agency and drafts another in the first round, they probably do not feel good about where they are along the offensive line.
*Stares at Adam Gase.*
Numbers can be used to illustrate this point further. That brings us the “Metrics that Matter” series here at Touchdown Wire. The beauty of covering the NFL in 2020 is that more and more information is available to us every single day. In this series, we will point to a statistic for each team from their 2019 season to highlight an area of concern, and then examine how the organization is seeking to rectify that problem for the 2020 campaign.
Some statistics are more straight-forward, such as sacks allowed, while others might need a bit more of an explanation, such as Adjusted Net Yards per Attempt or Expected Points Added. But as we imagine the 2020 season, we can use these statistics to imagine how the season will play out.
(Note: This is an ongoing series and will be updated as each new piece is published. Ten of the 32 teams are currently available).
AFC East
Buffalo Bills – Why Josh Allen’s downfield passing is critical to the Buffalo Bills in 2020, and how Stefon Diggs could be the answer.
Miami Dolphins – Why the Miami Dolphins addressed the offensive line in a variety of ways this off-season, and how a new scheme could be in place to help protect Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa.
New England Patriots – As the New England Patriots transition to life with a new quarterback, they will need improved play from the tight end position. Drafting a pair of rookies is a solid first step.
New York Jets – The New York Jets struggled to throw the football last season. Having Sam Darnold out at the start of the year did not help, but there are other things the organization has done to improve their passing game.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys – The Dallas Cowboys look primed to put up big offensive numbers, with the addition of CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper back in the fold. However, their defense took a step back in 2019. Will new coaching and new faces see that unit improve?
New York Giants – Daniel Jones surpassed expectations in his first year as the New York Giants’ starting quarterback. However, 18 fumbles are a problem. What can be done to fix this issue?
Philadelphia Eagles – Doug Pederson’s West Coast offense is predicated upon yardage after the catch. However, the Philadelphia Eagles struggled in this area in 2019. Could a new offensive system be the answer?
Washington Redskins – The Washington Redskins’ defense struggled to get off the field last season. Is Chase Young the answer?