Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics – NFL 2011

One of the many addictive elements of sports is the number of permutations available for performance statistics to analyzed, presented, and evaluated. In a number of discussions I have had with NFL fans, I have noticed that some fans are surprised by some statistical realities in the NFL, especially regarding career achievements.

Often, the longevity of an above average player can yield counter-intuitive all-time leader rankings for that player. For example, is should surprise nobody that Peyton Manning is the NFL’s all-time leader is passing attempts, completions, and yards among active players. How many of you, unless you read the same fact recently, knew that Kerry Collins was #2, all-time among active players? Number 3 (in passing yards) is Donnovan McNabb and McNabb is not likely to catch Colling this year, even if Collins does not play a single down. Actually, I could publish a Kerry Collins “did you know” fact every day for a month, but I digress.

Here are a few statistical facts that may make you go, “Hmmm…”


Kerry Collins is the NFL’s #11 all time leader in passing yards.

I promise not to make this a collection of Kerry Collins facts. But for a guy who has a career completion percentage well below 60% and has often, in several seasons, thrown more interceptions that touchdowns, it may surprise you to know that Collins is ahead of a lot of Hall of Fame QBs in career passing yards, likely to crack into the top 10 all time by passing Joe Montana this season.

It isn't so hard to forget that Kerry Collins led the Giants to the Super Bowl, is it? 1

Chad Pennington’s career passer rating is over 90, 12th all time in NFL history.

Pennington’s career efficiency rating is better than the likes of Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Troy Aikman, and Warren Moon.

Perhaps the Dolphins wouldn't have had the tough years they had if Pennington could stay on the field.  2

Matt Schaub owns the record for the sixth-highest single season passing yardage total in NFL history.

This may not be a cardiac surprise. The Texans have had an explosive offensive attack in recent years. Still, when thinking of the greatest single season performances in the history of the NFL, Schaub’s name is not the first to come to my mind.

Schaub threw for 4,770 yards in 2009, leading the Texans to their first winning season in franchise history. For contrast, Peyton Manning, a virtually certain Hall-of-Famer, has no single season yardage totals in the top 10, all-time, though he does hold positions #11 (4,700 yards – 2010) and #19 (4,557 – 2004).

The Texans have had a number of problems holding them back in recent years, but the quarterback isn't one of them. 3

Thomas Jones, Clinton Portis, and Ricky Williams are all among the NFL’s top 30 all time leading rushers.

All three of these players have had good careers and been named to Pro Bowl teams. Still, that there are fewer than 30 men ever to play the running back position with more rushing yards is surprising to me. These three players have more career rushing yards than Hall of Fame running backs Earl Campbell, Jim Taylor, and Larry Czonka.

Ricky Williams is the biggest surprise to me in this group. Williams has an excellent chance to surpass the 10,000 career rushing yards plateau this season. Keep in mind that Williams has not been an every down, starting running back in 8 years and he missed the entire 2004 and 2006 seasons and, for all practical purposes, missed the entire 2007 season (played in one game).

However, of those three missed seasons, only the 2007 season was missed due to injury. Williams has also averaged over 4 yards per carry in his career. This means that when Williams did, in fact, play, he was healthy and efficient. The consistent performances have added up over time.

People can crack all of the jokes they want. Ricky Williams...Robert Parish...Kareem Abdul-Jabbar...Chris Simms...they all played much longer than they "should have". Coincidence? I think not! 4 

Derrick Mason is the NFL’s 12th all time leading receiver.

Sure, Mason has played for a long time and is a former Pro Bowler and All-Pro. Still, with 924 receptions, he is the NFL’s #12 all-time leading receiver and will likely crack the top 10 this year, barring injury. Mason is ahead of Hall of Famers Steve Largent, James Lofton, Michael Irvin, and Charlie Joiner for career receptions and should pass Art Monk and Andre Reed in 2011 if he has any significant playing time with the New York Jets.

Derrick Mason - This isn't a retro/throwback jersey. This is Mason when he played with the Oilers. Yes, he played when the Oilers still existed as a current NFL franchise. He's been around a L..O..N..G time! 5

Tight end Tony Gonzalez is the NFL’s 10th all time leader in receiving touchdowns.

Tony Gonzalez is a slam dunk to have a bust in Canton, Ohio after his playing days are over. However, for a tight end, as trailblazing and dominant as Gonzalez has been, it gives me pause for reflection, considering that his career total of 88 receiving touchdowns dwarfs Hall of Fame WIDE RECEIVERS such as Fred Beletnikoff, James Lofton, and Bob Hayes. The next closest tight end in career receiving touchdowns is Antonio Gates of the San Diego Chargers, with 69 scores. For contrast, newly inducted Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharp is #58 all time in receiving touchdowns, with 62.

I wonder how Gonzalez would have faired in basketball. 6

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Free Speech - Epic FAIL - July 22, 2011

After watching certain patterns repeat themselves, the only time I am surprised, during successive occurrences, is when others are surprised. In a world of the Internet, social media, and the 24 hour news cycle, hearing someone (anyone) of any significance to the public say something ill-advised, often downright stupid, is periodically expected.


In any given week, much of the public has become conditioned to think about, not “if”, but when will someone in the world of sports do or say something that he would regret quickly. This week, University of Southern California running back Marc Tyler, son of former San Francisco 49ers running back Super Bowl champion Wendell Tyler, jokingly said that USC paid better than the NFL. Unfortunately, his comment was made directly into a camera and his remarks appeared on gossip website TMZ.com.

As many of you are aware, USC had the hammer brought down upon its football program for violations that took place in 2004 and 2005, including paying former running back and Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush. Of all institutions, USC is among the last that needs any insinuation, even in jest, that there are inappropriate practices occurring in its athletic department.

So, once again, The Daily Hat Trick is bringing you a collection of examples, past and present, in which the free speech of sports figures came at a price.

 Marc Tyler, USC running back (2011):

TMZ cameraman: Do Trojan football players make more money from the school or in the pros?

Tyler: “USC! They breakin’ bread!”

Result: Tyler was suspended for the 2011 opening game against Minnesota.


USC, they're smacking their heads! 1



Clinton Portis, former Washington Redskins running back (2007):

Situation: Atlanta Falcons quarterback Mike Vick was being investigated by the federal government for his role in a (then) alleged dog fighting ring. Portis was being interviewed by a local Virginia television station, WAVY-TV.

What was said: "I don't know if he was fighting dogs or not, but it's his property, it's his dog. If that's what he wants to do, do it. I think people should mind their business," When told that dog fighting is a felony, Portis replied, "It can't be too bad of a crime."

“You want to hunt down Mike Vick over fighting some dogs? I think people should mind their own business."

"I know a lot of back roads that have the dog fighting if you want to go see it."

Later in the day…"In the recent interview I gave concerning dog fighting, I want to make it clear I do not take part in dog fighting or condone dog fighting in any manner."

Way to smooth it over, Mr. Portis!

Result: In terms of substantial consequences, nothing…. In the court of public opinion, it was the latest in a string of dubious quotables throughout Portis’ career. He will not be remembered as one of the NFL’s all-time eloquent statesmen or deep thinkers.



Mike Vick: "Hey, Clinton! Don't do me any more favors, okay buddy? You've helped me (and my image) out enough!" 2

 Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA Analyst Charles Barkley (1994):

The situation: The Round Mound of Rebound was noteworthy for shooting his mouth off during his 16 seasons in the NBA. But Sir Charles would also come to learn, the hard way, that free speech is not always free. After a game in 1994, Barkley was extremely critical of the game officials in a post game press conference.

What was said: After a valiant effort, I was unable to locate the exact quote on the World Wide Web, perhaps indicative of how many times Barkley has served up a memorable soundbite to the press. What I remember, however, in response to being asked if he was concerned about being fined for his criticism, is that Barkely said that he could not be controlled with money and that he had more money than everyone in the room. If anyone reading this piece could locate the exact quote and email the link to me, I would be appreciative.

The Result: NBA Commissioner David Stern dished out what was then a record fine and multiple game suspension. Barkely never quite repeated a post game tirade with the same level of volatility. I guess he could be controlled with money.

If you want to play a cool drinking game, try something that involves finding a picture of Barkley with his mouth closed. 3

Former Indianapolis Colts Coach Jim Mora, Sr. (2001):

The situation: Chances are, if you are old enough to drink, I need not provide much, if any preamble to the classic post game rant. Mora’s Colts were in the midst of a losing skid and quickly falling out of the playoff race. After a loss to the San Francisco 49ers, in which Colts quarterback Peyton Manning threw several interceptions, Mora expressed his disapproval with his QB and his team.

What was said: Why tell you, when I can show you (and 9 out of 10 of you probably know exactly what was said, anyway)?

 There are only a handful of NFL moments I'll remember vividly in 50 years, God willing, and this is one of them. 4 

The result: The soundbite went viral in an age where roughly half of U.S. households did not have Internet access* and You Tube did not exist. The word “PLAYOFFS?!?!”, when said in a high-pitched, incredulous tone, became a punchline. Mora may have that word in his epitaph.

So remember, Hat Trick readers, in the spirit of this month, in which we celebrated America's 235th birthday, free speech is not always free (far from it)!

Don't forget to vote in the fan polls!

To advertise with The Daily Hat Trick or to submit a guest column, please contact the editor at eric@thedailyhattrick.info.

* source: census.gov

1) Image from TMZ.com via webpronews.com

2) Image from statesman.com

3) Image from baldcelebrity.com

4) Video from YouTube.com