Quarterback (QB) rating, also known as the passer rating, is a useful statistic in American football that aims to measure and evaluate the performance of a quarterback throughout a game or season. Invented in 1971 by Pro Football Hall of Fame writer Don Smith, the NFL quarterback rating formula has evolved over time, allowing fans and analysts to gauge the effectiveness of players in this crucial position.

This article will guide you through the process of calculating the QB rating.

First, let’s break down the four categories used in calculating the QB rating:

1. Completion Percentage

2. Yards per Attempt

3. Touchdown Percentage

4. Interception Percentage

Steps to Calculate QB Rating:

1. Completion Percentage:

a. Divide the number of completed passes by pass attempts.

b. Subtract 0.3.

c. Divide the result by 0.2.

Example: If a QB has 20 completed passes out of 30 attempts, their completion percentage score is ((20/30) – 0.3) ÷ 0.2 = 0.833.

2. Yards per Attempt:

a. Divide total passing yards by pass attempts.

b. Subtract 3.

c. Divide the result by 4.

Example: If a QB has thrown for 200 yards over their 30 attempts, their yards per attempt score is ((200/30) – 3) ÷ 4 = 0.167.

3. Touchdown Percentage:

a. Divide touchdown passes by pass attempts.

b. Divide the result by 0.05.

Example: If a QB threw four touchdowns in their 30 attempts, their touchdown percentage score is (4/30) ÷ 0.05 = 2.667.

4. Interception Percentage:

a. Divide interceptions by pass attempts.

b. Subtract this value from 0.095.

c. Divide the result by 0.04.

Example: If a QB has two interceptions in their 30 attempts, their interception percentage score is (0.095 – (2/30)) ÷ 0.04 = 2.083.

Now that you have calculated the scores for each of these categories, add them together and multiply by 100/6 to get the final QB rating.

Final QB Rating = (Sum of Scores) × (100 ÷ 6)

Example: Final QB Rating = (0.833 + 0.167 + 2.667 + 2.083) × (100 ÷ 6) = 99.17

In conclusion, calculating a quarterback rating not only allows you to objectively rate a player’s performance but also gain vital insights into their strengths and weaknesses on the field. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly calculate and analyze QB ratings for your favorite players or even compare them with some of history’s memorable quarterbacks.