Quarterback rating, often referred to as “passer rating,” is a crucial metric in American football that helps gauge a quarterback’s efficiency during a game. The statistic considers several aspects of a quarterback’s performance, such as touchdowns, completions, interceptions, and passing yards. Passer rating is valuable because it gives coaches, analysts, and fans insight into how well a quarterback is performing. In this article, we will explore the method for calculating quarterback rating in detail.

The NFL uses the following formula to calculate passer ratings based on four key components:

1. Completion percentage

2. Yards per attempt

3. Touchdowns per attempt

4. Interceptions per attempt

To better understand the calculation process, let’s divide it into the following steps:

Step 1: Calculate each component’s rating.

a) Completion percentage:

((Completions / Attempts) – 0.3) * 5

b) Yards per attempt:

((Passing Yards / Attempts) – 3) * 0.25

c) Touchdowns per attempt:

(Touchdown Passes / Attempts) * 20

d) Interceptions per attempt:

2.375 – ((Interceptions / Attempts) * 25)

Step 2: Normalize each of the component ratings.

If any of the four initial ratings calculated in step 1 are below zero (less than 0), set them to zero; if any are above the maximum value (2.375), set them to the maximum value (2.375).

Step 3: Calculate the final passer rating.

Add all four normalized component ratings from step 2, divide by six (6), and then multiply by a hundred (100).

[(a + b + c + d) / 6] * 100

This formula will yield a passer rating between 0 and 158.3, with higher scores indicating better quarterback performance.

In conclusion, calculating a quarterback’s passer rating involves a multi-step process that takes into account various factors contributing to a player’s success on the field. It encapsulates the overall efficiency of a quarterback and serves as an indispensable tool for coaches, analysts, and fans alike. By understanding how this rating is calculated, it becomes much easier to appreciate the nuances of a quarterback’s performance throughout the game and ultimately assess their value within the sport of American football.