Quote:
Originally Posted by Reaper16
That's a good observation. I think it has a lot to do with the sample size in football being relatively small in comparison with baseball. The larger sample size in baseball means that statistics can say more things concretely. Plus, the game of baseball lends itself better to statistical interpretation in general. There are a lot more moving parts on a football field to take into account.
Stats aren't worthless in football, but the eye tells the most complete tale.
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And different strategies affect the numbers dramatically.
In baseball, successful hitters have a consistent approach at the plate (hard up the box, gap to gap, top half and run like hell, etc.), and successful pitchers have similarly consistent approaches. NFL defenses, however, can skew the numbers. Play a cover 2 and watch the QBs rack up tons of yards (in the loss).
So this has nothing to do with discounting statistical analysis and everything to do with taking a more nuanced approach to the numbers, which is a smart approach no matter the sport.