NFL Kickoff Game – Analyzing the Steelers and the Patriots

 In Athletics

Sports analytics are now more popular than ever. Gathering data for play-by-play and performance analysis gives coaches, athletes, and fans a better look into the world of American football. The popularization of the video game Madden has also probed questions about accurate analysis of hundreds of featured players’ skill levels. But quantifying performance is not just a game – it provides valuable insight for accuracy, energy exertion, and even injury prevention.

The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New England Patriots in the 2015 NFL kickoff game this week, and APDM is taking a closer look at top players from both teams.

Steelers:

Ben Roethlisberger (#7 QB) – Roethlisberger is one of the most efficient passers in NFL history. Even under pressure, he fires the ball right where it needs to go. Using APDM Opals, it is possible to quantify things like Roethlisberger’s optimal throwing angle by looking at his arm swing velocity, timing, and range of motion to make sure he releases the ball at the apex of his throw.

Antonio Brown (#84 WR) – As a Steelers Wide Receiver and Punt Returner, the 5’10 Brown flies past the defensive line with pin-point turns and a low center of gravity. Using Opals to measure Brown’s acceleration can give him real-time feedback for cutting and exploding analysis.

Le’Veon Bell (#26 RB) – Completing the Steelers white-hot offensive trio is Le’Veon Bell, who unfortunately will miss this week’s kickoff game due to a two-game suspension. Bell finished the 2014 season ranked one of the top Running Backs in the NFL, and is expected to show his strength in rushing yards once again in 2015. Opals can track Bell’s efficiency of movement as well as fatigue at top running speed – just about the only skill that he lacks.

Patriots:

Tom Brady (#12 QB) – With or without deflated footballs, Brady is still one of the best, if not the best Quarterback in NFL history. His patience and confidence in the pocket provides him with dependable throwing ability that other quarterbacks miss. His repetitive throwing can be quantified by Opals to keep his arm workouts in check, preventing injury and measuring performance.

Rob Gronkowski (#87 TE) – Rumored to be the best Tight End of all time, “Gronk” and Brady make a great team. Brady counts on Gronk’s reliable receptions and ability to recover from less-than-desirable catching points. Gronk has the great ability of adjusting his torso and posture to receive a pass, despite his heavy 6’6 frame. Opals can track his trunk rotation and make sure he isn’t losing forward momentum on the field.

Julian Edelman (#11 WR) – The versatile Edelman, who also played Cornerback in 2011, missed two games in 2014 due to a concussion, and was sidelined in this year’s preseason with an ankle injury. Data gathered from Opals has shown to provide accurate gait, balance, and concussion analysis, which could prevent a premature return-to-play decision for Edelman.

Big data for big-time players. APDM can provide the accurate analysis that NFL coaches and top players can understand. Custom solutions and movement quantification is already in use by top sports teams, giving them a winning advantage.

See what big data can do for your team here.

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