Super Bowl 50 – APDM Analyzes Both Teams
Super Bowl 50 kicks off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA this Sunday, February 7, and fans everywhere are making pre-game predictions. Although the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos both had promising seasons, taking a close look at game-time performance from key players can provide an interesting look into the matchup.
With the rise in popularity of sports analytics, fans, coaches, and athletes can gain a deeper look into skill levels and weaknesses of each player, and the team as a whole. Quantifying this game-time performance can provide valuable information about things like accuracy, energy exertion, and injury prevention.
APDM is taking a closer look at top players from both teams.
PANTHERS:
Cam Newton (#1 QB) – Since entering the NFL in the 2011 Draft, Newton has been one of the most inefficient passers in league history, with one of the highest percentages of off-target passes. Under pressure, he fires the ball without setting his feet properly. This is one thing coaches have been working on with Newton; his strong arm overcompensates for his lack of footwork, leading to inaccuracies. Using APDM Opals, it is possible to quantify things like Newton’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 correct moment.
Luke Kuechly (#59 LB) – As one of the Panthers’ top defenders, Kuechly recorded 118 tackles and 4 interceptions in the 2015 season. He has the most tackles in the NFL since 2012 (591). Using Opals to measure Kuechly’s acceleration can give him real-time feedback for a more efficient tackle analysis.
Greg Olsen (#88 TE) – Responsible for a majority of the Panthers’ receiving yards this season, Olsen is a force to be reckoned with. He ranked as the NFL’s top tight end for receiving yards, and will be a major threat to the Broncos going into Sunday’s game. Opals can track Olsen’s efficiency of movement as well as fatigue at top running speed, helping to make sure he utilizes his speed at the right moment.
BRONCOS:
Peyton Manning (#18 QB) – Manning has the ability to read a field and respond accordingly at the drop of a hat. He has the patience and confidence necessary to dole out accurate passes with his dependable throwing ability. His repetitive throwing can be quantified by Opals to keep his arm workouts in check, preventing injury and measuring performance.
Von Miller (#58 OLB) – Miller comes into this Super Bowl as the Broncos’ sack leader, providing a lot of value to the defense. His speed, flexibility, and versatility allow him to fully utilize his 6’3, 250lb frame. Miller was out of commission at the Broncos’ last Super Bowl appearance with a torn ACL. Data gathered from Opals has shown to provide accurate gait, balance, and concussion analysis, which could prevent any future premature return-to-play decisions for such a valuable player as Miller.
Demaryius Thomas (#88 WR) – Thomas has developed into a top-notch receiver, with a size and strength that many defenders can’t get past. Thomas has the great ability of adjusting his body into positions that are hard to defend – twisting his torso and stretching his posture to receive a pass. Opals can track his trunk rotation and make sure he isn’t losing forward momentum on the field.
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.
