Statistics 101: The Linebacker Edition

6:57 p.m.: The Falcons take LB Curtis Lofton, completely confusing the hell out of me. I like Lofton a lot, but unless he's playing the middle for Brooking after this year he's completely useless to us. Am I the only one who hates this draft strategy?

With that, I think I have to get some dinner. I'll try to catch up on everything a little later. Discuss amongst yourselves to your heart's content!

Two and a half years ago a certain someone made that comment (hint: it wasn't me). But not even the "experts" predicted Lofton's success. In fact, Mel Kiper called him a "decent second-round pick."

In a word, Curtis Lofton is awesome. Just awesome. He does his job and - more importantly - his numbers are SPOOKY GOOD.

Join me after the jump where we'll break down some LB stats!

The statistics in this post were defined and explained in last week's post. Give it a read if any of this sounds unfamiliar.

 

Positive Win Probability

Lofton: 1.26 (12th highest in the league)

Peterson: .38

Nicholas: .45

Weatherspoon: .63

Wire: n/a

Adkins: n/a

 

Tackle Factor

Lofton: 1.61 

Peterson: .69

Nicholas: 1.20

Weatherspoon: 1.46

Wire: n/a

Adkins: n/a

 

Success Rate

Lofton: 50.7 percent

Peterson: 68.6 percent 

Nicholas: 63.3 percent 

Weatherspoon: 46.9 percent 

Wire: n/a

Adkins: n/a

 

Positive Expected Points Added/Game

Lofton: 3.21

Peterson: 1.7

Nicholas: 1.91

Weatherspoon: 1.43

Wire: n/a

Adkins: n/a

 

And if you like the old school stats:

Lofton: 2 sacks, 2 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 2 QB hits, 3 tackles for a loss, and 1 interception

Peterson: 1 sack, 3 passes defended, 1 forced fumble, 1 QB hit, 3 tackles for a loss, and 1 interception

Nicholas: 1 forced fumble, 1 tackle for a loss, and 1 interception

Weatherspoon: 1 sack, 1 pass defended, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 tackle for a loss

 

What do y'all think? Should we make Dave wear a "I heart Mel Kiper" shirt? What role should Nicholas play after Spoon comes back? Is Peterson quietly logging his last decent campaign?

Next week we'll talk about Team Defense statistics. In the interim: GO FORTH AND BE STATISTICAL!