Player of the Game

[ShagVT]

Player of the game is a little too focused on interceptions returned for a TD.

I could have a game which included a box score like:

QB Smith: 45-50-0, 530 yards, 7 TDs

CB Jones - Interception returned 50 yards for TD

MVP: Jones

While I don't deny that defensive scores are huge, often game-breaking plays, it seems like ANY defensive score is awarded MVP.

[henry296]

I will echo these sentiments. Many times an INT for TD is all a DB needs for POY. Also, I think too high a % of picks are returned for TDs.

Todd

[Carligula]

Looks like you may be right Todd. The most current NFL stats I could find have 407 interceptions this season, returned for 33 touchdowns. In my last season there were 604 interceptions returned for 69 TD's.

[McD]

Actually it looks like this year's interception returns for touchdowns is lower than the last three seasons. In 1999 there were 562 interceptions and 58 touchdowns - a 10.3% rate. In 1998 there were 509 interceptions and 53 touchdowns - a 10.4% rate. Finally, in 1997 there were 479 interceptions and 47 touchdowns for a 9.8% rate.

So it would seem that based on the historical stats that Jim probably used, one should expect around 10% of the interceptions to be returned for a touchdown.

However, getting back to topic, I do generally agree that for player of the game honors it seems that interception returns are weighted a little too heavy. Although the only time it really bothers me is when a backup safety is picked as the MVP of the Super Bowl solely because of one interception in a blowout game.

[This message has been edited by McD (edited 12-04-2000).]

[This message has been edited by McD (edited 12-04-2000).]