Analytics and the NFL in 2016, part five: New stats for offensive players

Last time, we started digging into statistics with some discussion of quarterbacks. Today? Some thoughts on the other offensive positions.

Running backs

Yards per carry is a decent benchmark stat, but it doesn't do a good job explaining when a running game is powered by the offensive line or the ballcarrier. Touchdowns could be indicative of the bellcow running back, or they may just show you the guy who gets carries at the goalline.

As we try to build a better running back rating system, what tools do we have? The main approach being taken by Football Outsiders and guys like Bill Connelly over at Football Study Hall is to classify a running back's runs by distance. Short runs are credited to…