Research Papers

Jenkins, Ben

Offensive linemen play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of pass plays in football, yet their contributions are often undervalued or misunderstood. Traditional analytics tools rely heavily on correlation-based metrics, which can provide insights but fail to capture the intricate cause-and-effect relationships that define the linemen's impact. For example, while correlation may highlight an association between quarterback pressures and incomplete passes, it does not address the causal pathways linking specific offensive linemen actions to these outcomes. This gap in understanding limits the precision and utility of such metrics for decision-making in player evaluation, development, and in-game strategies.