The state of NFL stats and a Falcons-Eagles recap with Amazon's Sam Schwartzstein; QB Counseling for Bryce Young and the Panthers with Steven Ruiz
Sep 17, 2024
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Sam Schwartzstein, an analytics expert for Amazon's Thursday Night Football, reveals how NFL stats are revolutionizing broadcasts, enhancing fan engagement. He discusses the Falcons' win over the Eagles and the innovations in player tracking technology. Joining him is Steven Ruiz, a dedicated Panthers fan from The Ringer, who offers insights into Bryce Young's struggles as the Carolina quarterback. They tackle the complexities of NFL strategy, quarterback decision-making, and the future of analytics in understanding the game.
The NFL is undergoing a permanent statistical revolution, enhancing the viewing experience through advanced analytics integration on Prime Video.
The podcast emphasizes the critical need for effective evaluation methods when drafting quarterbacks, examining common mistakes teams often make.
Discussion around the Panthers and Bryce Young addresses the implications of benching and the need for thorough roster assessment moving forward.
The relationship between team performance and fan engagement is explored, highlighting the necessity for clear communication from management to maintain fan optimism.
Deep dives
The Launch of Prime Video's Thursday Night Football
This season marks the exclusive airing of Thursday Night Football on Prime Video, creating a unique platform for fans to engage with their favorite teams. The kickoff features the New England Patriots facing off against the New York Jets, setting the stage for an exciting divisional matchup. Viewers can enjoy pre-game coverage starting at 7 p.m. Eastern with features like TNF Tonight, sponsored by Verizon. Individuals not subscribed to Prime can take advantage of a 30-day free trial, providing access to not just the game, but a plethora of content available on the platform.
Engaging Content and Analytics in Broadcast
In addition to live game coverage, the broadcast will emphasize the integration of advanced analytics, which are increasingly pivotal in understanding player performance and game dynamics. Experts like Sam Schwartzstein from Prime Video contribute insights on player tracking and analytics, enhancing the viewing experience. Features designed to highlight defensive vulnerabilities and predict player actions create a more immersive way for fans to engage with the game. This innovative approach aims to blend traditional football analysis with modern technology, making it easier for fans to comprehend complex game strategies.
The Importance of Midweek Shows and Guest Insights
The podcast format introduces a midweek show where guests can offer perspectives on various NFL topics, facilitating a deeper discussion about league dynamics throughout the season. The first episode features insightful discussions with experts like Steven Ruiz, focusing on quarterback performance and team strategies. The segment aims to be a safe space for football analysts to share concerns and feelings about their teams, adding to the show's relatability. This interaction not only enriches the dialogue but also helps reinforce a community of listeners who can connect through shared football experiences.
Analyzing the Quarterback Position across the League
One of the central themes explored is the evolution of quarterback play in the NFL and the growing concern around how certain prospects are evaluated. Discussion points cover historical outliers and the common mistakes teams are making when drafting quarterbacks, ultimately leading to mediocre selections. Analysts have observed trends in scouting and drafting that often overlook the fundamental traits needed for success in this role, like size and athleticism. Conversations highlight that these missteps can have long-lasting effects on franchises, leading to a cycle of failure in quarterback development.
The Future of the Carolina Panthers
Following the Panthers' decision to bench Bryce Young, the podcast dives into the implications of this choice and its significance for the franchise's future. Participants discuss the need for competitive play regardless of who occupies the quarterback position, emphasizing that a solid performance could help the team re-evaluate its strategy. The important narrative here is how the team can leverage the rest of the season to assess their roster comprehensively and avoid previous mistakes. By examining the performance of players like Andy Dalton, there is cautious optimism for a more functional offensive structure moving forward.
Team Dynamics and Fan Engagement
The episode touches on how the Panthers' current challenges impact fan engagement and the overall atmosphere surrounding the team. The desire for improvement fosters a sense of urgency among fans, who hope to witness a more competent product on the field. An emphasis is placed on the need for clarity and transparency in the team's management decisions, to keep fans invested and optimistic. This complex relationship between team performance and fan expectations illustrates the vital nature of maintaining a competitive edge in today's NFL landscape.
Reflection on the NFL Landscape
The podcast positions the current state of the NFL as a reflection of broader trends affecting team performance and player evaluation. Analysts express a sense of frustration over the persistence of mistakes in evaluating quarterback talent and a general trend toward drafting smaller, less proven prospects. This ongoing issue raises questions about the future of teams like the Panthers, who must navigate these complexities while trying to build a successful roster. Ultimately, there is a call for reassessing strategies and a deeper understanding of what makes a successful NFL player, especially at the quarterback position.
There is a permanent statistical revolution going on in the NFL, and there is no end in sight. Amazon Thursday Night Football's analytics expert Sam Schwartzstein joins Robert Mays on this episode of The Athletic Football Show to detail what you're seeing on the Prime TNF broadcasts, and why you're seeing what you're seeing. After that, noted Panthers fan Steven Ruiz from The Ringer joins Robert to go through some QB Counseling for Bryce Young.
