The QB rating score, officially known as the passer rating, is a key statistical metric in American football designed to evaluate the passing efficiency and overall performance of a quarterback. It consolidates a quarterback's statistics into a single numerical value, providing a standardized way to compare individual performances.
How QB Rating Works
The passer rating is calculated using a complex formula that incorporates four main statistical categories from a quarterback's passing attempts:
- Completion Percentage: The rate at which passes are successfully caught by receivers.
- Passing Yards: The total distance gained on completed passes.
- Touchdown Passes: The number of passes resulting in a touchdown.
- Interceptions: The number of passes caught by the opposing team.
Each of these components is converted into a score, which is then combined to produce the final passer rating.
Interpreting Passer Rating Scores
The QB rating score provides a scale to understand a quarterback's performance level. Here's a general guide:
| Rating Range | Interpretation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 158.3 | Perfect Passer Rating | This is the highest possible rating a quarterback can achieve, signifying an exceptionally flawless passing performance. |
| Above 100 | Excellent/Elite | A rating above 100 is generally considered quite good, indicating a highly effective and efficient passer. |
| 90-100 | Very Good | Strong performance, often characteristic of starting NFL quarterbacks. |
| 80-90 | Good/Above Average | Solid performance, though with room for improvement. |
| Below 80 | Average/Below Average | Typically indicates a less efficient passing performance, possibly due to a lower completion rate, fewer touchdowns, more interceptions, or fewer yards per attempt. |
Limitations and Modern Context
While the passer rating is widely used, it does have its limitations and has evolved in its interpretation over time:
- Contextual Nuances: The rating doesn't account for situational factors like drops by receivers, offensive line play, defensive pressure, or play-calling strategies.
- Evolution of the Game: In today's NFL, quarterbacks are throwing for more yards, more touchdown passes, and fewer interceptions due to rule changes favoring offenses and evolving offensive schemes. This can sometimes make direct historical comparisons challenging, as modern quarterbacks might statistically appear to have higher ratings compared to past eras, even with similar levels of dominance.
- Emphasis on Efficiency: The rating heavily rewards efficiency (avoiding interceptions, high completion percentage) and big plays (touchdowns, high yards per attempt).
Despite these limitations, the QB rating remains a fundamental tool for evaluating quarterback play and is frequently cited in discussions about individual player performance and historical comparisons.
For more detailed information on the passer rating formula, you can refer to resources like the NFL's official glossary.
