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If there were a computer algorithm proven to give even a slight advantage in play calling, I'm sure most NFL coaches would jump at the chance to use it. Using

If there were a computer algorithm proven to give even a slight advantage in play calling, I'm sure most NFL coaches would jump at the chance to use it. Using game theory and advanced statistics is already all the rage on most (American) football websites. While I'm sure most coaches don't follow such things, enough do that it would soon catch on. And if something successful catches on, NFL coaches have a proven track record of copying it. Coaches, players and the like are now no longer needed. Okay, this last portion may be a bit of an exaggeration, but the point is proven, technology would, as in other industries, render the current status quo inept and inefficient. In conclusion, I plan to take the Robotics course from Udacity this month. As an avid follower of this sport, I've found that a large part of success as a team is to be found in coaching the fundamentals. Just like in school, a good teacher can make all the difference in terms of outcome, even for a gifted player/student.

fluorescentLAMP 15y ago
It's not just a rage on "American" football websites, but the real football too. Moneyball has found itself jammed deep into soccer the last few years with varying degrees of success.
- bricestacey 15y ago
  How so? I played soccer my whole life and my first thought was, "a sport like soccer makes technology useless in medias res.
dripton 15y ago
I doubt it. For example, there was a famous study a few years ago showing that NFL teams punt way too often. (http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-new-study-on-fourth-downs-go-for-it/ http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-new-study-on...). It didn't seem to have much effect on play-calling. Being conventionally wrong appears to be safer for coaches than being unconventionally correct. Of course there are exceptions. To their credit, the Patriots let the Giants have a free touchdown near the end of the Super Bowl, rather than letting them run the clock out. An obvious tactic to most Madden players, but not one you see much in the pros, because That's Not The Way It's Done. And Belichick is one of the few coaches with the job security to do things his own way.

fluorescentLAMP 15y ago

It's not just a rage on "American" football websites, but the real football too. Moneyball has found itself jammed deep into soccer the last few years with varying degrees of success.

bricestacey 15y ago
How so? I played soccer my whole life and my first thought was, "a sport like soccer makes technology useless in medias res.

dripton 15y ago

I doubt it. For example, there was a famous study a few years ago showing that NFL teams punt way too often. (http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-new-study-on-fourth-downs-go-for-it/ http://fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/17/a-new-study-on...). It didn't seem to have much effect on play-calling. Being conventionally wrong appears to be safer for coaches than being unconventionally correct. Of course there are exceptions. To their credit, the Patriots let the Giants have a free touchdown near the end of the Super Bowl, rather than letting them run the clock out. An obvious tactic to most Madden players, but not one you see much in the pros, because That's Not The Way It's Done. And Belichick is one of the few coaches with the job security to do things his own way.