Analytics Are A Tool, And Not All Tools Can Be Used In Every Situation.

Analytics have their place in football and anyone who says otherwise is bullshitting someone. Although analytics have their place, they also have their limits. And thus, other factors have to be taken into account.

Take what Matt Dolloff wrote in his recent article. Dolloff wrote, "“I’d prefer good football players, good fundamentals, and good execution,” Belichick reportedly said, ostensibly as a response to advanced stats’ perceived impact (or lack thereof) on personnel decisions or game management."

Of course Belichick wants good players but look back a couple of years ago. Belichick brought in both Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead. Both players were at the top of fewest negative yardage plays. Sure Belichick knew they were good players but don't think for a second that, that analytics didn't play a role in their signings.

Whether it's manipulating the rules, using analytics, roster building, statistics, or whatever; Belichick does whatever it takes to secure a victory. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes it doesn't. 

Belichick also said on analytics, “Well, I’m not saying it’s a gut thing. It’s an individual analysis based on the things that are pertinent to that game and that situation. I don’t really care what happened in 1973 and what those teams did or didn’t do, I don’t really think that matters in this game – or ’83 or ’90, you know, pick out whatever year you want. It’s not really my thing. And I like math, too, by the way. I really do. I like math.”

The Patriots take everything one game at a time, one play at a time. They never assume anything and practice once the season starts is all work. Hence the phrase 'do your job.' Never take any opponent for granted. Don't believe me ask the Falcons or anyone that was apart of the Oilers team in the early 90s that allowed Buffalo to go to the superbowl. Both teams blew big leads because they took the second half off.

Analytics may say that in both incidents the Falcons and Oilers were doing the right thing but in the NFL anything can happen on any given day. Just ask Glover Quin who batted down a hail Mary in the end zone like analytics say to do in 2010 as a member of the Texans, only for Mike Thomas to catch the ball and score giving the Jaguars the win. Had Quin of caught the ball and taken the touchdown, the game would've been over.  This is why Belichick doesn't rely on just analytics.