Passer rating and defensive pass interference

[RyanChristiansen]

The NFL passer rating formula ranges on a scale from 0 to 158.3 based on completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns per attempt, and interceptions per attempt. Do you think the passer rating should be updated to include defensive pass interference calls? The best quarterbacks seem to draw more DPI calls.

[Ken Crippen]

The NFL passer rating formula ranges on a scale from 0 to 158.3 based on completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns per attempt, and interceptions per attempt. Do you think the passer rating should be updated to include defensive pass interference calls? The best quarterbacks seem to draw more DPI calls.

Is it the QB or the WR that is drawing the calls? It would seem rather subjective to put it into a metric.

[RyanChristiansen]

The NFL passer rating formula ranges on a scale from 0 to 158.3 based on completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns per attempt, and interceptions per attempt. Do you think the passer rating should be updated to include defensive pass interference calls? The best quarterbacks seem to draw more DPI calls.

Is it the QB or the WR that is drawing the calls? It would seem rather subjective to put it into a metric.

Is it the quarterback or receiver who’s catching the balls? With passer rating, you're already giving the quarterback credit for completing the passes and scoring the touchdowns, which the receivers have a big part in what's happening. You're also downgrading the quarterback for throwing interceptions, but receivers have a big part in running correct routes on timed routes, etc. Why not give the quarterback some of the credit for defensive pass interference? Great quarterbacks will throw the ball downfield on third down with the understanding that they might be able to draw a pass interference penalty and move the ball, anyways. And besides, a long pass that's intercepted is as good as a punt in terms of field position.

[Ken Crippen]

The NFL passer rating formula ranges on a scale from 0 to 158.3 based on completion percentage, yards per attempt, touchdowns per attempt, and interceptions per attempt. Do you think the passer rating should be updated to include defensive pass interference calls? The best quarterbacks seem to draw more DPI calls.

Is it the QB or the WR that is drawing the calls? It would seem rather subjective to put it into a metric.

Is it the quarterback or receiver who’s catching the balls? With passer rating, you're already giving the quarterback credit for completing the passes and scoring the touchdowns, which the receivers have a big part in what's happening. You're also downgrading the quarterback for throwing interceptions, but receivers have a big part in running correct routes on timed routes, etc. Why not give the quarterback some of the credit for defensive pass interference? Great quarterbacks will throw the ball downfield on third down with the understanding that they might be able to draw a pass interference penalty and move the ball, anyways. And besides, a long pass that's intercepted is as good as a punt in terms of field position.

Which is why I put very little stock in passer rating.

[GameBeforeTheMoney]

Not a passer rating fan either.

Interesting thought, however, in wondering how much a QB can affect DPI. That's a really good question. I wonder how many just toss it up there in a certain spot hoping it might put a DB in more of a position to commit PI. Especially in today's game.

[RichardBak]

Yeah, count me in as another who's never put much stock into passer ratings.

If anything, something should be worked into the formula that accounts for wins, with a big fat bonus for winning the Super Bowl. Ultimately, that's what it's all about. Ask Milt Plum about passer ratings.