Zone Coverage: Why Were the Vikings So Hesitant to Start Ty Chandler?
Over at Zone Coverage I broke down the data and the film from Ty Chandler's lone start to ask why the Vikings seemed so gunshy about starting what looks to be their best back
Sometimes, I’ll write freelance pieces outside of the Substack and when I do, I like to let readers know. This week, I’m taking a look at how Ty Chandler performed this year and in Week 15 — using both data and film — to see if there’s anything substantial holding back Chandler from being a regular starter for the team.
Generally speaking, both of these stats are much more reliant on the play-calling and offensive line in front of the backs.
The Miami Dolphins have two backs among the top five in success rate: De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert).
The Los Angeles Rams have two in the top six: Kyren Williams and Royce Freeman.
The Buffalo Bills have two in the top 10: James Cook and Latavius Murray.
And the Baltimore Ravens have two in the top 15: Gus Edwards and Justice Hill.
In EPA per play, all of those teams repeat their feat of having two backs in high-level territory, while Detroit adds Gibbs to a list that already included David Montgomery.
That’s not the case for Minnesota. Chandler ranks 12th in EPA per play, just behind Alvin Kamara and ahead of Isiah Pacheco. Chandler also ranks 10th in success rate, just behind Montgomery and ahead of Aaron Jones. Mattison ranks 53rd in EPA per play and 26th in success rate.