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⚽sports journalism review

QB Rating

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

QB rating, or Quarterback Rating, is a statistical measure used to evaluate the performance of quarterbacks in American football. This metric takes into account various aspects of a quarterback's game, including completions, attempts, yards thrown, touchdowns, and interceptions, resulting in a single numerical score that reflects their effectiveness and efficiency during a game or season. It helps coaches, analysts, and fans gauge a quarterback's impact on the team's performance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The QB rating formula produces a score between 0 and 158.3, with 158.3 being considered a perfect rating.
  2. Different formulas may be used for calculating QB ratings in college football and the NFL, leading to variations in results.
  3. A high QB rating is often correlated with team success, as effective quarterbacks can lead their teams to more victories.
  4. Quarterbacks with a low rating often face criticism for their performance, particularly if it results in losses or high interception counts.
  5. In addition to traditional stats, QB rating can be influenced by factors such as offensive line performance and the quality of receiving targets.

Review Questions

  • How is QB rating calculated and what are the key statistics it encompasses?
    • QB rating is calculated using a specific formula that incorporates four primary statistics: completions, attempts, passing yards, touchdowns, and interceptions. Each component contributes to the overall score that reflects the quarterback's performance. This measurement helps to quantify how effectively a quarterback executes plays and manages the game.
  • What role does QB rating play in evaluating a quarterback's contribution to team success?
    • QB rating serves as a critical tool for assessing how well a quarterback performs during games and impacts their team's outcomes. A higher QB rating typically indicates better efficiency and effectiveness in passing plays, which can lead to more points scored and increased chances of winning games. Analysts and coaches often use this metric alongside other statistics to make decisions regarding player development and game strategy.
  • Evaluate the limitations of using QB rating as the sole metric for assessing quarterback performance in modern football.
    • While QB rating provides valuable insights into a quarterback's effectiveness, relying solely on this metric can be misleading due to its inherent limitations. Factors such as game context, opponent strength, and overall team dynamics can significantly influence a quarterback's stats but are not reflected in the rating itself. Additionally, it doesn't account for rushing ability or contributions outside of passing plays. Therefore, it's essential to consider a combination of metrics and qualitative factors when evaluating a quarterback's overall performance.