PFF Premium Statistics (1 Viewer)

Has their been a worse decision that a football site has made in recent years than PFF's decision to get rid of premium statistics? I love the IDP content here at FBG, but premium statistics is something that was almost invaluable to me. Especially for the ever growing big play leagues (2 of my leagues switched more towards a big play format). You could see who was getting pressure but not sacks and that helped to show who might break out. You could also look at matchups and see specific OL and how much pressure, hits and sacks they were giving up. I think the guys at FBG probably used premium stats too. Anyone going to miss this as much as me? I emailed the guys at PFF to voice my displeasure. Probably not going to mean anything, but I think they'd at least like to know why a loyal customer is going to be leaving their site. Hopefully others do the same and they reconsider.

Aside from that, does anyone know of any other sites that provide similar data? I know there is Larry Thomas' matchup tool, which is great, but you can't see trends. It still shows Seattle as a great matchup for pass rushers. They were an outstanding matchup early in the year, but have been much tougher the past few weeks. Would be great if FBG stepped up and provided some of this content.

Definitely agree. I've used it extensively in the past and miss it.

I emailed Cris Colllinsworth who was (from what I have heard) the reason that this changed. This was his response:

Hi Jim. This is Cris Collinsworth. I understand your frustration, it is a valuable tool. The problem is that our network partners are our primary revenue source and they want exclusivity over the premium stats. Premium Stats is obviously what is most valuable. We appreciate your support and have tried to provide as much data as possible without violating those agreements. I hope you understand, but with 140 employees we have a lot of families to feed too and our network partners have to be honored. Have a wonderful holiday season, I hope you understand. Cris.

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I totally understand the decision by PFF. I hate the decision, but I totally understand it. Fan customers must surely be a micro part of their revenue so they have to do whatever their bigger clients want, i.e. the networks and the NFL teams. On the other hand I don't understand why the networks would want to limit the access to premium stats. It's not like people tune in to games to learn the snap counts of players by the commentators' use of PFF premium stats on air, on the contrary more easily accessible premium stats increases the interest in the game by providing better and more engaging fantasy content. And we all know fantasy football is a big part of what makes people watch the games. So to me it's a stupid decision by the networks but we can't really go blaming PFF for that. A few thousand fans and independent fantasy writers paying a few dollars a year for access to premium stats doesn't exactly put food on the table.

what does Collinsworth have to do with PFF? Does he own them?

JoeSteeler said:

what does Collinsworth have to do with PFF? Does he own them?

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http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/cris-collinsworth-bought-a-stake-in-pro-football-focus.html

Louche said:

I totally understand the decision by PFF. I hate the decision, but I totally understand it. Fan customers must surely be a micro part of their revenue so they have to do whatever their bigger clients want, i.e. the networks and the NFL teams. On the other hand I don't understand why the networks would want to limit the access to premium stats. It's not like people tune in to games to learn the snap counts of players by the commentators' use of PFF premium stats on air, on the contrary more easily accessible premium stats increases the interest in the game by providing better and more engaging fantasy content. And we all know fantasy football is a big part of what makes people watch the games. So to me it's a stupid decision by the networks but we can't really go blaming PFF for that. A few thousand fans and independent fantasy writers paying a few dollars a year for access to premium stats doesn't exactly put food on the table.

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While i respect their decision to do what they want with their business, I don't think it is smart. Maybe I do not see the entire picture, but how do the "networks" benefit from knowing how many pressures/hits/sacks Morgan Moses has let up over the past 3 weeks. The teams don't need that info, they have their own scouts that do that. They do not rely on info from PFF. Meanwhile, IDP fantasy is growing and they are shutting people out of this. Someone else will do this and grow from it, while PFF will lose subscribers. Maybe I am missing the boat, but there is zero chance I am going to pay money to see player grades. That's like paying to see QB ratings. Honestly, who cares. You don't need PFF grades to know who is good and a high PFF grade does not translate to fantasy points.