I would never claim to be the best – or even one of the best – football writers or thinkers on the planet. However, I know great work when I see it, and I think it is important to share that with readers in an accessible location. Below you will find a list of required reading on various NFL related topics, and the list will only grow as more incredible pieces are created. Happy learning!
Talent Evaluation and the Draft
Player college-to-pro transition 1
Player college-to-pro transition 2
Organizational Strategy
Overhauling the scouting department
Analytics to supplement coaching
Success without a franchise quarterback
The dangers of an average quarterback
Overcoming generational genius 1
Overcoming generational genius 2
NFL History
Chronology of professional football
Fate and the West Coast Offense
Xs & Os and In-game Strategy
When to begin 4-minute offense
Fourth down strategy 4 (over a decade old, but important as a foundational document)
Explaining risky fourth down decisions
Intentionally allowing a touchdown
Risk aversion and win maximization late in games
High variance strategy for underdogs
Football Myths
Run to win and other misconceptions
Brian Burke’s 3-part study on momentum: 1, 2, and 3
Establishing the run is important in the modern NFL: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 …
Thinking About the Game (or just thinking)
Emotion in football (I recommend reading with the Burke momentum pieces above)
Increased opportunity for highly drafted players
Usage rates for offensive versus defensive players
Lack of correlation between combine performance and NFL productivity
Stop Thinking Like a GM; Start Thinking Like a Player
The GOAT Debate
Quarterbacks, statistically, 1
Quarterbacks, statistically, 2
Other
The Value of Coverage and Receiving
Pass Rush versus Coverage: 1 & 2
Punting Value versus Punting Skill
When to Go for Two: 1, 2, and 3
Pass Blocking Matters More than Pass Rushing
Books
A wide array of football literature as compiled and recommended by Chris Wesseling
DIY Analytics
nflscrapR’s EPA and WAR Methodology