The performance data accumulated during Matthew Willig’s professional football career within the National Football League provides a quantifiable record of his contributions on the field. This data typically includes games played, tackles, sacks (if applicable to his position), and other relevant metrics depending on his role as an offensive lineman.
Analyzing such data offers valuable insights into a player’s effectiveness and overall impact on team performance. It allows for comparisons with other players at the same position, both contemporary and historical. This information serves as a key component in evaluating player value, informing coaching decisions, and providing context for historical analyses of the sport. In Willig’s case, given his notable size and career longevity, these statistics offer a unique perspective on the evolution of offensive line play in the NFL.
Further exploration of Willig’s career might involve examining his performance within specific seasons, comparing his statistics to league averages, and considering the context of his teams’ overall success. This granular analysis can provide a richer understanding of his contribution to the game and his place within NFL history.
1. Games Played
“Games played” forms a fundamental component when analyzing a player’s career statistics, especially for offensive linemen like Matthew Willig. While not directly indicative of performance quality, this metric provides crucial context for evaluating other statistical categories and understanding career longevity, durability, and overall contribution to a team.
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Longevity and Career Arc
The total number of games played illuminates the span of a player’s career and offers insights into their ability to maintain a position within the demanding NFL environment. A high number suggests consistent performance, physical endurance, and sustained value to teams over an extended period. In Willig’s case, it can reveal his ability to adapt to different teams and coaching philosophies.
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Availability and Reliability
Games played reflects a player’s availability and dependability. Frequent absences due to injuries or other factors can significantly impact a team’s performance, especially in crucial positions. This metric offers a glimpse into Willig’s resilience and capacity to contribute consistently throughout his career.
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Context for Other Statistics
Analyzing “games played” in conjunction with other metrics provides a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s impact. For example, evaluating a player’s contributions per game played offers a more nuanced perspective than simply looking at cumulative totals. While not a direct performance indicator for offensive linemen, it helps contextualize their presence on the field.
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Benchmarking and Comparison
Comparing games played with other players at the same position, particularly within the same era, offers valuable insights into a player’s standing within the league. This comparison allows for a relative assessment of longevity and provides a benchmark for evaluating career duration.
By considering “games played” alongside other relevant statistics, a more complete picture of Matthew Willig’s NFL career emerges. It offers a valuable perspective on his durability, consistency, and overall contribution to the teams he played for, enhancing our understanding of his place within the league’s history.
2. Starts
Within the context of Matthew Willig’s NFL career statistics, “starts” represent a crucial metric, indicating the number of games in which he was part of the initial offensive lineup. This data point provides valuable insight into his perceived value, coaching staff confidence in his abilities, and his overall contribution to his teams. Examining “starts” adds depth to understanding his role and impact beyond simply the number of games played.
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Coaching Staff Confidence
Being named a starter signifies the coaching staff’s belief in a player’s capabilities and their suitability for a specific role within the offensive scheme. A high number of starts suggests consistent performance, reliability, and a strong understanding of the team’s playbook. For an offensive lineman like Willig, this indicates trust in his ability to protect the quarterback and execute blocking assignments effectively from the outset of a game.
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Contribution to Team Strategy
Starting players often have a greater influence on a team’s offensive strategy and execution. They typically play a larger number of snaps and are entrusted with key responsibilities within the game plan. Willig’s starts reveal his importance within the offensive line and his contribution to the team’s overall approach on the field.
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Performance Indicator and Player Value
While not a direct measure of individual performance, the number of starts can serve as an indirect indicator of a player’s consistency and perceived value to the team. A higher number of starts generally correlates with greater perceived reliability and contribution, influencing contract negotiations and overall career trajectory. In Willig’s case, examining his starts alongside other performance data provides a more nuanced understanding of his impact.
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Injury and Availability Context
Analyzing starts alongside games played helps clarify the impact of potential injuries or other factors affecting a player’s availability. A significant difference between these two numbers might suggest periods of injury or strategic benching. This comparison provides a deeper understanding of the player’s active role on the field throughout their career.
By considering “starts” in conjunction with other statistical data, a more comprehensive understanding of Matthew Willig’s contributions and value to his teams emerges. This metric reveals the level of trust placed in him by coaching staffs, his role in team strategy, and the overall impact he had throughout his NFL career.
3. Position(s) Played
Understanding the position(s) played by Matthew Willig is crucial for interpreting his NFL career statistics. As an offensive lineman, his primary role involved protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes. Willig’s size and athleticism likely dictated his suitability for specific positions within the offensive line, such as offensive tackle or guard. Knowing the specific positions he played provides context for evaluating his performance relative to the expected responsibilities and typical statistical outputs of those roles. For example, an offensive tackle’s performance is evaluated differently than a center’s, even though both are integral parts of the offensive line. Analyzing Willig’s performance based on his designated position offers a more accurate and nuanced assessment of his contributions.
Further insights can be gained by considering potential position changes throughout his career. A shift from tackle to guard, or vice versa, could reflect evolving team needs, adjustments to coaching strategies, or changes in Willig’s physical capabilities over time. Such transitions may also influence his statistical output and overall impact on the team. For instance, a move to a position requiring more agility might be reflected in changes to his performance metrics. Considering any position changes adds depth to the analysis of his career statistics and offers a more complete picture of his versatility and adaptability within the offensive line.
In summary, “position(s) played” acts as a critical lens through which to analyze Matthew Willig’s NFL career statistics. It provides a framework for understanding his role within the team’s offensive strategy and allows for a more accurate evaluation of his performance relative to the specific demands of each position. Examining potential position changes throughout his career adds further nuance to this analysis, offering valuable insights into his adaptability and overall contributions to the game.
4. Years Active
Years active forms a crucial component when analyzing Matthew Willig’s NFL career statistics. This metric represents the span of his professional football career within the league, providing a fundamental timeframe for understanding his overall contribution and development. “Years active” directly influences the accumulation of all other statistical data, offering a contextual framework for interpreting career totals and assessing longevity within a demanding and competitive professional environment. A longer career often suggests consistent performance, adaptability to evolving game dynamics, and sustained value to different teams. Conversely, a shorter career might indicate challenges such as injuries, performance declines, or difficulty adapting to changing league conditions. In Willig’s case, “years active” provides the foundation for understanding the progression of his statistical achievements and the overall narrative of his time in the NFL. For example, analyzing performance trends across his active years can reveal peak periods, potential declines, and overall consistency throughout his career.
Furthermore, “years active” allows for valuable comparisons with other players, particularly those in similar positions. This comparative analysis provides a benchmark for assessing career longevity relative to league averages and the careers of contemporary players. It also facilitates examining Willig’s career within specific eras of the NFL, considering the evolving rules, playing styles, and competitive landscapes that may have influenced his performance and longevity. For instance, a long career spanning significant rule changes demonstrates adaptability and sustained value across different playing conditions. Examining “years active” in conjunction with other metrics like games played and starts provides a richer, more nuanced understanding of a player’s consistent contribution and overall impact on the game.
In summary, years active provides a critical timeframe for understanding and interpreting Matthew Willig’s NFL career statistics. This metric establishes the context for analyzing all other performance data, allowing for comparisons with other players and offering insights into his career longevity, adaptability, and overall contribution to the league. It serves as a cornerstone for a comprehensive assessment of his place within NFL history.
5. Teams Played For
Examining the teams Matthew Willig played for provides crucial context for understanding his NFL career statistics. The teams an athlete represents significantly influence various aspects of their performance record. Different teams employ varying offensive schemes, coaching philosophies, and overall team strategies. These factors can directly impact an offensive lineman’s statistical output. For example, a team prioritizing a run-heavy offense might create different opportunities and challenges for an offensive lineman compared to a pass-heavy offense. Additionally, the quality of teammates, particularly fellow offensive linemen and the quarterback, can influence individual performance and statistics. A strong offensive line unit working cohesively can elevate individual performance, while a weaker unit might expose vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the overall team success, or lack thereof, can influence individual statistics. Winning teams often generate more opportunities for positive statistical contributions. Therefore, understanding the specific teams Willig played for, and their respective strengths, weaknesses, and playing styles during his tenure, offers valuable insights into the context surrounding his statistical achievements.
Analyzing Willig’s performance across different teams reveals his adaptability and consistency within varying offensive systems and team dynamics. Comparing his statistics during his time with different franchises provides a nuanced understanding of how coaching strategies, teammate quality, and overall team success contributed to his individual performance. For instance, if his performance metrics improved significantly after joining a particular team, it might suggest a beneficial fit within their system or a positive influence from coaching and teammates. Conversely, any declines might reflect challenges adapting to a new system or the impact of a less supportive team environment. This comparative analysis across teams enhances the understanding of his career arc and highlights the complex interplay between individual performance and team dynamics.
In conclusion, “Teams played for” serves as a critical component when analyzing Matthew Willig’s NFL career statistics. Understanding the characteristics of each team he representedtheir offensive schemes, coaching philosophies, overall team quality, and performanceprovides crucial context for interpreting his statistical record. This analysis allows for a deeper understanding of his adaptability, consistency, and the multifaceted factors that influenced his individual contributions throughout his NFL career. Examining the “Teams played for” alongside other metrics offers a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on Willig’s place within the league’s history and his impact on the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ section addresses common inquiries regarding Matthew Willig’s NFL career statistics, providing clarity and context for understanding his performance data.
Question 1: What key statistics define Matthew Willig’s NFL career?
Key statistics for evaluating Willig’s career include games played, starts, positions played, years active, and teams played for. While traditional offensive line statistics like tackles and sacks are not typically recorded, these data points offer valuable insights into his longevity, contributions, and role within each team.
Question 2: How do “games played” and “starts” differ in evaluating Willig’s career?
“Games played” indicates the total number of games in which Willig participated, reflecting his longevity and availability. “Starts,” however, signifies the number of games he began as part of the initial offensive lineup, indicating coaching staff confidence and his role in the team’s strategy.
Question 3: Why is knowing the specific positions Willig played important for statistical analysis?
Understanding Willig’s specific positions (e.g., offensive tackle, guard) provides context for evaluating his performance relative to the expected responsibilities and typical statistical outputs of those roles. Different positions within the offensive line have distinct demands and contributions.
Question 4: How does analyzing “years active” contribute to understanding Willig’s career?
“Years active” provides the timeframe for understanding his career progression, allowing for analysis of performance trends, peak periods, and overall longevity within the NFL. It also facilitates comparisons with other players in similar positions and eras.
Question 5: Why is it important to consider the teams Willig played for when analyzing his statistics?
Different teams employ varying offensive schemes, coaching philosophies, and overall team strategies, which can significantly impact individual player statistics. Analyzing Willig’s performance across different teams reveals his adaptability and the influence of team dynamics on his individual contributions.
Question 6: Where can one find reliable sources for Matthew Willig’s NFL statistics?
Reputable sports statistics websites, such as Pro-Football-Reference, NFL.com, and ESPN, offer comprehensive and reliable data on individual player careers, including Matthew Willig’s NFL statistics.
By considering these frequently asked questions and exploring the various statistical categories discussed, a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Matthew Willig’s NFL career can be achieved.
Further exploration might involve comparing Willig’s statistics with those of his contemporaries or examining his performance within specific seasons to gain a more granular perspective on his contributions to the game.
Utilizing Player Statistics for Football Analysis
Analyzing player statistics provides valuable insights into individual and team performance within the NFL. The following tips offer guidance on utilizing data effectively to understand player contributions and contextualize career trajectories.
Tip 1: Consider Context. Raw statistical totals offer limited value without proper context. Consider the era, team dynamics, coaching philosophies, and opposing defenses when evaluating player performance. A quarterback’s passing yards, for example, hold greater significance when considering the strength of opposing defenses faced.
Tip 2: Compare Across Positions. Direct statistical comparisons across different positions can be misleading. A running back’s rushing yards should not be directly compared to a wide receiver’s receiving yards. Focus on metrics relevant to each position’s specific contributions.
Tip 3: Analyze Trends Over Time. Examine how a player’s statistics evolve throughout their career. Identify peak performance years, potential declines, and overall consistency to understand career trajectories and the impact of factors like age and injuries.
Tip 4: Account for Team Performance. Individual statistics are often intertwined with team success. Winning teams tend to generate more opportunities for positive statistical contributions. Consider a team’s overall performance when evaluating individual player data.
Tip 5: Utilize Advanced Metrics. Explore advanced statistics like quarterback rating, passer rating differential, or yards per reception for a deeper understanding of player effectiveness beyond basic counting stats.
Tip 6: Research Data Sources. Utilize reputable and reliable sources for statistical information. Cross-reference data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and avoid relying solely on potentially biased or incomplete information.
Tip 7: Focus on Relevant Metrics. Not all statistical categories hold equal importance. Prioritize metrics relevant to the specific analysis being conducted. For offensive linemen, metrics like games started and games played can offer valuable insights into their contributions and durability, while sacks allowed would be a more targeted measure of performance.
By applying these tips, statistical analysis transforms into a powerful tool for understanding player contributions and evaluating performance within the complex dynamics of professional football. Data-driven insights provide a foundation for informed discussions and deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the game.
This understanding of statistical analysis provides a framework for a more comprehensive appreciation of individual player careers and their contributions to the broader narrative of the NFL. It allows for a more informed and nuanced understanding of the complexities within the game.
Conclusion
Analysis of Matthew Willig’s NFL statistics offers valuable insights into his career as an offensive lineman. Examining metrics such as games played, starts, positions played, years active, and teams played for provides a comprehensive understanding of his contributions and longevity within the league. While lacking traditional offensive line performance metrics like tackles or sacks, these data points, when viewed in context, illuminate his consistent presence on the field and adaptability across different teams and offensive schemes. His career statistics reflect a player who provided consistent value to his teams through durability and a sustained presence in the starting lineup.
Further research into specific game performances, team contexts, and contemporary comparisons could enrich this statistical overview. Understanding player statistics within the broader framework of team dynamics and league evolution deepens appreciation for individual contributions to the game. Willig’s career statistics serve as a starting point for a more nuanced exploration of his role and impact within the NFL, prompting further investigation into the multifaceted nature of offensive line play and its contribution to team success.
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