Football mechanisms
A field guide to recurring concepts Upon Review uses to make games easier to read.
Down, distance, and score state
Down-and-distance pressure
How the remaining down and distance to gain narrow the observable option set available on a play.
Third-down extension
How third-down conversions preserve an offense's opportunity while failed attempts end it.
Score-state pressure
How exact score progression changes the observable constraint each team faces as the game unfolds.
Disruption and possession change
Passing, rushing, and field effects
Passing depth and timing
How provider week metrics for air yards and time-to-throw, together with game attempts and completions, describe a bounded passing process.
Receiving separation and YAC
How targets, receptions, yards after catch, and provider week separation or cushion describe receiving outcomes.
Rushing versus expectation
How game rushing output and provider week RYOE or box signals may be compared only at their stated scopes.
Penalty and opportunity tradeoffs
How recorded penalty counts and yards can constrain or extend opportunity on the field.
Special-teams leverage
How kicking, punting, and return outputs can alter score and opportunity between offensive possessions.