Fact Check: Are QB kneels rushing attempts?

Are QB Kneels Rushing Attempts?

Introduction

The claim in question is whether quarterback kneels are classified as rushing attempts in football statistics. This topic has implications for both game strategy and fantasy football scoring, leading to debates among fans and analysts alike. Understanding how quarterback kneels are recorded can clarify their impact on player statistics and overall game analysis.

What We Know

Definition of a Quarterback Kneel: A quarterback kneel, also known as taking a knee, occurs when the quarterback drops to one knee immediately after receiving the snap, effectively ending the play. This is typically done to run out the clock when a team is in the lead and wants to avoid risking injury or turnovers 1 9.
Statistical Classification: According to the NFL's official scoring rules, kneel downs are counted as rushing attempts. However, they do not contribute positively to a quarterback's rushing yards; rather, they are recorded as negative yards 4 5.
Comparison with Other Plays: In contrast, quarterback sacks are not counted as rushing attempts in the NFL. This distinction is important as it affects how rushing statistics are interpreted 2 4.
Impact on Fantasy Football: The inclusion of kneel downs in rushing attempts can skew a quarterback's statistics in fantasy football. For instance, a quarterback's average yards per carry can be negatively impacted by kneel downs, which may lead to misleading perceptions of their rushing ability 3 5.

Analysis

The classification of quarterback kneels as rushing attempts raises several questions about the reliability and implications of this statistic:

Source Reliability: The information from the NFL's official rules (source 4) is credible, as it is the governing body for professional football in the United States. However, articles from sports analysis websites like Pro Football Focus (source 5) and other commentary pieces may reflect personal opinions or biases, particularly regarding fantasy football implications.
Potential Bias: Some sources, such as fantasy football blogs (source 3), may have a vested interest in portraying statistics in a way that benefits their audience, which could lead to a skewed interpretation of the data. This is important to consider when evaluating the validity of their claims.
Methodological Concerns: The methodology behind how statistics are recorded can vary between leagues (e.g., NFL vs. college football) and even between different statistical services. For example, while kneel downs are counted as rushing attempts in the NFL, this may not hold true in other formats, leading to confusion among fans and analysts 2 6.
Additional Context: Understanding the strategic use of kneel downs is crucial. They are primarily employed to maintain possession and control the game clock, which may not reflect a quarterback's running capability. This context is often overlooked in discussions focused solely on statistics 1 9.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the conclusion that quarterback kneels are classified as rushing attempts according to the NFL's official scoring rules. This classification is significant as it affects both player statistics and fantasy football scoring. The NFL explicitly states that kneel downs count as rushing attempts, albeit with negative yardage, which distinguishes them from other plays like quarterback sacks that do not count as rushing attempts.

However, it is important to recognize the limitations of this classification. While the NFL's rules provide a clear framework, interpretations may vary among different leagues and statistical services. Additionally, the strategic context of kneel downs—primarily used to run out the clock—can lead to misleading perceptions of a quarterback's rushing ability.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate this information and consider the broader implications of how statistics are recorded and interpreted in football.