Go for It? New Decision Data Makes NFL Next Gen Stats a Growing Part of the Live Game Broadcast
22/09/2021
Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - 2:55 pm
Print This Story | Subscribe
Story Highlights
Perhaps the highlight of a raucous Week 2 in the NFL came late on Sunday evening when Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lunged across the marker on a fourth-and-1 to seal a statement win over the defending AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs.
It was an aggressive call - one viewed by many, though, as a bit of a no-brainer. The latest data from NFL Next Gen Stats would agree.
According to Next Gen Stats, a program developed internally by the league in 2016 with tracking-tech-provider Zebra Technologies and running on Amazon Web Services (AWS) infrastructure, going for it in that spot of the game was the preferred call for the Ravens by a difference of 24% in win-probability value vs. a punt. In addition, the numbers gave Baltimore a 75% chance of converting the yardage necessary to pick up the first down in that specific play.
This kind of fourth-down-conversion data, along with similar metrics around whether it's the right time to go for a two-point conversion, is a key element of the latest offering from the NFL Next Gen Stats team: the Next Gen Stats Decision Guide powered by AWS.
Next Gen Stats has come a long way, says Josh Helmrich, director, strategy and business development, NFL. Machine learning has allowed us to take statistics to the next level. When we were first getting started [in 2018], we were measuring things like yards covered, speed, and who is on the field. Some of those things, we believe, still have merit and add value, but one of the key tenets of Next Gen [Stats] has always been that this technology can help everyone. We want to develop many statistics and get as much good information out of the game to benefit coaches, players, fans - everyone top to bottom. The deeper that tool kit becomes, the more people you can help.
Data of this nature is already proving valuable to broadcasters. The data in the Next Gen Stats Decision Guide allows them to use hard probabilities rooted in historical data to give context to some of the most debated moments in the game before they happen.
According to Helmrich, the partnership with AWS has been the catalyst for taking the NFL Next Gen Stats concept to the next level. The work of the AWS Machine Learning Solutions Lab led by Priya Ponnapalli, senior manager, applied science, AWS, resulted in development of the Next Gen Stats Decision Guide, which is built on a series of machine-learning models using Amazon SageMaker.
According to the league, the decision equation focuses on two main components: win probability, which attempts to quantify how much the game's final outcome will change in the event of each play, and conversion probability, which quantifies the likelihood of the offense's converting on the two-point conversion or fourth-down play at hand.
https://twitter.com/NextGenStats/status/1439793664390144005
You need context to make these statistics impactful, says Helmrich. Over time, we've been able to grow, and, before AWS, we didn't have all of the machine learning that we do now. We've been able to produce more computer-assisted statistics. Obviously, teams can have success or failure in either scenario, but, based on the numbers, what's the call that gives you the best chance to win?
It's a key step for the Next Gen Stats project as a whole. It converts complex algorithms and AI-generated data into concepts that are easy to consume during the game.
Even when the NFL is working directly with broadcast partners CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN and NFL Network, storytelling is critical for the league in relaying the data's value. Simply handing over a new trove of raw data isn't enough. Helmrich says it has become increasingly critical to frame data in a story and craft it into context so that behind-the-scenes personnel can see the value in and feel empowered to produce content for the broadcast in the form of graphics or replay packages. It also helps with buy-in among the on-air talent, who can use the data in their analysis of the game.
Want to know why the Ravens aren t blitzing? Look at those numbers.#NextGenStats powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/J06UldLhvU
Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 20, 2021
I think the team here has done a really good job of building good content to help get the media folks to buy in, says Helmrich. If [the data] isn't interesting, broadcasters won't use it. If it's not reliable and high quality, the teams won't use it.
With more data acquired and automated through machine learning, NFL Head of Product and Technology Matt Swensson and a research team including Next Gen Stats analysts Mike Band and Keegan Abdoo and data scientist Adam White have been able to improve an internal tool that makes it easier to relay valuable statistics in real time to broadcasters during the game and makes the data more accessible for broadcasters to mine on their own.
We need to help them understand what's new and how it can be best utilized by them on-air, says Helmrich, noting that researchers from his group are in communication with a graphics operator or a production assistant in the production truck during the game via email or communication applications like Slack. We help with that a lot. Our research team helps provide specific interesting stories going into a game. Then, in the game, we'll have a dialogue back and forth with the broadcast partners. They will ask us specific questions and for data that helps explain certain players [or scenarios].
NFL Next Gen Stats are built throug
LINK: | https://www.sportsvideo.org/2021/09/22/go-for-it-new-decision-data-mak... |
See more stories from svg |
Most recent headlines
04/08/2024
Dalet Appoints Santiago Solanas as CEO to Lead Next Era of Growth and Innovation
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, is excited to announce Santiago Solanas as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)....
03/06/2024
Dalet and Veritone Reach Agreement to Distribute, Transact and Monetize Media Archives
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, a...
31/05/2024
Orange County Expansion Helps Aerojet Rocketdyne Boost Solid Rocket Motor Production
A U.S. Marine fires an FIM-92 Stinger missile during a training exercise in Yuma...
31/05/2024
IAB Tech Lab Expands Open Measurement SDK Capabilities to Support Samsung and LG TVs
NEW YORK The global body that sets technical standards for digital advertising h...
31/05/2024
Study: Max, Apple TV+ Have Fewest 'Committed Customers'
In a new analysis of what services might make up a good bundle and what services might benefit the most from bundling, Antenna has released new data that highli...
31/05/2024
Report: Older SVOD Subscribers Unfazed by Price Hikes Will Drive Revenue Growth
Global SVOD revenues will increase by $116.6 billion by 2031, a growth rate of 13.3% per year over the next eight years, according to a new report from MIDiA Re...
31/05/2024
FCC Media Bureau Incorporates 2020 Census Data into TVStudy Software
WASHINGTON, D.C. The FCC Media Bureau has announced that effective August 1, 2024 the Commission's TVStudy software will incorporate the most recent U.S. Ce...
31/05/2024
NBCU's FAST Channel TNBC to Rebrand as NBC Comedy Vault
NBCUniversal has announced that its FAST channel TNBC will be rebranding to NBC Comedy Vault on June 1 and that the free streaming service will officially launc...
31/05/2024
TVRI Taps Ateme for Transition to 4K UHD OTT Streaming
PARIS Ateme has announced that the Indonesian public broadcaster TVRI is making the transition to 4K UHD OTT streaming using Ateme technologies....
31/05/2024
Marlow Film Studios considering next steps' as council blocks plans
The proposal had received support from James Cameron, Andy Serkis, Paul Greengrass, Richard Curtis, and Jeremy Irons By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 31, 2...
31/05/2024
Skydance submits new Paramount Global bid, Sony talks still progressing'
According to multiple reports, the new bid from Skydance offers a better deal to Paramounts Class B shareholders, who were said to be unhappy with the companys ...
31/05/2024
2024 Rise Awards open for entries
The awards recognise women and companies who are stand-out performers, innovators and leaders in the broadcast media technology industry By Matthew Corrigan ...
31/05/2024
Samsung, LG Adopt IAB Software Kit for CTV Ad Measurement
NEW YORK The global body that sets technical standards for digital advertising has expanded the reach of its measurement software development kit to include Sam...
31/05/2024
The Old Investment Cycles of Broadcast Technology are Being Run Over'
The rise of digital platforms is fundamentally changing the broadcast newsroom and its investment in technology according to Jon Roberts, director of technology...
31/05/2024
Study: Max, Apple TV Have Fewest 'Committed Customers'
In a new analysis of what services might make up a good bundle and what services might benefit the most from bundling, Antenna has released new data that highli...
31/05/2024
State Broadcasters Urge Passage of Broadcast VOICES Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. Fifty state broadcasters associations, including the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, have sent a letter to Congressio...
31/05/2024
EVS Names Richard Katz SVP Operations for NALA region
EVS has announced the appointment of Richard Katz as senior vice president of operations for the North and Latin American (NALA) region. This appointment is par...
31/05/2024
CommScope to Buy Cable Business Assets of Casa Systems for $45.1M
CommScope has announced that it was selected by Casa Systems, Inc. as the highest to acquire Casa's cable business assets and that the two companies have en...
31/05/2024
NAB Withdraws De Niro's Service Award
Robert De Niro won't be receiving the Service to America Leadership Award from the NAB Leadership Foundation after all....
31/05/2024
Viant Integrates With Google Cloud's BigQuery Clean Rooms
Viant Technology said it formed an integration with Google Cloud's BigQuery data clean rooms...
31/05/2024
The CW To Broadcast Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl
The CW said it will broadcast the 2024 Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop Last year, The CW aired the game when it was called Bar...
31/05/2024
Allen Media Makes Carriage Deal With Amazon Fire Channels
Allen Media Group said it made a deal with Amazon's Fire TV Channel that will make content from several of Allen's outlet available via Fire TV and Echo...
31/05/2024
Robert De Niro Will Not Receive Service to America Award
Robert De Niro, announced as the winner of the NAB's Leadership Foundation's Service to America Leadership Award on May 28, will not get the award. The ...
31/05/2024
Comcast Technology Solutions To Manage Channels for AccuWeather
Comcast Technology Solutions was selected by AccuWeather to create, manage and distribute linear and over-the-top video channels....
31/05/2024
Attention to Connected TV Ads Grew in Q1, TVision Study Finds
Connected TV is becoming a bigger deal for consumers and advertisers, according to a new report from TVision....
31/05/2024
VEON discloses April YTD trading update at its AGM
31 May 2024 VEON discloses April YTD trading update at its AGM Amsterdam, 31 May 2024 07:00 CEST - VEON April YTD 2024 Highlights Total revenue of USD 1,278 ...
31/05/2024
VEON Announces Its New Board, Names Founder Augie Fabela as Chairman
31 May 2024 VEON Announces Its New Board, Names Founder Augie Fabela as Chairman Amsterdam, 31 May 2024, 16.00 CET: VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON, Euronext Amsterdam...
31/05/2024
Tribeca Festival and Open AI Announce Sora Shorts
May 31st, 2024 TRIBECA FESTIVAL AND OPEN AI ANNOUNCE SORA SHORTS' Five Commissioned Short Films Created Using Sora Debut at 2024 Tribeca Festival New ...
31/05/2024
In-Venue Technology Wrap-Up: How 4K, IP, and More are Changing the Game Pres Game
In-Venue Technology Wrap-Up: How 4K, IP, and More are Changing the Game Pres Gam...
31/05/2024
UEFA Champions League Final 2024: The Facts and Figures Behind This Weekend's Knockout Between Real Madrid CF and Borussia Dortmund
UEFA Champions League Final 2024: The host broadcast facts and figures for Real ...
31/05/2024
UEFA Europa Conference League Final 2024: Bringing the Broadcast to Global TV Screens With the Production Facts
UEFA Europa Conference League Final 2024: Bringing the broadcast to global TV sc...
31/05/2024
Willow Offers Free 2024 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Preview via DirecTV, Verizon, Optimum
Willow Offers Free 2024 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup Preview via DirecTV, Verizon, ...
31/05/2024
Women's College World Series: ESPN Brings Live Drone, Two-Point Cabled, and Cinematic On-Field Cameras to Oklahoma City
Women's College World Series: ESPN Brings Live Drone, Two-Point Cabled, and ...
31/05/2024
SVG College Summit Brings Video-Production Industry Together in Atlanta in the Midst of Unprecedented Change
SVG College Summit Brings Video-Production Industry Together in Atlanta in the M...
31/05/2024
UEFA Champions League Final 2024: CBS Sports' UCL Today Studio Show Is Pitchside at Wembley Stadium
UEFA Champions League Final 2024: CBS Sports' UCL Today Studio Show Is Pitch...
31/05/2024
Master of the House' Unveils a Scandalous Tale of Power and Greed on July 18
Back to All News Master of the House' Unveils a Scandalous Tale of Power and Greed on July 18 Entertainment 31 May 2024 GlobalThailand Link copied to ...
31/05/2024
JEEtu Bhaiya is Back: Kota Factory' Season 3 Arrives on Netflix June 20
Back to All News JEEtu Bhaiya is Back: Kota Factory' Season 3 Arrives on Netflix June 20 Entertainment 31 May 2024 GlobalIndia Link copied to clipboar...
31/05/2024
Thales has completed the sale of its Ground Transportation Systems business
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn With around 9,000 employees, Ground Transportation Systems is a global leader in Rail Signaling and Train Control Systems, Telec...
31/05/2024
RT 2FM is the home of music this summer
RT 2FM is the home of music this summer, entertaining listeners across the day and night, with the best music, chat and interviews providing the soundtrack to ...
31/05/2024
NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchip Accelerates Murex MX.3 Analytics Performance, Reduces Power Consumption
After the 2008 financial crisis and increased risk-management regulations that f...
31/05/2024
RT Supporting the Arts: What's On this June
RT Supporting the Arts: What's On this June Watch our promo: RT Supporting the Arts | What's on YouTube This June, RT is delighted to support Lim...
30/05/2024
When to Upgrade Software or Firmware
When to Upgrade Software or Firmware This post is from our blog and news archive. The information may be out of date. Please contact us for further information ...
30/05/2024
The City of San Jose Chooses Utah ScientificAgain!
The City of San Jose Chooses Utah Scientific Again! This post is from our blog and news archive. The information may be out of date. Please contact us for furth...
30/05/2024
Empowering Media Leaders: Transformative Insights from the Executive Learning Series
Navigating Strategy, Ethics, and Innovation in the evolving European media lands...
30/05/2024
Give Me the Backstory: Get to Know Thea Hvistendahl, the Filmmaker Behind Handling the Undead
By Bailey Pennick One of the most exciting things about the Sundance Film Festi...
30/05/2024
CHOOSE CHICAGO, CITY OF CHICAGO ANNOUNCE PROGRAMMING DETAILS OF SUNDANCE INSTITUTE X CHICAGO 2024 (June 28 - 30)
Tickets are now available for the first-of-its-kind event in the United States f...
30/05/2024
UNICEF and Spotify's Award-Winning Mental Health Hub, Our Minds Matter, Comes to Latin America
Mental health and well-being are fundamental components of a child's healthy...
30/05/2024
After 64 days, the winner of Alone Australia has been revealed
After 64 days, the winner of Alone Australia has been revealed 29 May, 2024 Media releases *Contains Spoilers* After 64 days alone in the extreme and wild...
30/05/2024
Alone Australia finale delivers strongly as SBS confirms it will join VOZ streaming
Alone Australia finale delivers strongly as SBS confirms it will join VOZ stream...