Digging Into The Stats: Arian Foster

Nov 2, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster (23) celebrates scoring a touchdown with teammates during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes the numbers lie. Sometimes the numbers tell the truth. Lots of old school players and front office people are opposed to the new idea of sports analytics. They believe in the “eye test” and their own ability to spot talent on the field. It is my belief that numbers and the “eye test” are equally important and both need to be utilized. When the numbers don’t add up or aren’t clear, just watch the tape. When the tape doesn’t show what you are looking for, crunch the numbers.

For Arian Foster, it doesn’t matter what you look at; he is a top tier running back no matter how you slice it up. His cutbacks and patience in the zone blocking scheme is perfect, his size and speed combo is ideal, and his hands out of the backfield make him special. His rushing stats are amazing and only a few running backs have better numbers receiving.

We all know the one knock on Arian Foster…. Injuries. Why is he often injured? Can he stay healthy in 2015? Why do the Texans give him so many carries? All these questions will be answered in the next slide.

Next: How Volume Leads to Arian's Injuries