Alt Rushing Yards refers to a specific, advanced statistic primarily used in professional football (NFL) analysis. Here's the breakdown:
The Core Definition
Alt Rushing Yards measures the rushing yards a player gains specifically after avoiding or breaking a tackle behind or near the line of scrimmage. It isolates yards created by the runner's tackle-breaking ability.
Key Characteristics
- Focus on Broken Tackles: It counts yards only if the runner makes at least one defender miss or breaks a tackle during the play.
- Beyond Blocking: It distinguishes yards generated by the runner's individual effort from those primarily created by effective offensive line blocking.
- Derived Stat: Alt Rushing Yards isn't an official NFL stat tracked in the main box score. It's calculated by analysts using player tracking data or detailed game charting.
- Alternative Metric: As the name implies, it's an "alternative" metric to the standard Rushing Yards stat, providing a different perspective on a runner's performance.
What It Measures (and Doesn't)
- Measures: Elusiveness, tackle-breaking power, ability to create extra yardage independently when blocking breaks down.
- Does Not Measure: Total rushing production, consistency gained via good blocking, or overall rushing effectiveness by itself. It's a component of performance.
Comparison: Alt Rushing Yards vs. Rushing Yards
- Standard Rushing Yards: The total yards gained on all rushing attempts, regardless of how the yards were gained (blocking vs. runner skill).
- Alt Rushing Yards: A subset of standard rushing yards, focusing only on the portion earned through the runner's ability to avoid tackles.
In essence, Alt Rushing Yards quantifies a running back's specific contribution to yardage through elusiveness and power, separate from what the offensive line provides. It highlights a runner's ability to create "extra" yardage.
