The Patriots' kicker scoreboard trick debunked
5 hours ago
- Patriots had an unusually large +9.4% field goal advantage over opponents from 2001-2019.
- Alleged trick: Gillette Stadium's video board showed reverse-angle shots, creating a second set of goalposts for opposing kickers.
- Statistical modeling shows opponents performed worse both at Foxboro and on the road against the Patriots, indicating other factors like special teams and game pressure.
- The specific effect attributable to the Foxboro board is only about 1.4%, with a standard error of 3.1%, making it statistically insignificant.
- The stadium's worst ranking among NFL venues is within the range expected by random chance in simulations.
- Installation of larger HD boards in 2010 did not increase the supposed effect; shortfall actually decreased.
- Conclusion: The scoreboard trick likely had negligible impact; professional kickers are adept at ignoring distractions.