Applied football analytics for scouting, performance, and storytelling.

I’m Marc Lamberts — a data analyst and scout. I build models for recruitment and performance, and write research-grade and data-journalistic analysis.

NFL: Is Purdy a good Quarterback?

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 22: Brock Purdy #13 of the San Francisco 49ers makes a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 22, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Since I’m also writing about other sports, I’m going to take the opportunity to see how we can use data in other sports as well. What can we learn from identifying and analysing talent in the NFL? In this article, I will have a look at QB Purdy at the San Francisco 49ers and attempt to answer the following question: is he a good quarterback, above average, or does he profit from a good attacking system?

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Expected Shot Danger: building an alternative to xG

Expected goals. I don’t even know where to start with how I feel about this particular metric, but I’m going to try it anyway. I feel that expected goals are actually an exciting metric and concept, but it’s more complex than popular sports media often portrays. And, I think that’s primarily because we don’t fully grasp what it takes to create such a model. That’s exactly where it does pique my interest, but in a different way than you might expect.

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A mid-process metric: Emergence Index: Introducing a work in progress in measuring development in football

I got to be honest with you, I have 37 projects which aren’t finished and are definitely in the midst of getting something tangible. And, a double truth here; I enjoy the process more than the finished product. Some finished products work and I will post them publicly, but most of them end up in a folder on my laptop with the idea that I might revisit them later (and sometimes I do!).

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