The Aikman Efficiency Ratings measure offensive and defensive performance using a combination of seven key statistics identified by Troy Aikman, and then measured against league norms (and extremes) established over the last 10 years. An offense or defense performing exactly at league norms in all categories will achieve a score of 75.
It will take a truly exceptional unit to score more than 90 during an entire season on either the offensive or defensive scale. In 2003, AER scores ranged on offense from 93.95 (Kansas City) to 63.55 (New York Giants) and on defense from 86.87 (New England) to 62.60 (San Diego).
The seven categories measured are:
# Adjusted Points (20 percent): Total Points Scored or Allowed minus Points on Returns and Safeties.
# Turnovers (20 percent).
# Red Zone Efficiency (20 percent): Measured by Percent of Possible Points (figured by taking the number of Red Zone Chances times 7, then dividing it by the number of Points Actually Scored (defined as TDs times 7 plus FGs times 3).
# Yards Per Play: Divided into Yards Per Rush (10 percent of total) and Yards Per Pass Play (10 percent of total). Yards Per Pass Play includes yards on plays involving sacks.
# First Down Achievement: Divided into Total First Downs (10 percent of total) and 3rd Down Conversion Percentage (10 percent of total).
