What is a successful pass? It’s not just a completion because the defense will give you a four yard completion on 3rd and seven every time in just about every situation. The folks over at Pro-Football-Reference.com have defined a successful pass as one that gains 40% of the needed yardage to convert on first down, 60% of the needed yardage on second down, and converts (100% or more of the needed yardage) on third or fourth down. The value is a percentage that is found by dividing successful passes by dropbacks. Dropbacks are defined as passing attempts + sacks taken.
A successful pass in the NFL - what does it mean and who is the best and worst in the league 1994-2023
