What Is Happening to NFL Careers? Something Is Happening to Older Players: RSP Film and Theory with Adam Harstad and Matt Waldman

Adam Harstad examined production among older NFL players and he's stumbled upon a "What" without a "Why." He and Matt Waldman discuss on this week's RSP Film and Theory.  Footballguys staff writer Adam Harstad joins RSP Film and Data as Matt Waldman’s cohost for the 2023 football season to discuss practices that will make you a better fantasy GM and NFL fan. There are a lot of excellent writers and analysts in the fantasy industry. There are few that I hold in as high a regard as Adam. He’s a forthright human being with a tremendous intellect whose approach to analysis in this space differs from most. He’s also an excellent fantasy GM in re-draft and dynasty formats. Unlike Dwain McFarland, whose work delves into the statistical process, Adam spends a lot of time examining results and dealing with broad themes of decision-making that help us become better fantasy players and fantasy analysts. Topic I'll let Adam Harstad's intro from his Footballguys feature, Dynasty, In Theory, do the job of teeing up this week's topic: For a long time, it was taken as an article of faith that advancements in training, nutrition, and medical science (as well as an increased focus on player health and safety) would extend careers. And a few high-profile outliers likely convinced many that that was taking place. Tom Brady won an MVP at age 40 and was a second-team All-Pro at 44. Travis Kelce is likely to make his ninth straight Pro Bowl at age 34 and is a good bet to earn his fifth first-team All-Pro while he's at it. Adrian Peterson had 1200 scrimmage yards at 33, 1000 scrimmage yards at 34, and even recorded a 100-yard effort in his first game with a new team at age 35. Frank Gore started 14 games at 37. But outliers have always existed. Marcus Allen logged 1100 scrimmage yards at age 35 and 36 back in the '90s. John Riggins logged 380 touches and was a first-team All Pro at age 34 in the '80s. Joe Perry was a regular starter to age 35 back in the '60s. Y.A. Tittle won an MVP at age 37 back in 1963. Don Maynard, Charlie Joiner, and Jerry Rice set standards for longevity in the '70s, '80s, '90s, and '00s. The best way to track longevity is not through the single oldest player at a given position but through the prevalence of old players in general. And on that count, the last decade has been one of the worst in history. And of course, if you want to know about the rookies from this draft class, you will find the most in-depth analysis of offensive skill players available (QB, RB, WR, and TE), with the 2024 Rookie Scouting Portfolio for $21.95–currently available for $19.95 via early-bird discount that runs through December 21, 2023.   Matt’s new RSP Dynasty Rankings and Two-Year Projections Package is available for $24.95 If you’re a fantasy GM interested in purchasing past publications for $9.95 each, the 2012-2023 RSPs also have a Post-Draft Add-on that’s included at no additional charge.   Best yet, proceeds from sales are set aside for a year-end donation to Darkness to Light to combat the sexual abuse of children.