Introduction
Tyrann Mathieu, also known as the “Honey Badger,” has made waves in the NFL. He’s a versatile safety renowned for elite play and adaptability. However, Pro Football Focus (PFF) offers a data-rich analysis that often sparks debate. Moreover, Mathieu’s PFF grades highlight both strengths and areas of improvement. In addition, examining his stats, grades, and impact can give a fuller picture of his elite status—or lack thereof. Meanwhile, fans and analysts continue to discuss: does PFF truly reflect his greatness?You know about theglobespot, andaazdaily, openrendz and tyrann mathieu pff also Buzzfeed.
H2: Who Is Tyrann Mathieu?
Born in New Orleans in May 1992, Mathieu rose to fame at LSU. He earned a reputation as a relentless playmaker. In 2013, he joined the NFL as a third-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals Saints Wire+3Kansas City Chiefs+3SI+3. He earned the nickname “Honey Badger” for his fearless style and ability to force turnovers.
H3: Career Path and Accolades
Mathieu contributed to the Cardinals, Texans, Chiefs, and Saints. He won Super Bowl LIV with Kansas City WikipediaKansas City Chiefs. Along the way, he collected 3× first-team All-Pro (2015, 2019, 2020) and three Pro Bowls Wikipedia+1PFF+1. In total, he’s recorded 36 interceptions and 11 sacks through 2024 Saints Wire+2SI+2NFL.com+2.
H2: What Is PFF and Why It Matters
Pro Football Focus grades every play on a scale from -2 to +2. These become an overall KPI for each player on a 0–100 scale Wikipedia+1Saints Wire+1. PFF grades context like down‑and‑distance, coverage depth, and run responsibility. However, critics argue the system can be subjective Wikipedia.
H2: Tyrann Mathieu’s PFF Grades Over the Years
H3: Early Career and Cardinals Peak
In 2015, Mathieu earned a 90.7 PFF grade—his career-best Saints Wire+15PFF+15Saints Wire+15. PFF also tipped him as the NFL’s best slot defender in 2016 Reddit+10Arizona Sports+10Saints Wire+10. This period cemented his reputation as a playmaker, especially near the line of scrimmage.
H3: Houston and Kansas City Performance
In Houston (2018), he managed a solid 75.1 overall grade PFF+1PFF+1. With Kansas City, he impressed again—earning AFC Defensive Player of the Month in Dec 2019 with an 85.8 grade, 90.6 in coverage Kansas City Chiefs. His versatility powered Kansas City’s run defense.
H3: Saints Era
With New Orleans, Mathieu ranked among PFF’s top safeties. In 2022, he received an 87.9 coverage grade—best among safeties PFF+2Saints Wire+2SI+2. His versatility—even at age 30—earned him PFF’s second-team All-Pro New Orleans Saints+5PFF+5SI+5.
H2: Decoding the Grades: Strengths and Weaknesses
H3: Elite Coverage Skills
PFF frequently praises Mathieu’s coverage. He often allows low passer ratings when targeted—48.6 in one Kansas City season Wikipedia+15Reddit+15Saints Wire+15. He ranks 12th among safeties in interceptions (2024) Reddit+15PFF+15SI+15. Yet some fans dismiss this due to tipped-ball picks Reddit.
H3: Run Support & Versatility
PFF highlights Mathieu’s ability in run support, blitzing, and slot coverage PFFPFF. In Kansas City, he produced 83.9 in run-defense grade PFF+7PFF+7Reddit+7. Saints analytics note his all-field presence Kansas City Chiefs+2Saints Wire+2NFL.com+2.
H3: Areas of Concern
Despite high marks, PFF spots areas for improvement: missed tackles and deep coverage lapses Reddit. In 2024, his overall PFF grade ranked 106th of 171 safeties SI+3PFF+3Saints Wire+3. Some fans question accuracy, pointing to subjective grading RedditReddit.
H2: Comparing Mathieu to Other Safeties
H3: Saints and NFL Rivals
At New Orleans, Mathieu often outperforms peers. In 2022, he graded best in coverage among safeties Saints Wire. Nationally, PFF ranked him 10th overall safety in 2024 SI. Critics remain, but teammates call him “GOAT” SI.
H3: Versus Contemporaries
PFF labels Mathieu a top hybrid defender—versatile across slot, deep, and box roles PFFPFF. Unlike pure coverage safeties, he excels in multiple phases. This sets him apart from specialists like Minkah Fitzpatrick or Antoine Winfield Jr.
H2: Advanced Metrics & Game Impact
PFF credits Mathieu for pressure productivity. From 2015 to 2019, he recorded sacks, QB hits, and run stops New Orleans Saints+15PFF+15SI+15. In 2020, he posted 9 QB hits and zero missed tackles in a gem performance RedditPFF.
In 2023, he picked off four passes with 122 yards and one touchdown New Orleans SaintsCanal Street Chronicles. Fans and analysts agree—his playmaking remains potent.
H2: Criticisms of PFF’s System
Despite praise, critics argue PFF grades lack context. They cite flaws in secondary grading and accountability for other defenders RedditReddit. Furthermore, payout on tipping plays can exaggerate performance.
Yet PFF remains influential—featured in broadcasts, coaching decisions, and media for its granular analysis Wikipedia.
H2: Real Feedback from Fans & Media
Reddit threads praise Mathieu’s coverage: “Nobody throws near him” SI+5Reddit+5New Orleans Saints+5. Other fans question PFF accuracy: “They don’t account for context” Reddit. Such debate fuels ongoing discussion.
H2: Year-by-Year PFF Snapshots
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2015: 90.7 grade, top slot defender PFF
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2018: 75.1 solid overall PFF
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Dec 2019: 85.8 overall; AFC Defensive Player of the Month Kansas City Chiefs
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2022: 87.9 coverage, 81.2 overall; best among Saints safeties Saints Wire+1SI+1
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2024: 60.5 overall indicates aging Wikipedia
H2: The Honey Badger’s Value vs. PFF Grades
H3: On-Field Influence
His instincts drive turnovers, pressure, and game-changing plays. But PFF may undervalue presence in closing out big games or leadership qualities.
H3: Versatility Remains Key
Coaches value his ability to cover diverse roles. PFF recognizes this, but fans often emphasize his energy and charisma—harder to quantify.
H2: Future Outlook
Mathieu remains vital for the 2025 Saints. While his PFF grade dipped, he ranked top 20 in snaps and takeaways PFFSaints Wire. As age and scheme evolve, PFF will continue to assess whether his veteran savvy attains or falls short of historical peak.
H2: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Does PFF accurately reflect Mathieu’s talent?
PFF highlights coverage and run value, but critics say it misses intangibles RedditReddit.
Q2: When did he earn his best PFF grade?
His peak grade was 90.7 in 2015 with the Cardinals PFFArizona Sports.
Q3: Is he still among PFF’s top safeties?
Yes—ranked 10th overall in 2024 and best in Saints coverage SISaints Wire.
Q4: What drove his grade decline in 2024?
Missed tackles, fewer splash plays, and age transitions likely contributed Saints WirePFF.
Q5: Should Saints fans care about PFF grades?
Grades provide insight but fans may focus more on leadership and game-changing plays not captured in the analytics.
Conclusion
Tyrann Mathieu’s career shines both in stats and grades. PFF recognizes his elite coverage, versatility, and playmaking. Yet critics question the system’s nuance. Still, Mathieu’s lasting impact transcends numbers. Whether you consider his PFF grades or his game-day performance, one truth remains: he’s one of the most dynamic and influential safeties of his generation.
