What is an NFL Key Number?

Question

I always heard 3 and 7 were important numbers, but has that changed with the 2 point conversion? Any other information would be appreciated.

Answer 1

3 and 7 are still key numbers as you refer to them. Most scores in a game are a component of 3 or 7. 10 for example is one 7 point score (TD+PAT) and one 3pt score (FG). 28 points might be 4 7 point scores.

Whenever you look at a score you can quickly figure out how it might have been created using this logic.

The 2pt play (Safety and 2pt conversion) have made this a bit tricky in recent years (especially the 2pt conversion). If a team attempts a 2pt conversion and fails the 6pt TD may read to a fan who is looking only at the score as 2 FGs. Also a successful 2pt play or Safety can make the score look "funny" a team might have 11 points with a FG, TD and 2pt conversion then go on to score a FG and a regular TD netting 21pts that would look like 3TDs at first glance.

The old Key Numbers just allow fans a quick way to breakdown a score and look at a game and how it might have played out and is playing out (when it's in progress). Today they are not as useful but the 2pt play is extremely rare so the old rules of thumb can be used.