Cowboys The 2009 roster of the Dallas Cowboys professional football team included 7 defensive linemen. Their weights (in pounds) were 306, 305, 315, 303, 318, 309, and 285. Calculate the mean. Show your work. Interpret your result in context.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Calculation of the Mean Weight:
The weights of the 7 defensive linemen are:
306, 305, 315, 303, 318, 309, 285 pounds.
Step 1: Add all the weights together.
306 + 305 + 315 + 303 + 318 + 309 + 285 = 2141 pounds
Step 2: Count the number of players.
There are 7 players.
Step 3: Calculate the mean by dividing the total weight by the number of players.
Mean weight = Total weight ÷ Number of players
Mean weight = 2141 ÷ 7 = 305.857 pounds (rounded to three decimal places)
Interpretation of the Result:
The mean weight of the 7 defensive linemen on the Dallas Cowboys’ 2009 roster is approximately 305.86 pounds. This value represents the average weight of these players and gives a general idea of the typical body mass for this position on the team.
In football, particularly for defensive linemen, body weight is an important factor because it can contribute to the player’s ability to hold ground against opponents and generate power during tackles and blocks. A higher weight often correlates with greater strength and presence on the line, which are critical for defensive performance.
However, the mean alone does not reveal the variation in weights among players. For example, one player weighs 285 pounds, which is lighter than the others, while some players weigh over 315 pounds. This variation suggests that while the average is around 306 pounds, individual players’ weights can differ significantly.
In summary, the mean weight of approximately 306 pounds provides a useful summary statistic, showing that the defensive linemen on the 2009 Dallas Cowboys roster were generally heavy, which is consistent with the physical demands of their position in professional football.