PatsFaninAZ

Sometimes, the whole is less than the sum of its parts. See, for example, San Diego. Sometimes, it's greater than the sum of its parts. See, for example, the Patriots (all ranks out of 32, obviously):

Points: 1st
Yards: 13th
Pass yards: 11th
Pass yards/att: 4th
Rush yards per attempt: 13th
Third down efficiency: 4th
Fourth down efficiency: 3d
First downs: 9th

Punt average: 16th
Punt net average: 12th
Kick return average: 20th
Punt return average: 11th

Points defense: 18th
Yards defense: 31st
Pass yards defense: 31st
Rush yards per attempt defense: 19th
Third down defense: 32d
Fourth down defense: 28th
Sacks: 24th

Opponents' kick return avg: 19th
Opponents' punt return avg: 7th
FG efficiency: 12th

Takeaways: 7th
Giveaways: 1st
Turnover +/-: 2d

Metaphors

I think the strength of this team is the ability to manage the end zone...

TDs: 48 (1st)...side note, the difference between #1 and #2 Indy (38) is the same as the difference between #2 and #22 Cincy (28)
TDs allowed: 31 (16th-tied)

If you can get into the end zone consistently and do a decent job of keeping your opponents out, it really gets into the head of your opponent (exhibit A last night). FGs are fine but they almost feel like a small victory for a defense.

The 2007 team was amazing in its ability to score from anywhere, but good teams seemed to believe they could win by getting enough pressure to stop the long stuff...and the Giants actually pulled it off. This team seems immune to that when they are on their game.