Points by defense

[PatsFaninAZ]

One thing that was really noticeable this year was that the defense scored zero points. In fact, only seven points were scored all year other than as a result of a Cassel-led offensive drive.

I think last year, the defense scored points in more than half the games -- probably not unusual since teams were often playing from behind and pressing.

Still, another indication of how rare this was is to look at this week's wild card games: The defense scored points in 3 of 4 (and that team won all three games).

I wonder how many other teams in the NFL had zero defensive points scored. I bet it's virtually none. Is this just a weird anomoly? Something about our scheme? Or something else? Overall, I thought the defense really got better as the year went on, but this is interesting.

 

[jmt57]

The Pats were one of four teams that did not score a TD via a fumble or interception. The others were the Saints, Redskins and Raiders.

NFL Stats: by Team Category


EDIT: in 2007 the Pats defense scored six times (3 fumbles, 3 INT). Every team scored at least once on a turnover; the Browns, Bears, Ravens, Jets and Falcons scored only once.
2007 NFL scoring stats
In 2006 the Pats, Chiefs and Redskins all had zero touchdowns on defense.
2006 NFL scoring stats

 

[PatsFaninAZ]

The Pats were one of four teams that did not score a TD via a fumble or interception. The others were the Saints, Redskins and Raiders.

NFL Stats: by Team Category


EDIT: in 2007 the Pats defense scored six times (3 fumbles, 3 INT). Every team scored at least once on a turnover; the Browns, Bears, Ravens, Jets and Falcons scored only once.
2007 NFL scoring stats
In 2006 the Pats, Chiefs and Redskins all had zero touchdowns on defense.
2006 NFL scoring stats

Good find. Thanks. I was thinking of all points by defense -- including safeties and blocked kicks from scrimmage (punts or FGs). By that measure, only the patriots and skins did not score any such points this year.

 

[Fencer]

Definitely one of the team's weaknesses, and a legitimate reason to question the defense overall.

 

[Watson's IQ]

One thing that was really noticeable this year was that the defense scored zero points. In fact, only seven points were scored all year other than as a result of a Cassel-led offensive drive.

I think last year, the defense scored points in more than half the games -- probably not unusual since teams were often playing from behind and pressing.

Still, another indication of how rare this was is to look at this week's wild card games: The defense scored points in 3 of 4 (and that team won all three games).

I wonder how many other teams in the NFL had zero defensive points scored. I bet it's virtually none. Is this just a weird anomoly? Something about our scheme? Or something else? Overall, I thought the defense really got better as the year went on, but this is interesting.

Probably a little of each. On the one hand, this kind of thing is largely influenced by luck. But on the other hand, it's no accident that a team like the Ravens scores so much on D.

Working on getting more turnovers should be the focus, scoring on them will follow from that. Points off of turnovers would probably be the more telling stat than just defensive scores.

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

Not only that but our defense never scored, despite playing the most fumbling team (49ers) and the second most fumbling team (Bills) twice. And twice playing the most incepted team (Jets)

 

[borg]

Intense pass rush forces QBs to do stupid things...maybe next year the D will put 6 on the board

 

[Watson's IQ]

Intense pass rush forces QBs to do stupid things...maybe next year the D will put 6 on the board

I'd venture that the difference between turnovers in general and turnovers for TDs is mostly circumstance and luck, though I can't prove it.

I'd focus just on forcing more turnovers, rather than expressly trying to score on them. Makes no difference to me if the offense scores on the ensuing drive or if the D brings it back themselves (in fact, all things being equal I probably prefer the former, since it prevents the D from having to go right back out there).

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

Not surprising when the Pats fail to address the pass rush and sign retreads in the secondary. I hope the Pats learned their lesson like they did in '02 and '05.

 

[Mack Herron]

Need playmakers on defense, esp at CB and OLB.

 

[Deus Irae]

The team was a M*A*S*H unit and still finished 8th in points against. As has become all too typical since this team became dominant, every blemish is treated as if it were a sign of fatal illness.

 

[ausbacker]

Need playmakers on defense, esp at CB and OLB.

This is the only area, for mine, where the other threads on Asante leaving becomes prevalent. We missed his ability to make "plays", but not for the money he was commanding as a "top" corner. That said, Randall Gay had 3 interceptions as did Junior Seau in the 2007 regular season. The Patriots turned in 3 of those 19 picks for 6 points.

For measure the past 5 year stats we forced

2008 - 14 interceptions and 13 fumbles,
2007 - 19 interceptions and 20 fumbles,
2006 - 22 interceptions and 24 fumbles,
2005 - 10 interceptions and 13 fumbles, &
2004 - 20 interceptions and 30 fumbles.

Whilst it may be easy to just point our backfield woes at as the "sexy play of Asante" leaving, Randy Gay and Eugene Wilson also left in the off-season. Maybe their role in the system cannot be undermined as a complimentary unit.

The defensive backfield transformation and injuries were complimented by a less than stellar pass rush. In my opinion, this is what has put the Patriots in the defensive predicament. I have faith that it will be corrected in the coming years.

 

[crowell33]

One thing that was really noticeable this year was that the defense scored zero points. In fact, only seven points were scored all year other than as a result of a Cassel-led offensive drive.

I think last year, the defense scored points in more than half the games -- probably not unusual since teams were often playing from behind and pressing.

Still, another indication of how rare this was is to look at this week's wild card games: The defense scored points in 3 of 4 (and that team won all three games).

I wonder how many other teams in the NFL had zero defensive points scored. I bet it's virtually none. Is this just a weird anomoly? Something about our scheme? Or something else? Overall, I thought the defense really got better as the year went on, but this is interesting.

Awesome post. You hit the nail right on the head. I think Vrabeb and Bruschi combined for 1 interception. I think they combined for a total of 4 sacks, and one forced fumble. No Asante interceptions. No Rodney Harrison big hits. No big plays on defense killed the Pats this year. Great Post.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Oh for crying out loud!

This goes right along with Reiss' mailbag answer pointing out how poorly the Pats did on third downs and red zone as a defense. Mayo, Guyton, Woods, Wilhite, Wheatley, Meriweather, Redd, Richardson, Smith, Slater, Spann These kids all took reps on defense this year, that's a lot of inexperience on the field. This team went through a rebuilding year, without the benefit of the 2007 MVP, with numerous games lost to injury for veteran players, and still finished 11-5 missing the playoffs by a handful of dropped passes and other mistakes during the season.

Take the 2008 statistics out to the outhouse and stack them next to the seat. 2009 is going to look nothing like 2008 as these youngsters build on their experience.

 

[Deus Irae]

Oh for crying out loud!

This goes right along with Reiss' mailbag answer pointing out how poorly the Pats did on third downs and red zone as a defense. Mayo, Guyton, Woods, Wilhite, Wheatley, Meriweather, Redd, Richardson, Smith, Slater, Spann These kids all took reps on defense this year, that's a lot of inexperience on the field. This team went through a rebuilding year, without the benefit of the 2007 MVP, with numerous games lost to injury for veteran players, and still finished 11-5 missing the playoffs by a handful of dropped passes and other mistakes during the season.

Take the 2008 statistics out to the outhouse and stack them next to the seat. 2009 is going to look nothing like 2008 as these youngsters build on their experience.

This is my expectation too, although I still think that they'll look for DB help and will draft 2+ linebackers as well.

 

[jmt57]

Interesting that this year the Ravens defense scored 42 points (6 TD & 3 safetys) and are in the 2nd round of the playoffs. A year ago they scored six points (1 interception) and were one of the worst teams in the league. Granted their offense was inept (Steve McNair, Kyle Boller, Troy Smith at QB), but wasn't the personnel on defense pretty much the same?

 

[PatsFaninAZ]

Interesting that this year the Ravens defense scored 42 points (6 TD & 3 safetys) and are in the 2nd round of the playoffs. A year ago they scored six points (1 interception) and were one of the worst teams in the league. Granted their offense was inept (Steve McNair, Kyle Boller, Troy Smith at QB), but wasn't the personnel on defense pretty much the same?

I'd actually like to see some stats on this -- my assumption is that in any game where the defense scores points but the other team's defense does not the win percentages are through the roof. There is a real chicken and egg thing there -- maybe the defense scored points because the team was already winning and the other team was pushing, but I think it's a real yardstick for how well a team is going to do ultimately.

I don't think it's a coinicidence that in the first round of the playoffs, three teams that scored on defense all won their games. The one game where neither defense scored went to overtime. Pretty telling to me.

For the "for crying out loud" folks, I wasn't posting to be critical. I'm amazed at 11-5. In fact, I'm amazed at 11-5 without any defensive points or return points more than 7. I think the team did great, and the defense will get better, and I think my post was pretty clear to say I had no expectation but was just kind of curious what others thought.