Patriot_in_NY
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2007
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- 8,785
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We've done the negatives ad nausium, so how bout a few positives about our defense through 4 games.
Yes, I know the D is painful to watch at times, 3rd-and-any distance is huge weakness. Giving up 24 points a game and tons of yards, so I'm in no way claiming that the D will bring us to the promised land or anything. But lets give a wee bit of credit where its due.
Lots in all the "this defense sucks" threads, there are a couple on nice little stats developing through 4 games with this unit.
Defensive Stats (NFL, through 4)
Interceptions - tied 2nd (with 7)
Pick-6's - 1st (with 2)
Defensive Scoring - 1st
Non-Offensive Stats (STs and Defense)
Non-offensive scoring - 1st (by miles a 36 pts vs. SEA, whose 2nd with 18)
KR TD's - tied 1st (with 2)
As potent as the offense it, we can't (or shouldn't) ignore that as built into our league-leading 32.75 ppg average is 9 ppg for the Defense/Special Teams. 27% of your team scoring coming from D/STs is pretty significant.
Also, for all the "no pressure on the QB" folks, we do have 7 sacks. Middle of the pack for sure, but not the "worst pass rush" in the NFL either. We're tied with BALT for sacks too.
While we certainly give up our yards and we need to do better on 3rd down, but we certainly have some playmakers on defense too, which should be ackknowledged as well. The naysayers here will point to the fact that we've "not played a good QB" or that our INT's come from poor QB play and decision making. True, but only to an extent. EVERY QB has 2-4 balls that are just off the mark or not exactly where they wanted, but unless someone is there to take advantage of it, it'll flutter hamrlessly to the turf.
I may get flamed as here, but just trying to add some perspective. If we can get some good development as the year wears on, I'm confident that this D will be "enough" to support our offense. Time will tell though.
Thoughts?
Yes, I know the D is painful to watch at times, 3rd-and-any distance is huge weakness. Giving up 24 points a game and tons of yards, so I'm in no way claiming that the D will bring us to the promised land or anything. But lets give a wee bit of credit where its due.
Lots in all the "this defense sucks" threads, there are a couple on nice little stats developing through 4 games with this unit.
Defensive Stats (NFL, through 4)
Interceptions - tied 2nd (with 7)
Pick-6's - 1st (with 2)
Defensive Scoring - 1st
Non-Offensive Stats (STs and Defense)
Non-offensive scoring - 1st (by miles a 36 pts vs. SEA, whose 2nd with 18)
KR TD's - tied 1st (with 2)
As potent as the offense it, we can't (or shouldn't) ignore that as built into our league-leading 32.75 ppg average is 9 ppg for the Defense/Special Teams. 27% of your team scoring coming from D/STs is pretty significant.
Also, for all the "no pressure on the QB" folks, we do have 7 sacks. Middle of the pack for sure, but not the "worst pass rush" in the NFL either. We're tied with BALT for sacks too.
While we certainly give up our yards and we need to do better on 3rd down, but we certainly have some playmakers on defense too, which should be ackknowledged as well. The naysayers here will point to the fact that we've "not played a good QB" or that our INT's come from poor QB play and decision making. True, but only to an extent. EVERY QB has 2-4 balls that are just off the mark or not exactly where they wanted, but unless someone is there to take advantage of it, it'll flutter hamrlessly to the turf.
I may get flamed as here, but just trying to add some perspective. If we can get some good development as the year wears on, I'm confident that this D will be "enough" to support our offense. Time will tell though.
Thoughts?