PushnPencils
Third String But Playing on Special Teams
- Joined
- Mar 3, 2007
- Messages
- 951
- Reaction score
- 7
A lot of our glaring defensive weaknesses were hidden by the prolific scoring of our offense. When we faced better defenses, those weaknesses were our undoing.
Our ability to get off the field WAS the problem. Let's look at the stats compared against the two Superbowl teams.
HERE is the BIGGEST issue:
We allowed 348 first downs. Pittsburgh allowed 272. Green Bay allowed 270.
Teams converted a lot on 1st and 2nd down on us too. Mainly in the passing game. 226 of those 1st downs came via pass.
Allowed third down, conversions: Pats 99, Green Bay 77 and Pitt 70.
You say that's not a huge disparity....fine but those conversions against tough opponents at critical points of the game are costly.
Teams also converted 12 of 20 4th downs against us. Pitt stunk there too with 10 allowed, but GB only allowed 6.
Remember....BB said sacks are a meaningless stat.....But PASS PRESSURE....is not. An NFL caliber QB who is comfortable in the pocket...is deadly..whether it's Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn.
You can have great corners...but they can only cover so long.
Our ability to get off the field WAS the problem. Let's look at the stats compared against the two Superbowl teams.
HERE is the BIGGEST issue:
We allowed 348 first downs. Pittsburgh allowed 272. Green Bay allowed 270.
Teams converted a lot on 1st and 2nd down on us too. Mainly in the passing game. 226 of those 1st downs came via pass.
Allowed third down, conversions: Pats 99, Green Bay 77 and Pitt 70.
You say that's not a huge disparity....fine but those conversions against tough opponents at critical points of the game are costly.
Teams also converted 12 of 20 4th downs against us. Pitt stunk there too with 10 allowed, but GB only allowed 6.
Remember....BB said sacks are a meaningless stat.....But PASS PRESSURE....is not. An NFL caliber QB who is comfortable in the pocket...is deadly..whether it's Peyton Manning or Matt Flynn.
You can have great corners...but they can only cover so long.
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