Defense!!!

[Ring 6]

I know its popular around here to diminish the defense based on opponent, whether, moon phase or whatever comes to mind, but this defense has been excellent.
3 TDs in 3 games. Its not easy to find defenses who do that against any competition.
Depending on Seattles outcome it appears the Pats will be #2 in points allowed.

52/103 passing is just over 50% completed which is incredible.

There is absolutely no doubt that the defense has improved dramatically.

 

[sb1]

Will be fun to see how it goes when they step up in weight class over the next 3 weeks...

 

[cmasspatsfan]

Couldn't agree more, I'm no longer biting my nails when the defense is on the field, I'm actually expecting a big play or interception every series now.

 

[bigballas]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

 

[Nunchucks]

Overall they have been very good. Arrington had a couple of rough plays, but its was fun to watch them play a physical brand of football.

 

[supafly]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

Yeah, the next 3 games will certainly bring the good numbers to the middle of the pack again, but as Andy has noted the defense has definitely improved no matter how you look at it.

I don't think they are as good as the numbers are suggesting, but either way there were plenty of times in the past where we'd have given up many more yds and points to teams of this caliber.

 

[Ring 6]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

If they did this against the best offenses in the league they would be the 85 Bears. Few defenses play this well against anyone.

 

[PatsSox363804]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

27 total points over 3 games is impressive, I don't care who they're playing.

 

[DefenseRules]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

And they looked like mediocre QBs. Over the last few years how often did we complain that mediocre QBs had career days against this defense. Some of them were compared to Joe Montana for goodness sakes. THIS IS AN IMPROVEMENT. These average QBs looked AVERAGE against them. No more career days for mediocre QBs. Next week will be a real test.

 

[Brady_12]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

There have been games over the last few years where below average passers have looked like HOFers against us.

I see real improvement here. I'm not ready to say they're '04 good, but they have made serious progress over last year's unit.

 

[supafly]

27 total points over 3 games is impressive, I don't care who they're playing.

And only 1 TD allowed in the past 2 full games. That is certainly impressive.

 

[Froob]

They look great but next week will be the real test. See weather this is a truly elite defense.

 

[JMC00]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

I guess you forgot about guys like Chad Henne, Vince Young, Jason Campbell, Mark Sanchez, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Dan Orlovsky putting up numbers against this defense.

Although those were different defenses.

But the point is in years past Josh Freeman might have looked like Warren Moon out there today.

 

[Ring 6]

And they looked like mediocre QBs. Over the last few years how often did we complain that mediocre QBs had career days against this defense. Some of them were compared to Joe Montana for goodness sakes. THIS IS AN IMPROVEMENT. These average QBs looked AVERAGE against them. No more career days for mediocre QBs. Next week will be a real test.

I'd rephrase: These average QBs looked awful against them. 27 points is 3 games and 50.1% complete is awful. Add in 2 TDs and 4 Ints and you are looking at a QB rating in the 50s.

They have also allowed just 7 20+ pass plays, and 0 40+ as well as 0 20+ runs.

 

[JMC00]

27 total points over 3 games is impressive, I don't care who they're playing.

I think after this week is over they'll be officially t-2nd with the Chiefs with 11.3 ppg allowed because of the TD return by the Bills. But we all really know the defense has only allowed 9 ppg

Which puts them only 4 ppg less than the Seahawks.

 

[sb1]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

In the past that trait didn't stop those QBs from putting up big numbers on this defense. Hopefully this is the start of a trend.

 

[sb1]

I guess you forgot about guys like Chad Henne, Vince Young, Jason Campbell, Mark Sanchez, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Dan Orlovsky putting up numbers against this defense.

Although those were different defenses.

But the point is in years past Josh Freeman might have looked like Warren Moon out there today.

Don't forget Rex Grossman lighting the D up and Vince Young throwing for 400+ yards against this team.

Disgraceful that a team wearing this uniform would have a pass defense like that. HOpefully those days are starting to appear in the rear view mirror.

 

[PATRlOT]

They've definitely gotten better.

The past 2 years our D would let some of the worst offenses put up 20+ points on us.

 

[pherein]

We thought our defense did ok, but didnt think the Bucs offense was good enouph to gage if the defense was better. As sad at it seems I think Cardinals have a better offence.

 

[mgcolby]

But bills, jets, bucs... We're talking below avg passers

And the Defense did what a good defense should do....shut them down. 14, 10 and 3 is not a common result in the NFL.

Jets and Bills are still playing so can't use their PPG against teams other than NE. But the Jets have already scored 20 points and the Jets 12 with 17 minutes left in the game.

Bucs: 15.5 PPG (-12.5)