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When I watch the Pats play, I don't get the feeling that their D is capable of really stopping people. Seems like they give up too many 3rd down conversions, they don't really get after the QB, etc. I know many of you here share that sense.
But then I look at the numbers. Here are some relevant stats:
- #6 in the league in total yards allowed per game (262.3)
- #7 in the league in passing yards allowed per game (174.0)
- #10 in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (88.3)
- #7 in the league in points allowed per game (16.7) - but that number is really even less, since 7 of them came on an interception return by Buffalo, and really was on the offense. So their D is giving up 15.3 ppg. Pretty stellar, actually.
- #7 in the league in 3rd down conversions allowed (30.0%) - I was surprised at this number.
I mean, that's pretty good, right? Essentially a top 7 defense, according to those numbers.
But then there are some bad stats, too:
- #25 in the league in QB rating allowed (98.4)
- #23 in the league in passing yds/att (7.7)
- #20 in the league in sacks (6)
- #16 in the league in rushing yds/att (4.0)
So what do you think? Is this a good defense or a not-so-good defense? I think the conclusion I'm coming to is that there is the potential here for a top 7 defense, and at times, they show it. But (despite media reports to the contrary) this is a young group missing some key players (now Wilfork is injured), and when they come together, they could be very tough.
This week's game against a very good offense (Baltimore) will be a real test, but I love the 10 points allowed to the Falcons.
thanks for assembling that data. much appreciated.
When you consider that 2/3 of the play was without the newly anointed "leader" of the D in Mayo, that much of one game was without Wilfork, that it lost four of the guys who anchored it in the offseason (one the week before Game One) and that there are several important new pieces...when you consider those things and look at what the D has done (50 points surrendered in three games, of which just about half came in Week One), I think that "top seven" will be conservative when the entire unit is humming in November.