Patriots have the #1 defense (PPG) in the NFL

[PATSYLICIOUS]

shredded?? He only completed 10 passes for 300 yards but 4 passes went to Demaryious Thomas because the Steelers were putting 8 in the box and daring Tebow to throw. He just happened to connect on some long passes that day, mostly catch and run.......
It was enjoyable to pass...
Steelers vs. Broncos - Box Score - January 8, 2012 - ESPN

Anytime Tim tebow has 300 yards passing(unless a bunch come in garbage time) its an embarrassment.

 

[sb1]

shredded?? He only completed 10 passes for 300 yards but 4 passes went to Demaryious Thomas because the Steelers were putting 8 in the box and daring Tebow to throw. He just happened to connect on some long passes that day, mostly catch and run.......
It was enjoyable to pass...
Steelers vs. Broncos - Box Score - January 8, 2012 - ESPN

31.6 yards per completion is the definition of getting incinerated... especially if it's from Tebow

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I agree. Not only have they been allowing less points, but they seem to be playing much more "loose" and have some swagger!

Yep, and it seems like teams just aren't moving the ball anymore as much, as opposed to the bend but don't break stuff weve done.

 

[dtbrks]

yards per game, Pats are 8th..
NFL Stats: by Team Category

Huh. I prefer giving up few points per game than yards per game. BY FAR

 

[Marqui]

nope.....the object of the defense is to not allow points....you don't win games based on how many yards yoi get

You can limit points without having a great defense, so points don't completely indicate how good a defense is playing.

 

[JMC00]

Just some updated rankings

Points Per Game- #1 (15.7)
Yards Per Game- #8 (329.5)
Passing Yards Per Game- #13 (240.1)
Rushing Yards Per Game- #4 (89.5)
Third Down Defense- #4 (36%)
First Downs Allowed Per Game- #3 (18.5)
Sacks- #12 (34)
Passer Rating Against- #7 (83.8)
Passing Touchdowns Allowed #8 (19)
Rushing TD Allowed- #2 (6)
Rushing Yards Per Carry- #7 (3.9)
Average Per Attempt Against- #7 (6.8)
Completion Percentage Against- #10 (61.2%)

 

[ThatllMoveTheChains!!!]

Yeah the term "scoring defense" is fallacious because both special teams and offense also affect how many points the opponent scores.

They also affect yards... Short fields will increase points and decrease yards. It's a team game, so I'm not sure why anyone would prioritize a stat that benefits from team deficiencies rather than the one that benefits from team strengths.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

People are still finding ways to discredit this defense? Unreal.

 

[patfanken]

Just some updated rankings

Points Per Game- #1 (15.7)
Yards Per Game- #8 (329.5)
Passing Yards Per Game- #13 (240.1)
Rushing Yards Per Game- #4 (89.5)
Third Down Defense- #4 (36%)
First Downs Allowed Per Game- #3 (18.5)
Sacks- #12 (34)
Passer Rating Against- #7 (83.8)
Passing Touchdowns Allowed #8 (19)
Rushing TD Allowed- #2 (6)
Rushing Yards Per Carry- #7 (3.9)
Average Per Attempt Against- #7 (6.8)
Completion Percentage Against- #10 (61.2%)

It would be great to know where they rank in TO's. Lets not forget that Points is the MOST important stat for the defense, and TO's are 2nd (Quote- William Bellichick)

 

[Pessimistic Pete]

PPG
1. Patriots
2. Seahawks
3. Giants
4. Cowboys
5. Broncos
6. Ravens
7. Chiefs
8. Steelers
9. Vikings
10. Lions

YPG
1. Texans
2. Broncos
3. Ravens
4. Vikings
5. Cardinals
6. Jaguars
7. Seahawks
8. Patriots
9. Steelers
10. Rams

Out of these two lists, which one looks more reflective of the actual best 10 defenses in the league?

I'll take the one that doesn't include the Texans and Jaguars...

If anything, this shows yards-per-game are more inflated (or deflated) by ****ty division offense, over representation in both the AFC/NFC South.

 

[BobDigital]

My fav defensive stat is PPG relativity. Meaning how many PPG do you give up compared to who you play.

The Pats entered the game ranked 5th best with them trending upwards and others trending down.

Cold, Hard Football Facts.com: The Truth Hurts

The Pats have been maybe the best team in the NFL over the last 6 weeks or so i think but not sure.

I know we jumped ahead of NYG this week and Seattle might be close though maybe they still have it by a hair. KC/Den TBD. Well not perfect cause it does not adjust for if your STs/D puts you in bad spots consistently or not is it the best single indicator imo.

 

[skinnydog]

Just some updated rankings

Points Per Game- #1 (15.7)
Yards Per Game- #8 (329.5)
Passing Yards Per Game- #13 (240.1)
Rushing Yards Per Game- #4 (89.5)
Third Down Defense- #4 (36%)
First Downs Allowed Per Game- #3 (18.5)
Sacks- #12 (34)
Passer Rating Against- #7 (83.8)
Passing Touchdowns Allowed #8 (19)
Rushing TD Allowed- #2 (6)
Rushing Yards Per Carry- #7 (3.9)
Average Per Attempt Against- #7 (6.8)
Completion Percentage Against- #10 (61.2%)

That is a Super Bowl defense

 

[patsfan-1982]

I have to say they have been playing lights out

 

[deroc5050]

Just some updated rankings

Points Per Game- #1 (15.7)
Yards Per Game- #8 (329.5)
Passing Yards Per Game- #13 (240.1)
Rushing Yards Per Game- #4 (89.5)
Third Down Defense- #4 (36%)
First Downs Allowed Per Game- #3 (18.5)
Sacks- #12 (34)
Passer Rating Against- #7 (83.8)
Passing Touchdowns Allowed #8 (19)
Rushing TD Allowed- #2 (6)
Rushing Yards Per Carry- #7 (3.9)
Average Per Attempt Against- #7 (6.8)
Completion Percentage Against- #10 (61.2%)

And if you go by my potential play off match ups.. I know this sounds unlikely but I believe to be true. The Patriots are going to play the Texans in the Divisional round and the Chiefs in the AFCC. I believe this defense will shut both of those offenses down.

I would like to avoid playing GB, or Seattle in the Super Bowl.

 

[fightingirish595]

Pats are now number 1 in points allowed per drive as well

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

After today, they still do!

 

[fnordcircle]

Stats stats stats. You nerds don't even pay attention to the most important aspect: SWAGGER

 

[Ochmed Jones]

The run defense better have their big boy jockstaps in next week. We need a big game from mr. Hightower and rookie Roberts!

Heat humidity and ajari! Not to mention a very physical offensive line!

 

[TruthSeeker]

Just some updated rankings...
Passing Yards Per Game- #13 (240.1)
Sacks- #12 (34)

I remember hearing that this isn't a top 10 defense...

 

[Huckleberry1]

You can limit points without having a great defense, so points don't completely indicate how good a defense is playing.

Dumbest post ever.