The Defense: Eye test vs. the Numbers

[patsfanincleveland]

Not only does it skew the number, if you start at the New York game the conversion rate over the last 7 games is only 29.8%, which would equate to #1 in the NFL.

That's exactly what my eyes are telling me.

Kinda interesting that even in the 41 point egg against the 9ers, we still only let up 5-14 on 3rd.

31 points started with drives already in FG range.

Even the 85 Bears would have a problem.

 

[MoneyFX]

Talib didn't play until week 10; splitting up the season by before and after yields:

• 22.3 ppg before and 19.75 ppg after
• 382 ypg before and 370 ypg after
• 285 passing ypg before and 263 passing ypg after

Pretty much every metric either improved or stayed about the same after adding Talib. If you drop the SF game which was skewed pretty heavily by offensive TOs and poor STs the ppg number improves to 16.7. So the stats actually back up the eyeballs if you split them based on the arrival of Talib rather than the halfway point.

I also did the math on the rushing ypg, but it really doesn't have any relevance here. Maybe it does a little bit. I don't know. But here it is just for reference:

Before: 97 rush yds allowed per game
After: 107 rush yds allowed per game

I also added that the Talib acquisition really helped McCourty find his game. Quoted from Joe Soriano of Musketfire.com:

"At safety, McCourty’s opposing QB Rating pummels all the way down to 10.2 (!). No, that’s not a typo either. 10.2...That is a ridiculous number, and it is even more incredible when you look at the fact that McCourty leads the team with five interceptions and 13 passes defended. To be able to play shutdown coverage like that and also show enough ball skills to get to five picks is truly remarkable...think it is safe to say that McCourty is at least a top ten safety in this league and on his way to joining that elite discussion soon."

The numbers are still high, but if you actually watch the games, the defensive players hit hard, play tough and tackle well.

 

[Fencer]

If there's been much discussion of takeaways in this thread, I missed it. How do the splits look there?

Also, there is one position at which defensive talent has downgraded over the season -- Chandler Jones'. He was a beast early, then got hurt/dropped off.

 

[Metaphors]

The Ravens have Questionable ball security ??!

You might want to review your numbers...

Yep, looked at the wrong numbers. They are pretty comparable to the Pats. Though they have had uncharacteristic butterfingers in the playoffs. Hopefully that continues.

 

[Stu Pidassle]

Talib didn't play until week 10; splitting up the season by before and after yields:

• 22.3 ppg before and 19.75 ppg after
• 382 ypg before and 370 ypg after
• 285 passing ypg before and 263 passing ypg after

Pretty much every metric either improved or stayed about the same after adding Talib. If you drop the SF game which was skewed pretty heavily by offensive TOs and poor STs the ppg number improves to 16.7. So the stats actually back up the eyeballs if you split them based on the arrival of Talib rather than the halfway point.

To further justify your argument, wasn't Talib playing on one leg in that SF game?

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

they need 2 takeaways on sunday...and i think they get it..flacco INT and a KO return fumble