2011 Final Stats: Patriots Defense Ranks 31st in the NFL
by Greg Knopping on Jan 2, 2012 3:00 PM EST
in Opinion/Analysis
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PrintFor the past month or two, Patriots fans have heard nothing but how the Patriots "have the worst defense in the NFL." More recently, the conversation has been that the Patriots have the worst defense "of all-time." While the conversation seems a bit ridiculous, it has existed nonetheless.
To me, a good defense should be ranked by points allowed, turnovers produced, third down conversion rate, and then yardage. You can also throw in time of possession and sacks. But, for many media members and pessimistic fans, saying that the Patriots had "worst defense in the NFL" or even all-time became a convenient excuse to downplay the Patriots as a real Super Bowl contender. I'm fine with the Patriots being overlooked - they were one and done in the 2010 playoffs as the "team to beat."
But I have some news for those non-believers, the "worst defense of all-time" was not even the "worst" in terms of yardage in the NFL. The Patriots ended up ranking 31st in both passing and total yardage. Who ranked 32nd? The 15-1 Green Bay Packers, who allowed 93 more passing yards and .5 total yards per game.
The thing is, I don't think the Packers actually have the worst defense in the NFL. They clearly don't. They're okay at stopping the run, can produce pressure, and like the Patriots, produce a lot of turnovers. Yet, unlike the Patriots, no one is doubting the Packers ability to make a Super Bowl run. In my opinion, this goes to show, that just because the Patriots rank poorly in total yards and admittedly aren't a very good defense, they aren't terrible and the unit will not prevent the Patriots from being a Super Bowl contender.
A Final Look at the Patriots Defensive Statistics After the Jump!
All of this being said, lets see where the Patriots ended up ranking in some key defensive stats:
|
Category |
Statistic |
NFL Rank |
|
Total Defense YPG |
411.4 YPG |
31st |
|
Passing YPG |
293.9 YPG |
31st |
|
Rushing YPG |
117.1 YPG |
17th |
|
Fumble Recoveries |
11 |
T-7th |
|
Interceptions |
23 |
T-2nd |
|
Total Turnovers |
34 |
T-3rd |
|
Sacks |
40.0 |
14th |
|
3rd Down Conversions |
43.1% |
28th |
|
Opp. Completion % |
62.4% |
23rd |
|
Opp. YPA (passing) |
8.0 |
29th |
|
Opp. QB Rating |
86.1 |
20th |
|
Rushing YPC |
4.6 |
24th |
|
Points Allowed |
21.4 PPG |
15th |
What do these statistics tell us? That while the Patriots certainly weren't a good overall defense, they certainly weren't terrible. They rank in the top half of the league in points allowed and sacks, and in the top five in interceptions and total turnovers produced (7th in fumbles).
The fact of the matter is, the Patriots don't rank last in any single defensive category. Now, it seems kind of funny that I'm supporting the Patriots defense because they ranked 31st in the NFL. But let me be clear, I'm not making excuses for the unit. They have had struggles, and they need to improve, not only for the playoffs but also in 2012.
The point I'm trying to prove with this article is that while the Patriots defense does have its weaknesses, it's a group that still abides by the "bend but don't break" philosophy and it's a group that certainly isn't the worst in the NFL. The Patriots can apply pressure, create turnovers, and keep points off the board at crucial moments.
The 2011 New England Patriots are far from perfect. The defense isn't great. But, there is no way that you can say that the defense is the "worst." And in my opinion, there's no way you can say that the Patriots defense is preventing them from being Super Bowl contenders.
To conclude, lets get creative. Suppose you were General Manager of the Patriots and I gave you the choice to swap the Patriots defense for that of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who allowed nearly 75 less yards per game through the air, would you do it? I sure hope not, as the Buccaneers intercepted just 14 passes, allowed a QB rating of 97.2, and most importantly, allowed their opponents to score 30.9 points per game.
It just goes to show, that despite all the injuries and the passing yards allowed, the Patriots defense is far from the worst the NFL has to offer. And as I've said, much like the defense of the Green Bay Packers, is good enough to get the team a Super Bowl title.
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Ranked 31st
WWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by Crizzle12 on Jan 2, 2012 3:22 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
It's simple
Three of the worst-ranked defenses (by yardage) in the playoffs (GB, NO and NE) are that way due to the sheer force of their offense. Opposing teams are forced to air it our early to catch up—or to simply keep up.
Disclaimers: This does not excuse allowing an early 17-0 or 21-0 hole to any team—nor does it excuse shaky secondary play—but Buffalo didn’t score a single point after that first quarter while the Patriots barraged them to the tune of 49.
It doesn’t have to be “shut down,” it just has to be “good enough.” Screw Shaugnessy. If the Pats bow out of the playoffs, it’s going to be attributed to the ineptitude of the offense, NOT the defense.
Can I Scream?
These teams are built for shootouts
Teams know that they’re going to have to score a lot of points against GB and New England, and they know that defense isn’t their strong suit. That often makes them very aggressive in their play calling, which leads to lots of yards. Quality red zone D can limit the damage though, and the aggressive play calling provides lots of opportunities for turnovers. Because of that, turnovers is the stat where both of these defenses really shine.
I can’t recall the record, but under BB the Pats almost never lose when winning the TO battle. They’re something like 105-4. So if the offense keeps it clean in the playoffs, they’ve got an excellent chance.
by Aluminum Penguin on Jan 2, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
That goes for any team
under BB the Pats almost never lose when winning the TO battle
If you win the turnover battle, you win the game 99% of the time. It’s the most telling stat in football. This is where it gets tougher, because playoff teams are stingier with the football, hence their winning record(s). It’s up to the offense to keep up their stingy pace and let the opportunistic defense do the rest.
Can I Scream?
I'd say 86% of the time, just guessing, but I have seen many games where the
team lost the turnover battle, and still won the game. of course, you get into 2 or more turnovers than you get 99% or better, I’m sure.
Could be
Either way, it’s an insanely high percentage and a good key to any game you have any business winning.
Can I Scream?
No doubt that the Pats would be served well to continue
at their excellence at acquiring turnovers. If so, good things ahead. Unfortunately, it can seem like that great 3 point shooting team, who cruised to victory with a great percentage than, they have an off night and it’s lights out. Protect the ball and get turnovers though, recipe for success.
turn the ball over
and its a 14 point swing
New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.
They are not the worst
but their not the 15th best defense either. I feel more like it’s 27th to 23rd.
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
First quarter - 32nd
2nd quarter – 20th
second half – 6th
by furiousd on Jan 2, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
This is kind of funny
Because early on in the season we were complaining about how the team could not close out a game defensively. Now its they can’t start one. Truth ultimately lies somewhere in between
ill take the latter
New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.
Feels good to have a better defense than someone
"Thirty-seven points on the best defense in the league, suck my d–k" - Bill Belichick
The Ryan Brothers: Two brother's who never played a down as an NFL player, Yet feel the need to trash talk like they are in the Hall Of Fame
BLASPHEMY!!
"Thirty-seven points on the best defense in the league, suck my d–k" - Bill Belichick
The Ryan Brothers: Two brother's who never played a down as an NFL player, Yet feel the need to trash talk like they are in the Hall Of Fame
Let's hope we ...
Thundergun the shit out of the playoffs.
This was one of their finer episodes ever though night man cometh is their masterpiece.
by gnatecolby on Jan 2, 2012 6:07 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Would have liked to see it sooner,
but so happy that Chung and Spikes played this week. It was huge for them to get a game in before the playoffs. Hope Nink’s hip heals up nicely over the bye. Also, McCourty says he’s fine, just a bruise and should be ready to go.
Good post Greg
Finally, a balanced depiction of this D. The second half scoring allowed over the last 7 games, as you wrote earlier, is also really relevant in this conversation. This D adjusts and can get fired up and make plays.
They’ve needed to get themselves in trouble before doing that though, and that needs to be fixed. But, to say that they can’t do that against the best teams doesn’t make sense. They’re one of 5 or so teams that can beat anyone if they show up, execute and get into a zone. This team doesn’t quit…
I think we can agree that at their worst, teh Pats D is worse than any other “worst” D in the league :)
by quadruple option on Jan 2, 2012 5:31 PM EST reply actions
Anybody know the final bendibility index for the Patriots entire season?
As in, yards per point allowed stat?
check back in Thursday
I’ll have those put together.
the artist formerly known as amadeus
'I don't make my living by making my living. My time is so important that I can't compromise my taste- or my idea of what's right- simply to match someone else's view of what's a good, calculated move"- Robert Plant
contributing writer at www.HeadkickLegend.com and www.PatsPulpit.com
by Austin Martin on Jan 2, 2012 10:36 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We need 13.35 yards per point. Opponents need 19.23 yards per point
Our PRD (passer rating differential) is about 19
by quadruple option on Jan 3, 2012 2:05 AM EST up reply actions
You make good points Greg, however
as I watch bad offensive teams march down the field at will I can’t help but think that “this is the worst defense I have ever seen!” and it feels that way. Winning trumps everything though, and if by L. Ron Hubbards grace we are somehow holding the Lombardi trophy aloft in a month, all ill will against this years defense will be forgiven, and forgotten.
After Brady’s injury I feel that clock ticking and any year without a SB is a year I feel Brady’s talents were wasted. I’d like another couple rings at least before he retires and a defense like this worries me that it won’t be this year.
Sorry if a bit off topic, but what the hell are the Jets doing? They have a press conference to announce that there will be no major changes? Whaaaa? I was actually hoping the would can Schotty so they would lose that excuse next year when their offense still sucks. Maybe the Jags will hire him, who knows?
Ok so I have been a big supporter of this d all year
If you have read my posts and replies you know that. I have said that it’s the off I don’t trust come playoff time vis a vie 2007-2010 playoffs.
The good news is I trust this off as we haven’t panicked down by 17 and 21 points respectively. I think this off will score in the playoffs in the high 20-30s. Holding the opposition to under 21 shouldn’t be an issue.
Now what hinders my elation with the d is continuity, though they got Chung and spikes back this unit as it will go into the playoffs have no real time together. Liked dmc at safety with Chung as it’s easier to mask a bad cb than a bad safety. Also molden was good leave him and Arrington at cb and leave Chung and dmc as the safeties, this still leave your best 4 dbs on the field with edleman as the slot where he is best.
So as to the playoffs- busy so no full post but here are my picks
Afc- Bengals over texans and steelers over broncos. Then pats over bengals and ravens over Pitt. Pats in SB with revenge against the ravens who somehow end up favored over us in Vegas.
NFC giants over falcons and saints over lions. Then no over sf and giants over packers. Saints beat the giants.
SB pats beat saints in a game like ne Carolina- low scoring in first half opens up in 2nd and we win on last minute td to Hernandez the MVP. Brees has 46 seconds but can’t do it.
Yes giants will beat gb. They will get to Rodgers and the packers are unproven in close games or when losing.
by gnatecolby on Jan 2, 2012 6:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions
exactly
aaron hernandez will shun the nfl for not choosing him by winning the biggest trophy for an individual- SB MVP. btw- i called it first in the game thread
New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.
You can have that one
ICANN move myself onto branch lol, he can win another one and leAve after too lol. Anyone else like the giants to go a ways? I hate them but see it. Also Sean payton will go for it on fourth or onside kick n it won’t work. BB will win but defend Peytons call.
by gnatecolby on Jan 2, 2012 7:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Passing Stats
An article in the morning paper listed how many times there were 400 yard passing games this year, likely prompted by Flynn’s 480 vs Stafford’s 520. 18 times this year it occurred; 12 different Qb’s reached 400. Brett Favre, for instance, had 446 yards with the Jets in 2010. He also had a 402 yard game in 1993 for a career total of 2. Montana, who had Rice, Taylor, Owens, Craig etc had 7. Johnny U had 1 when he got 401 in 1967. Fran Tarkenton in 18 years 1 a 407 game in 1965. Maybe we won’t stop Gr. Bay or New Or.; maybe Ray Rice will run through us but comparing these stats with the past is false. The rules have changed. We have found a way to win the last 3 years; until injuries Welker and the DL made us more ordinary in the playoffs. We may be healthier in 2 weeks and the only real stat is win or lose. That is why we remember Montan, Namath, Johnny U, Brady and Belichick.
Correction and Addition
Owens played with Steve Young not Montana, who had 3 games 400 . Bradshaw’s bigest year 1979 with 3 games over 300 yards, 0 career 400 games. Elway 2 career games 400.
I wouldn't worry about it much
The Saints had a statistically worse defense than the Colts during the 2009 season, but it didn’t make a difference. One thing we know in the modern NFL is that total yardage allowed on defense is not as important as the other factors.
1) Are your special teams giving opposing teams long fields?
2) Do you stop teams from converting on third downs in the red zone?
3) Are you keeping teams out of the red zone on drives?
4) Are you creating turnovers?
5) Are you forcing teams to make long field goal attempts?
All these questions are important to ask when evaluating a defense in the modern NFL. We know offenses have become more pass happy, so the key is to keep teams from scoring.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
yes for the patriots defense on all 5
that is why they’re the #1 seed in the afc going into the playoffs
New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.
Hey stop copying me bro!
Just kidding…Good post. This is what i’ve been saying for a while. NO/GB have bad defenses too yet no one doubts their ability to reach the SB. Meanwhile the pats get no respect despite Brady having a great year and being the AFC’s number 1 seed…
I like when we get "no respect."
Maybe they can have Bruschi and Rodney Harrison stop in to remind them how much disrespect they’re getting.
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
by Hometown Gyro on Jan 3, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
Return of The McCourty (Jedi)....
Let’s safely assume that the 2011 regular season was a distant memory.
1. No real safety help for a cornerback who is elite zone / above average man cover corner.
2. Shoulder injury limited movement.
3. Short amount of time in offseason to study wide receiver tendencies.
4. Please fire Coach Boyer. He’s terrible. (see Darius Butler, who had similar good rookie season, learned the Boyer – technique, and was released 1 year later….)
Let’s hope McCourty rebounds in the playoffs and has a strong 2012 campaign. I believe!!!
I know right
Good rookies CBs shouldn’t regress to the point where they aren’t even competitive 2 YEARS IN A ROW. Unacceptable
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
When did you become a Chiefs Fan
All of a sudden?
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
Devin doesn't have enough petals.
The more you know, the more you know that you don't know.
Some people can learn from the mistakes of others, while some people need to pee on the electric fence themselves.
Belichick is looking for a new name for his boat: VI Rings sounds pretty good.
by SlotMachinePlayer on Jan 4, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I love this article
I have been saying this for a while now, that, as far as I’m concerned, it really does not matter if the offense wants to air it out against our defense and march down the field. To me, it is soooooo satisfying when I see them come to an abrupt STOP in the red zone. All that marching for NOTHING. Or, if they’re really lucky, 3 points. Our defense is very generous with yards allowed but quite stingy with the points they give up. For me, that’s manna.
BTW, I’m going to borrow this article and copy it to the Yahoo message boards because it is EXACTLY what I’ve been trying to tell those guys. But as I keep saying, I’m a girl, what do I know about football? :P
Pats chances are far from slight
While the Pats do have weaknesses on defense, just like the Packers, and, the Saints do, but this year’s Superbowl will be a high action, high scoring game, and with the many weapons that Brady has in, Gronkowski, Hernanadez, Welker, Green-Ellis, Woodhead, and, Ridley, it will be hard to stop the Patriots Offensive game, as has been proven throughout the year, especially with the Pats coming back against the Bills, and scoring 49 unanswered points. As long as the Defense can play a halfway decent game throughout the playoffs, Brady, and their Offense, will make the difference, no matter who they will be playing.
Would be nice if the Pats had a 2nd WR.
It is what it is
they have something similar to this on espnboston
they also count the important stats we focus on too
New England Patriots: 11-3 against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets (x2), Cowboys, Steelers, Giants, Chiefs, Eagles, Colts, Redskins, and Broncos.
Defense is opportunistic...
First of all, the team that scores the most points wins. If you look at the Packers, they scored more points than the Patriots and won more games. The 45 – 41 Detroit game is a good example. If you look at the margin of victory and the teams who scored lots of points against the Packers, well, the Patriots don’t look that bad. In fact they look damm good.
So you defense loving (wins games people) please repeat after me, “The Team that scores the most points wins!!!” Simple.
True, but it's a differential stat.
So the defense is still just as important as the offense. The thing that worries some of us, is we saw an “unstoppable” offense that couldn’t possibly score less than 30 points do just that in the playoffs the last two years. (The Welker injury partially excuses the Ravens game, but the Jets game was a disaster). So when that offense doesn’t live up to its potential, even just ONCE in the playoffs, the defense has to get it done at a high level. I mean, if we want to score more points than the other team.
True wealth is a shelf full of unread books.
by Hometown Gyro on Jan 3, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly.
A team with a great defense might be able to hold this offense under 24 points, and an okay offense could definitely score more than that. At least to this point, the Pats have bet the farm on the offense scoring ~30 a game. I’m not saying a playoff surge by this defense isn’t possible (remember the 2006 Colts?), but if we’re going to go by what we’ve seen so far, the Patriots cannot expect to win against top teams if the offense sputters for a half.
But this is football, and anything can happen. The three best teams in the tournament have the three worst defenses. It’s a wacky year, and I expect wacky results.
Tebow hoisting the Lombardi?
Rex Ryan: "There’s no way that we’re looking to replace Mark Sanchez"
Patriots Nation: "Thank God"
Giants Fans: "FOUR MORE YEARS!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!"
Tebow hoisting the Lombardi will make it legal to riot in every city in America
by quadruple option on Jan 4, 2012 12:22 AM EST up reply actions
It's 2012 afterall
There is realky only 1 dominant def on each side of the playoffs , den and sf. Either of those two winning the SB would be whacky in my opinion.
by gnatecolby on Jan 4, 2012 12:25 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
And I love Ed reed and the ravens
**when not facing the pats but they have been inconsistent and teams have put up points on them this year at times. Sometimes bad teams too.
by gnatecolby on Jan 4, 2012 12:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
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