What defensive statistic is the best measure of a defense

darthseinfeld

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Its best to factor them all in. However which one stat would you say is the best indicator as to the quality of a defense

And if use an advanced statistic, then fully explain the formula
 

CouchCoach

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Turnover ratio, takeaways are game changers. Additional possessions for you, fewer possessions for them. Plus that, turnovers are demoralizing.

Points allowed doesn't take into consideration points differential. A team could be top 10 in scoring D and still miss the playoffs. The record isn't devised by the points a team allowed but the differential in scoring.
 

plasticman

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According to the 20 year profile of SB champions the most important stat is turnovers.

There have been some pretty pedestrian defenses on championship teams in terms of points and yardage. However, they make iup for it in the ability to create game changing plays like turnovers. This stops an opponent drive and often gives the offense excellent field position.

The Giants defense was ranked 25th in points, 27th in yardage but 5th in turnovers.

The Saints were ranked 20th in points, 25th in yardage but 2nd in turnovers
 

DallasInDC

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According to the 20 year profile of SB champions the most important stat is turnovers.

There have been some pretty pedestrian defenses on championship teams in terms of points and yardage. However, they make iup for it in the ability to create game changing plays like turnovers. This stops an opponent drive and often gives the offense excellent field position.

The Giants defense was ranked 25th in points, 27th in yardage but 5th in turnovers.

The Saints were ranked 20th in points, 25th in yardage but 2nd in turnovers

The question is are those examples consistent, or are the outliers?

From my perspective, the defense that allows the fewest points gives your team the best opportunity to win.
 

DuncanIso

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Its best to factor them all in. However which one stat would you say is the best indicator as to the quality of a defense

And if use an advanced statistic, then fully explain the formula

I think we are going to find out soon...

8(
 

Hennessy_King

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Its turnovers. Most of the time you can guess who wins a game just by the turnover #'s
 

Red Dragon

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I'd say the number of 3rd downs the opposing offense is forced into, and the rate of 3rd-down conversions.

The problem with points allowed is that some of those are the fault of one's own offense. If Dak throws an interception and it gets returned to the Cowboys 1-yard line, you can hardly blame the Dallas defense for allowing a touchdown on the possession that follows.
 

Red Dragon

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Wins and Losses are really the best statistic for everything.

No it really is not. This is oversimplifying it. You can have a fantastic offense but terrible defense and vice versa. A team that wins by sheer outscoring its opponents (while surrendering 30 points per game) is not a great defense. Nor did the 2000 Ravens or 2002 Bucs have great offense.
 

Whyjerry

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No it really is not. This is oversimplifying it. You can have a fantastic offense but terrible defense and vice versa. A team that wins by sheer outscoring its opponents (while surrendering 30 points per game) is not a great defense. Nor did the 2000 Ravens or 2002 Bucs have great offense.

In life there is a need to over complicate things. The question was the best stat. The best stat is always W and L. Always. We can data mine all you want but really it boils down to wins. That’s it. Ockham’s Razor is not an irrefutable law but it is tough to deny. Choose the simple answer - wins and losses. Have a great defense and you will win games you should not. The opposite holds as well.
 
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