Bottom-line stats (12 games)

[percyhoward]

W-L is the bottom-line stat, but since 2008, there have been 37 teams that finished the season ranked among the top 12 in pass rating differential, turnover differential, and points-per-drive differential. All 37 teams made the playoffs or won at least 10 games.

2012 GB Sea SF Atl Was NE Hou Cin Bal Chi
2011 GB NE Hou SF Det Bal Atl
2010 GB NE Pit Bal Chi Atl Phi TB
2009 GB NO SD Bal Min Phi NE
2008 Bal Ind SD NYG Ten

Offensively, we rank among the top 8 in all three categories. Defensively, we've improved over last year, but there will have to be even more improvement in order to get into the top 12 in points per drive.

Pass Rating
2013
offense 6th
defense 22nd
differential 12th

2012
offense 9th
defense 29th
differential 18th

Give/Take
2013
offense (give) 2nd
defense (take) 4th
differential 2nd

2012
offense (give) 25th
defense (take) 29th
differential 27th

Points Per Drive
2013
offense 8th
defense 25th
differential 16th

2012
offense 10th
defense 26th
differential 20th

 

[ScipioCowboy]

All these numbers are making me change my opinion on Garrett a bit.

I had been underwhelmed with the offense this year, but these numbers suggest the offense has played fairly well. Defensively, it's a different story, but much of it is injury-related.

 

[jobberone]

Our scoring per drive % is up as is our RZ TDs and RZ defense. That and TOs are the reason were in the hunt.

 

[percyhoward]

Our scoring per drive % is up as is our RZ TDs and RZ defense. That and TOs are the reason were in the hunt.

All true except for the part I highlighted. Red zone defense has been terrible, ranking 28th (down from 18th in 2012).

That's 28th in red zone TD%. 43 opponents' drives have reached the red zone, and touchdowns were scored on 26 of them.

Number of Opponents' Drives Ending in Turnovers
1. Carolina (25)
2. Seattle (25)
3. Dallas (23)

Number of Opponents' Red Zone Drives Ending in Touchdowns
1. Carolina (9)
2. Seattle (12)

24. Dallas (26)

 

[CaptainMorgan]

The glaring difference is turnovers. The offense has done a good job this season of not turning it over and the defense has been much much better at creating turnovers.

But, the defense has got to play better and the offense, good as it may be at times, needs to be more consistent. They are going to have to compensate for the defense.

 

[CaptainMorgan]

All true except for the part I highlighted. Red zone defense has been terrible, ranking 28th (down from 18th in 2012).

That's 28th in red zone TD%. 43 opponents' drives have reached the red zone, and touchdowns were scored on 26 of them.

Number of Opponents' Drives Ending in Turnovers
1. Carolina (25)
2. Seattle (25)
3. Dallas (23)

Number of Opponents' Red Zone Drives Ending in Touchdowns
1. Carolina (9)
2. Seattle (12)

24. Dallas (26)

Which suggests we are a bend and break defense lol.

 

[percyhoward]

The offense, good as it may be at times, needs to be more consistent. They are going to have to compensate for the defense.

Different season, same story.

It is possible to rank 25th in yards per drive defensively as we do, and still get to the top12 in differential, get 10 wins and make the playoffs. Washington did it last year. But of course, they could run the ball.

 

[Risen Star]

All these numbers are making me change my opinion on Garrett a bit.

I had been underwhelmed with the offense this year, but these numbers suggest the offense has played fairly well. Defensively, it's a different story, but much of it is injury-related.

The offense has always performed well under Garrett with the exception of having no real running game to rely on due to a lack of talent up front.

Percy, this is outstanding stuff. Thank you.

 

[RS12]

You forgot 3rd down conversions.

 

[Idgit]

All true except for the part I highlighted. Red zone defense has been terrible, ranking 28th (down from 18th in 2012).

That's 28th in red zone TD%. 43 opponents' drives have reached the red zone, and touchdowns were scored on 26 of them.

Number of Opponents' Drives Ending in Turnovers
1. Carolina (25)
2. Seattle (25)
3. Dallas (23)

Number of Opponents' Red Zone Drives Ending in Touchdowns
1. Carolina (9)
2. Seattle (12)

24. Dallas (26)

Wow. This shocks me. I'd have guessed we were around middle of the pack when it comes to red zone defense. In fact, I thought I'd heard that referenced by Aikman (?) during the second Giants game. Must have misinterpreted something.

 

[DFWJC]

The OP does show an overall improvement from last season across the board.
9 for 9.

 

[OhSnap]

It's amazing that in a league full of millionaire coaches and players that something as fundamental as stripping the ball isn't stressed on every team every day. Without the positive TO ratio this team is 2-10. Last year Baltimore wouldn't have made the playoffs without the +9 they had.

 

[percyhoward]

You forgot 3rd down conversions.

Didn't forget them, just didn't include lesser stats that don't correlate as highly with winning.

Last year's Super Bowl teams, for example, ranked 22nd and 27th in 3rd down conversions, while Dallas ranked 4th.

It doesn't matter when you convert, only that you convert. This year, if you only look at 3rd down, we're 22nd in conversions, so we need to improve there, obviously. But if you count all downs, we're 6th. The only team that converts on more of their 1st- and 2nd-down plays is the Broncos.

And more than 80% of the Cowboys' plays are on 1st or 2nd down.

 

[Super_Kazuya]

It's amazing that in a league full of millionaire coaches and players that something as fundamental as stripping the ball isn't stressed on every team every day. Without the positive TO ratio this team is 2-10. Last year Baltimore wouldn't have made the playoffs without the +9 they had.

I'm sure it is to a certain extent, but if I had to guess I would think some coaches would rather their guys focus more on tackling (how many times do you see an image of a guy getting dragged down the field while trying to punch the ball out). Can a player be taught to do both? Sure. Can every player do it competently? I doubt it. I heard Ditka say the other day that he feels tackling is at an all-time low in the NFL.

 

[CoCo]

I'm sure it is to a certain extent, but if I had to guess I would think some coaches would rather their guys focus more on tackling (how many times do you see an image of a guy getting dragged down the field while trying to punch the ball out). Can a player be taught to do both? Sure. Can every player do it competently? I doubt it. I heard Ditka say the other day that he feels tackling is at an all-time low in the NFL.

That doesn't bother me nearly as much as watching players who think that hitting is tackling.

 

[khiladi]

All these numbers are making me change my opinion on Garrett a bit.

I had been underwhelmed with the offense this year, but these numbers suggest the offense has played fairly well. Defensively, it's a different story, but much of it is injury-related.

Because Garrett's demotion from OC is the reason he gets credit for the offense? Imagine how bad this offense would look if our defense wasn't producing TOs...

 

[CoCo]

Another TD for Percy, who remains undefeated.

 

[khiladi]

Another TD for Percy who remains undefeated.

Does much respect for the avatar he uses

 

[OhSnap]

I'm sure it is to a certain extent, but if I had to guess I would think some coaches would rather their guys focus more on tackling (how many times do you see an image of a guy getting dragged down the field while trying to punch the ball out). Can a player be taught to do both? Sure. Can every player do it competently? I doubt it. I heard Ditka say the other day that he feels tackling is at an all-time low in the NFL.

Everyone is trying to figure out how to tackle "safely" now. No doubt that looks strange to Ditka. Imagine what Singletary and Butkus thinks about the tackling these days. Makes me wonder about Jenkins shoulder issues and now Claiborne earlier this year. They're teachin to lead with the shoulder on tackles now. I can hear coaches now sayin "Get him down but don't hurt each other" Your right the tackle is more important but thats where the swarming part comes into play. A guy one on one needs to wrap up but if you got help coming wail away. The turnover is demoralizing and puts points on the board. it's worth loosing a few yards to get someone down. It levels the field a little bit for a defense like the Cowboys have right now. IMO

 

[xwalker]

Everyone is trying to figure out how to tackle "safely" now. No doubt that looks strange to Ditka. Imagine what Singletary and Butkus thinks about the tackling these days. Makes me wonder about Jenkins shoulder issues and now Claiborne earlier this year. They're teachin to lead with the shoulder on tackles now. I can hear coaches now sayin "Get him down but don't hurt each other" Your right the tackle is more important but thats where the swarming part comes into play. A guy one on one needs to wrap up but if you got help coming wail away. The turnover is demoralizing and puts points on the board. it's worth loosing a few yards to get someone down. It levels the field a little bit for a defense like the Cowboys have right now. IMO

Yes, I remember a report back during Singletary's playing days about how many helments that he had cracked. It was multiple per season. Players can't play like that anymore with the new rules.