Defense wins championships? meaningless numbers?

[viman96]

The differential listed below is the difference between points allowed and points scored of the top 6 ranked defensive teams in the NFC. Our defense may not be holding teams to the least amount of points but they have the greatest point differential.

IMO this is more important than points allowed. Really not that surprising all the divisional leaders are listed below. Many feel the Gmen are the 3rd best team in the NFC and the overall standings reflect that as well.

Top 6 Defense rank based on points allowed

RNK	Team		PTS/G
1.	Tampa Bay	15.1
2.	Seattle 3187	16.4
3.	Green Bay	16.8
4.	Philadelphia	18.7
5.	NY Giants	20.0
6.	Dallas		20.1

Same teams as above. Offensive rank based on points scored

RNK	Team		PTS/G	Differential
1.	Dallas		32.5	12.4
2.	Green Bay	26.9	10.1
3	NY Giants	23.6	3.6
6.	Seattle		22.1	5.7
8.	Phil		20.6	1.9
10.	Tampa		19.5	4.4

Standings

Team		Record
*Dallas		10-1
*Green Bay	10-1
NY Giants	7-3
*Seattle	6-4
*Tampa		6-4
Phil		5-5

*Division leaders

 

[silverblue]

do you mean to tell me if you score more points than your opponent then you will have a better record.

groundbreaking research

 

[burmafrd]

The Colts last year won the SB with the lowest rated D in SB history- BUT that is misleading since they had a lot of injuries early in the season- by the last month their D was playing VERY well. No team has won the SB with a lousy D. BUt several teams have won the SB with a lousy O.

 

[viman96]

do you mean to tell me if you score more points than your opponent then you will have a better record.

groundbreaking research

LOL...not the intent.

People say defense wins championships. Well the best defensive team based on points allowed is not ahead in the standings. IMO the average point differential of each team is a better indicator and this year the overall standings reflect what I'm talking about.

 

[AdamJT13]

The Colts last year won the SB with the lowest rated D in SB history- BUT that is misleading since they had a lot of injuries early in the season- by the last month their D was playing VERY well.

Our defense could end up in a similar position. We're still ranked pretty high in most categories, but we could be much healthier at the end of the season than we were in the first month or two, if we can ever get Newman, Henry and Ellis all starting together -- without losing anyone else.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Our defense could end up in a similar position. We're still ranked pretty high in most categories, but we could be much healthier at the end of the season than we were in the first month or two, if we can ever get Newman, Henry and Ellis all starting together -- without losing anyone else.

I am hoping/banking/wishing on exactly that.
On defense.. I think we are like "a slow train coming".... once we get up to speed..... unstoppable.

 

[JD_KaPow]

So let me get this straight. The 4 division leaders are ranked 1, 2, 3, and 6 in defense. They're ranked 1, 2, 6, and 10 in offense. And your argument is that defense isn't what's important?

I agree with your conclusion, but your data doesn't really support it.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

So let me get this straight. The 4 division leaders are ranked 1, 2, 3, and 6 in defense. They're ranked 1, 2, 6, and 10 in offense. And your argument is that defense isn't what's important?

I agree with your conclusion, but your data doesn't really support it.

Someone put up some data a while back that kinda disputed the "defense wins championships" theory/cliche.... cant remember who



In the last 10 years... half of the SB games had both team scoring 20+ each.

 

[sacowboysfan513]

I am a big believer that defense does win championships. But that doesn't mean that you have to have the best defense. Especially if you have an excellent offense.

If you do have a great offense, then I believe your defense has to be "good enough" for you to win.

Meaning, the defense needs to make key plays.

For example, if we were to play the Pats in the Super Bowl, and our offense kept us in the game, it would take a couple of defensive plays to make the difference. So even if the defense has gotten torched all game, if they make a key interception or cause a fumble, then that might be just enough to win.

 

[viman96]

So let me get this straight. The 4 division leaders are ranked 1, 2, 3, and 6 in defense. They're ranked 1, 2, 6, and 10 in offense. And your argument is that defense isn't what's important?

I agree with your conclusion, but your data doesn't really support it.

I'm saying the best defense (based on points allowed) is not really the best measure for post season success.

Dallas is averaging 12.4 pts scored vs. points allowed per game. That is a lot of points for opposing teams to overcome. Of the top ranked teams, they have the highest differential between points scored and points allowed. It is another way of saying overall they are better balanced than the other teams.