Important stat that is largely being ignored

[endersdragon]

Everyone keeps talking about how this defense is bad (they aren't... 15th in points, 19th in yards, 8th in rushing, 19th in sacks (why is that stat never mentioned when talking about our pass rush...)) but why does everyone keep not noticing that the Cowboys are the best team in the playoffs (2nd overall) in taking the ball away. I remember not to long ago when the Giants made the playoffs they were near the bottom of the league in terms of overall defense... but they were very good at taking the ball away... and we all know how that story ends. Takeaways are key for a defense, so why is that stat never talked up?

 

[jobberone]

TO diff should be part of any story. Sacks is not the best measuring stick. Pressure is what is important. Sacks don't tell you anything when an offense is getting the ball out quickly just as one example.

 

[CF74]

And that year the Saints went on their run their defense was coming up with a bunch of turnovers as well.. We have 13 turnovers in the last 4 games according to the Fan...

 

[percyhoward]

Dallas actually led the league in takeaways per drive. Houston had 3 more, but faced 19 more drives.

 

[Oh_Canada]

Why? Because it's easier to say the defense sucks.

 

[pansophy]

Yeah it is the one stat they really pay attention to. If the offense keeps the ball a long time and the defense takes away drives from the opposition it is tough to win.

We keep getting turnovers like we did in December we will win the Super Bowl.

 

[manster4ever]

Everyone keeps talking about how this defense is bad (they aren't... 15th in points, 19th in yards, 8th in rushing, 19th in sacks (why is that stat never mentioned when talking about our pass rush...)) but why does everyone keep not noticing that the Cowboys are the best team in the playoffs (2nd overall) in taking the ball away. I remember not to long ago when the Giants made the playoffs they were near the bottom of the league in terms of overall defense... but they were very good at taking the ball away... and we all know how that story ends. Takeaways are key for a defense, so why is that stat never talked up?

You know why... They hate us... Let 'em

 

[big dog cowboy]

Takeaways are key for a defense, so why is that stat never talked up?

Perception is reality and the perception is our terrible defense from last year can only improve so much. Injecting stats like that ruins the point you are trying to make especially if you are not wanting to give the Cowboy defense any credit.

 

[gimmesix]

Everyone keeps talking about how this defense is bad (they aren't... 15th in points, 19th in yards, 8th in rushing, 19th in sacks (why is that stat never mentioned when talking about our pass rush...)) but why does everyone keep not noticing that the Cowboys are the best team in the playoffs (2nd overall) in taking the ball away. I remember not to long ago when the Giants made the playoffs they were near the bottom of the league in terms of overall defense... but they were very good at taking the ball away... and we all know how that story ends. Takeaways are key for a defense, so why is that stat never talked up?

Reminds me some of the Saints during their Super Bowl run: Powerhouse offense; opportunistic defense (not sure how good New Orleans' defense was overall, though)

 

[romothesavior]

The focus on attacking the football is a big part of Rod's philosophy.

 

[BIGDen]

Reminds me some of the Saints during their Super Bowl run: Powerhouse offense; opportunistic defense (not sure how good New Orleans' defense was overall, though)

I've been thinking the same thing. One difference is they had home field advantage. We'll have a tougher path. The similarities you mentioned are certainly there. Their OL was also considered one of the best in football that year. Different style offenses but both powerhouses as you mentioned. I hope our D continues to be opportunistic.

 

[Eskimo]

TOs are an under-rated stat, but we were more middle of the pack until late in the season when started forcing them in bunches.

It would be pretty hard to sustain the pace they set in December but it would go a long ways to getting us to the SB.