Is the defense actually better?

[pansophy]

In Strum's latest blog about the defense the stats suggest that we are giving up the same yardage per play as last year, but the defense appears better because it is facing less plays.

The eye test - at least my eye test - would say that the defense is playing better. Given that the Tampa 2 doesn't worry about giving up yards, is yards per play the best way to judge our defense? How much better is our defense with Moore playing over Claiborne?

I don't have answers but thought it was worth a discussion.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

By the eye test they are playing MUCH better. The average yds per play might be the same, but we are consistently getting stops on 3rd down. We are also getting timely turnovers. The defense has looked stronger at the end of games, mainly due to the rotation of bodies. I think the defense will continue getting better as guys get healthier and we add in a few more bodies.

 

[big dog cowboy]

In Strum's latest blog about the defense the stats suggest that we are giving up the same yardage per play as last year, but the defense appears better because it is facing less plays.

We already had that multiple page debate. The bottom line is yards per play isn't a good measure to judge a defense by.

 

[dwreck27]

The running game has helped our D...

But lets not kid ourselves.. if we had a repeat performance/coaching of last years D this year we would defiantly have dropped a game or two

 

[Boyzmamacita]

One thing I didn't see last year was our DBs knocking down passes. Clearly we're swarming better, tackling more effectively and hitting harder than last year. The pass rush is still a step too slow, but I believe that will come. If you rewatch the Seattle game, our coverage was stellar in the secondary. The linebacking corps is full of playmakers even without Lee. I'm worried that it will strike midnight and Cinderella won't be able to find her slipper, but from what I've seen so far I'd have to say yes the defense is better

 

[theogt]

They are better at keeping teams out of the end zone.

Points per drive given up:

2013 - 2.31 (30th in the league)
2014 - 1.69 (7th in the league)

 

[AdamJT13]

The defense "appears" better because it has been better, not because of some statistical illusion. The defense has faced fewer plays in large part because it has been better at stopping the opponent and getting the ball back. We're 16th in third-down defense -- last year, we were 29th. We're ninth in lowest opponent's time of possession per possession -- last year, we were 21st. We're eighth in fewest opponent plays per possession -- last year, we were 28th.

Our defense has been among the top 10 in getting itself off the field quickly, forcing turnovers and preventing the opponent from scoring. It's not simply benefiting from an offense that has vastly improved its ability to convert on third downs and maintain possession.

 

[Nova]

Another great stat is passer rating against. Since realignment, only two SB teams haven't been top 5 or fringe top 5 in that category over the course of the regular season... Probably not surprising that both of those teams were fluky giants teams.

Dallas has gone from 27th overall to 8th overall this year. 13 points lower this season from 96 to 83.

And yes. Getting off the field on third down at least at an average rate.

 

[percyhoward]

In Strum's latest blog about the defense the stats suggest that we are giving up the same yardage per play as last year, but the defense appears better because it is facing less plays.

You can filter out the offense's influence on the defense's game stats by looking at each drive. The defense is facing fewer plays per drive, facing shorter drives, and allowing fewer points per drive, mostly because it's giving up fewer first downs.

Plays per Drive
DEFENSE
2014 - 5.6 (8th)
2013 - 6.1 (28th)

Time of Possession per Drive
DEFENSE
2014 - 2:34 (9th)
2013 - 2:41 (21st)

Points per Drive
DEFENSE
2014 - 1.69 (7th)
2013 - 2.31 (30th)

Drive Success Rate (percentage of down series that result in 1st down)
DEFENSE
2014 - 67.1% (4th)
2013 - 74.3% (32nd)

 

[Idgit]

Yeah, the defense is obviously better. What's more interesting wod be to look at how much more effective the offense is on a per drive basis. We can't be all that much better statistically, despite the fact that we appear to be much more dominant on the field.

 

[Tabascocat]

They are staying in their lanes, keeping most plays in front of them and attacking the ball. That is the biggest difference I see from last season. They look more disciplined. They are getting good pressure on the QB's, but the sacks don't show it.

 

[theogt]

Drive Success Rate (percentage of down series that result in 1st down)
DEFENSE
2014 - 67.1% (4th)
2013 - 74.3% (32nd)

That seems like a great stat (that I haven't studied much), at least in terms of measuring a defense's effectiveness.

Looking at 3rd down percentages doesn't really give you a full picture. Giving up four straight 1st downs on 2nd down, then stopping them on a 3rd down (resulting in a 0% conversion rate) may be much worse than giving up a 1st down on 3rd, then immediately forcing a 3 and out (resulting in a 50% conversion rate).

 

[visionary]

Percy and Adam providing great insight as usual

I also think that we are playing a little over our heads on defense since "making a play " and turnovers can be fluky and consistent defense is not easy if you depend on those . Now, it appears we are more disciplined this year , which is great to see. Some of this will play itself out over the next few games. If we stay consistent on defense against below average teams like giants and skins then that will e a good sign. Discipline and consistency and effort and preparation are the keys. "Making plays" and turnovers are gravy that will come if we do the former.

 

[RastaRocket]

You can filter out the offense's influence on the defense's game stats by looking at each drive. The defense is facing fewer plays per drive, facing shorter drives, and allowing fewer points per drive, mostly because it's giving up fewer first downs.

Plays per Drive
DEFENSE
2014 - 5.6 (8th)
2013 - 6.1 (28th)

Time of Possession per Drive
DEFENSE
2014 - 2:34 (9th)
2013 - 2:41 (21st)

Points per Drive
DEFENSE
2014 - 1.69 (7th)
2013 - 2.31 (30th)

Drive Success Rate (percentage of down series that result in 1st down)
DEFENSE
2014 - 67.1% (4th)
2013 - 74.3% (32nd)

What's incredible is how close the top defenses are to the bottom. (stat wise)

 

[Zman5]

The defense "appears" better because it has been better, not because of some statistical illusion. The defense has faced fewer plays in large part because it has been better at stopping the opponent and getting the ball back. We're 16th in third-down defense -- last year, we were 29th. We're ninth in lowest opponent's time of possession per possession -- last year, we were 21st. We're eighth in fewest opponent plays per possession -- last year, we were 28th.

Our defense has been among the top 10 in getting itself off the field quickly, forcing turnovers and preventing the opponent from scoring. It's not simply benefiting from an offense that has vastly improved its ability to convert on third downs and maintain possession.

^This. I was going to mention this. I keep hearing the our run game is the reason our defense is not on the field as much and I know it is helping but defenses still has to stop the other offense to limit their snaps.

 

[spook930]

Our defense is about the same as it was last year. The different is the less injuries (slight difference) and the run game of our offense. What the run game is doing is one keeping our defense fresh and it helps them sustain drives. If people remember early last year esp before they got all banged up they were getting a ton of turnovers and stops, problem was our offense wasn't turning them in to touchdowns and sometimes gave the ball right back because the offense would stall out. Perfect examples the first Giants game, the Denver game and my favorite that packers game. Those games the defense played well enough for the Cowboys to win but it was the offense that kinda let them down by not capitalizing on turnovers or stops they were given. How can you blame the defense when they gave you 5 turnovers or pitched a shut out in the first half? With people of defense dropping like flies and the offense stalling at key times it made the defense look worst than what it really was.

 

[kramskoi]

^This. I was going to mention this. I keep hearing the our run game is the reason our defense is not on the field as much and I know it is helping but defenses still has to stop the other offense to limit their snaps.

Good running is a part of the reason, but as more evidence comes in, it is becoming increasingly evident that this defense has improved over last year. FootballOutsiders has them #16...about average, but a strong performance against New York will have the defense in negative territory (good), where it has not been for many moons. It is entirely possible that Marinelli's unit just slowly gets better and better toward the end, especially with players returning from injury and others regaining previous good form. At least I hope.

Sunday will be a real test whether or not this team can finally generate more sacks against a shaky Giants o-line which is having issues with A-gap blitzing at present.

 

[Clove]

I always use this formula to determine if an offense or defense is doing great. My eyes.

 

[Zman5]

Good running is a part of the reason, but as more evidence comes in, it is becoming increasingly evident that this defense has improved over last year. FootballOutsiders has them #16...about average, but a strong performance against New York will have the defense in negative territory (good), where it has not been for many moons. It is entirely possible that Marinelli's unit just slowly gets better and better toward the end, especially with players returning from injury and others regaining previous good form. At least I hope.

Sunday will be a real test whether or not this team can finally generate more sacks against a shaky Giants o-line which is having issues with A-gap blitzing at present.

Most people think winning the TOP is only based on what the offense is doing. People don't realize that your offense can have 10 minute drives but still lose the TOP battle if your defense gives up 15 minute drives.

As far as the Giants, I do think we get few sacks and INTS in this game.

 

[SSWilliams31]

Yes