I am not much good at writing but thought I'd give it a go.
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Using Denver's and Cleveland's defense's as an example.
The talk about Denver's defense this year prompted this article. I am comparing this years defense stats versus last years stats. In order to see which defense has indeed improved. I was suprised at some of the results to say the least wondering what all the fuss is about Denvers defense, By obtaining the Browns ex-Defensive linemen and to see how the Browns have fared as well.
Last year the Cleveland Browns defense were 5th ranked in pass defense, this year 19th so far through 9 games. A big drop of 14 spots.
Last year the Cleveland Browns defense were 32nd agaisnt the run, this year they are 28th so far, an improvement of 4 spots.
Last year The Denver Broncos defense were 6th agaisnt the pass, this year so far, 28th agaisnt the pass, a drop of 22 spots!
Last year the Denver Broncos defense were 4th agaisnt the run, this year the are 4th again agaisnt the run.
These numbers courtesy of NFL.com.
Now between the numbers we hear how Denvers defense has improved, well stat wise they havent thats where stats can be misleading. Denver is getting alot of pressure on opposing QB's, they have used alot of blitz's to do that as well not just linemen on their own.
Also I believe some of the passing yards on Denvers Defense is from Denver having big leads this year and other teams trying to catch up or trying to back Denvers LB's off the line trying to set up the run.
Another main reason people feel Denvers defense is doing well is offensive turnovers this season. Jake Plummer threw 20 ints last year. That is alot of chances another team has to score or move the ball on you, but when you look at the stats, Denvers defensive stats were much better last year. Another point of misleading stats.
Turnovers - Denver last year was -9 . This year they are +10 through 9 games.
Last year Cleveland was -12 in turnovers. This year they are -5 through 9 games. Denver has improved alot in this area thanks to the offense. Commiting only 8 turnovers this year, and Denvers takeway's are at 18. Same for Cleveland. They haven't turned the ball over as much like last year when they had 40 all season long, this year 17.
Another stat that shows a defensive issue but is taken in account for your offensive mistakes or non-mistakes as well.
That being said , would you say Denver's or Cleveland's defense has fared better or worse? Judging by stats neither team has improved, except for the turnover ratio and thats is because of the offense has improved on not turning the ball over. Both teams record are improved from last year The Browns were 4-12 they are 3-6 this year, Denver was 10-6 , this year they are 7-2 so far.
The point of this post is to show how stats can be misleading and where the praise of a team should go. It's not always where you think it should go. Both Clubs owe their improved records to their offense's ability of not giving up the ball, especially Denvers in my opinion. Both sides of the ball must do their jobs if they want to be a success in the NFL, stats well, doesn't go hand in hand with success all the time.
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