CKS97 Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 For instance, the revered 2016 Broncos had the #1 ranked defense, but the Bengals allowed fewer points. I think back to 2010 when the Chargers yardage wise had the #1 ranked offense AND defense, but were not close in terms of points (Steelers defense, Patriots offense respectively were #1 that year). Or the famous 1991 Eagles defense that was ranked #1 across the board in total defense, fewest passing yards, rushing yards, and total yards allowed? The Dome Patrol Saints actually led the league in fewest points allowed. Similarly in 1992, the Cowboys had the NFL’s #1 ranked defense, but New Orleans again allowed the fewest points that year- in fact, the ‘92 version of the Dome Patrol had the #1 single season scoring defense of the 1990s. My favorite example of this is the 1998 Chargers: #1 ranked defense in yards, #18 ranked scoring defense ( Or offense, the 2009 Cowboys had the NFC's #2 ranked offense yardage wise, but were actually the lowest scoring NFC playoff team that year. Or the 2003 Vikings having the #1 ranked offense yardage wise, but five teams scored more points (the #2 ranked offense yards wise, Kansas City, scored 68 more points than Minnesota that year) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elky Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 8 minutes ago, CKS97 said: For instance, the revered 2016 Broncos had the #1 ranked defense, but the Bengals allowed fewer points. I think back to 2010 when the Chargers yardage wise had the #1 ranked offense AND defense, but were not close in terms of points (Steelers defense, Patriots offense respectively were #1 that year). Or the famous 1991 Eagles defense that was ranked #1 across the board in total defense, fewest passing yards, rushing yards, and total yards allowed? The Dome Patrol Saints actually led the league in fewest points allowed. Similarly in 1992, the Cowboys had the NFL’s #1 ranked defense, but New Orleans again allowed the fewest points that year- in fact, the ‘92 version of the Dome Patrol had the #1 single season scoring defense of the 1990s. My favorite example of this is the 1998 Chargers: #1 ranked defense in yards, #18 ranked scoring defense ( Or offense, the 2009 Cowboys had the NFC's #2 ranked offense yardage wise, but were actually the lowest scoring NFC playoff team that year. Or the 2003 Vikings having the #1 ranked offense yardage wise, but five teams scored more points (the #2 ranked offense yards wise, Kansas City, scored 68 more points than Minnesota that year) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TecmoSuperJoe Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 Neither. DVOA. Point totals and yardage totals are only through 16 games, which is a small sample size. Sure it does tell you the good teams from the really bad teams, but it gets a little mushy between the good quality defensive units. Neither of those metrics also take into account scheduling. They don't take into account the hundreds of snaps that occur throughout the regular season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 I mean between the two, I'll take points allowed, but neither really accurately measures the level of play of a defense. Too much subjectivity in those stats. I don't care if you give up 500 yards a game if you somehow manage to only give up 10 points a game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tetsujin Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 Yards Per Play Allowed Points allowed and total yards allowed also factor in how you played on the other side of the ball. (Turnovers, a short field, & Time of Possession) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dome Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 Neither is perfect, not by a long shot. I prefer points if I can only look at one, cause that's what wins you games. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cddolphin Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 Points. Specifically those allowed by defense / special teams (pick-6s and fumble recoveries shouldn't count). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forge Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 I prefer efficiency stats. Dvoa and the like. Between the two, points Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
game3525 Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 DVOA, Red-zone defense, and turnovers is how I measure defense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom cody Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 Points Allowed for me of those 2. Also I think sacks and tackles should be taken into account as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAF-N72EX Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 DVOA because both of them (yards and PPG) are already included in the metrics but with much more context behind it. That said, no method is perfect. Between those two though, I'm definitely taking PPG. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakuvious Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 Of the two, for defense, definitely points. There are other better metrics, along with other stats that can help support, but points is definitely superior. You see varying levels of aggressiveness depending on scheme, roster, and coaching, so I think yards are more likely to wind up being inaccurate. There's always at least a few teams/coaching staffs around the league that go heavy on a bend but don't break style, conceding yards but getting hyper aggressive on 3rd down and in the red zone. Leads to yards being rough but if, executed well, an excellent scoring defense. Yards always won't always catch the impact of a great turnover defense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jakuvious Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 28 minutes ago, tom cody said: Points Allowed for me of those 2. Also I think sacks and tackles should be taken into account as well. .....what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreatZepp Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 Another for points allowed. Bend a lot of outstanding bend but don’t break defenses that gave up yardage only to tighten up when the field got short Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaguarCrazy2832 Posted August 31, 2018 Share Posted August 31, 2018 9 hours ago, Dome said: Neither is perfect, not by a long shot. I prefer points if I can only look at one, cause that's what wins you games. Pretty much this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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