Three Weeks In...Defense Is More The Same - Except One Thing

[tynimiller]

Three weeks down...two weeks against green in the ear QBs....where are we at as a defense still is vastly unknown? However let's look at the numbers (pulling mainly from Pro Football Reference and/or PFF just for clarity - as numbers can differ on things depending on the origin).

Honestly, the bend bend bend but don't break system we all grew so used to is still visible, BUT there is one massive difference and that's the takeaways. This team has truly capitalized on turnover opportunities VASTLY more than in the past. Is that a coach/scheme thing or is it purely execution thing....is it luck? Either way that non-measurable item just seems entirely different.

Currently (yes Monday night game hasn't happened yet)....remember 16th would put us right in the middle of the pack...

15th in the league for Points Against
22nd in yards given up
21st in the league in yards given up per play
24th in passing yards given up
17th in net yards gained per pass attempt
13th in rushing yards given up
24th in rushing yards given up per attempt
2nd cleanest defense in penalties league wide (only Bengals are better and they haven't played 3 games yet)
8th best team in % of possessions ending in points given up

1st in Interceptions
2nd in fumbles recovered
1st in Total turnovers

23rd PFF graded defense overall
25th PFF graded run defense
11th PFF graded tackling
21st PFF graded in pass rush
15th PFF graded in coverage

Few other differences of observations...

Our pursuit and angle of attacks when a runner or receiver gets the ball out along an edge seems massively better. I haven't studied it in depth to know if it is just a few guys typically making those plays and it is just a too small of a sample size type thing or truly better.

HIGH HIGH level safety play on the backside is I think a MUCH bigger force of change than Hafley.

 

[longtimefan]

I say it every year.

After game 4 we get a real good idea of what this team is about

Right now it may start to be clicking on Def

 

[tynimiller]

I say it every year.

After game 4 we get a real good idea of what this team is about

Right now it may start to be clicking on Def

Except last year some would argue we were nowhere projecting to how we finished. If we can eek out a win vs the Vikings and the defense hold this potent offense say under 21....watch folks the year's special rating is growing.

 

[milani]

Three weeks down...two weeks against green in the ear QBs....where are we at as a defense still is vastly unknown? However let's look at the numbers (pulling mainly from Pro Football Reference and/or PFF just for clarity - as numbers can differ on things depending on the origin).

Honestly, the bend bend bend but don't break system we all grew so used to is still visible, BUT there is one massive difference and that's the takeaways. This team has truly capitalized on turnover opportunities VASTLY more than in the past. Is that a coach/scheme thing or is it purely execution thing....is it luck? Either way that non-measurable item just seems entirely different.

Currently (yes Monday night game hasn't happened yet)....remember 16th would put us right in the middle of the pack...

15th in the league for Points Against
22nd in yards given up
21st in the league in yards given up per play
24th in passing yards given up
17th in net yards gained per pass attempt
13th in rushing yards given up
24th in rushing yards given up per attempt
2nd cleanest defense in penalties league wide (only Bengals are better and they haven't played 3 games yet)
8th best team in % of possessions ending in points given up

1st in Interceptions
2nd in fumbles recovered
1st in Total turnovers

23rd PFF graded defense overall
25th PFF graded run defense
11th PFF graded tackling
21st PFF graded in pass rush
15th PFF graded in coverage

Few other differences of observations...

Our pursuit and angle of attacks when a runner or receiver gets the ball out along an edge seems massively better. I haven't studied it in depth to know if it is just a few guys typically making those plays and it is just a too small of a sample size type thing or truly better.

HIGH HIGH level safety play on the backside is I think a MUCH bigger force of change than Hafley.

It is relative to 3 specific games and 3 specific opponents. Sacks and turnovers standout. We faced one high powered offense and 2 low powered ones with green QBS. But the 2 strong defensive performances came when we ourselves were without our franchise QB. Obviously, we will not see that happen in the next several months when we face experienced QBS with potent offenses. With that said we see Hafley using more pressure and positioning players closer to the line than Barry. Yet, at the same time he has had the safeties prepared for the deep ball which they will need vs. Jefferson.

 

[PikeBadger]

If we can control the flow of game and clock we'll be fine. Once again will need a very good game plan from LaFleur and lack of penalties for once.

 

[longtimefan]

Except last year some would argue we were nowhere projecting to how we finished. If we can eek out a win vs the Vikings and the defense hold this potent offense say under 21....watch folks the year's special rating is growing.

True. There are times a team really gels at end. 2010 Packers

But I think in general you get a good idea way more than the 1st 2 weeks