Quote:Total Defense:      32nd

Points per game:  32nd  (over 8 points more than the terrible bucs)

Yards allowed:      32nd

Yards per play:     23rd

Allowed 1st dwns: 32nd

3rd dwn pct allwd: 25th

Pen against:         27th

TOP against:        32nd  (30 more seconds than the raiders)

 

 

Points Per Game can be attributed to both offense and Defense.  Defense needs to stop them too, but the Offense has been letting them have the ball too much
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Yards Allowed is in part due to the Offense getting off the field too quickly.  I'm not talking about the defense not being rested.  I'm talking about the Defense having to play longer, therefore more yards.


Yards per play is the telling stat.  And it has to get better.  23rd in yards per play suggests that the Offense just doesn't keep the ball long enough.  If this were 32nd, I'd be FAR MORE CONCERNED about the Defense.  We're allowed 5.9 yards per play.  If they covered the middle of the field better, I think we'd see them do better.


Defense deserves the blame on 1st downs too.  While the Offense does give them more opportunities, a good three and out stops any 1st downs.  If they keep letting them convert, then the offense can't do much about them getting more opportunities.


 

3rd Down percentage allowed is all on Defense too.  It's a percentage, not a number.  There haven't really been all that many 3rd down attempts.  47 (compared to the fewest by the Rams with 30).  


 

Not sure where you got your stats for PEN Against.  We're actually 21st.   WIth 194.


 

Offense has a bit hand in Time of Possession.  Before this Sunday's game we had converted only 5 3rd downs all season.  Our team ranks near last in 1st downs.  Even if the Defense gets off the field (which they don't do often enough, of course) they're right back on it after a 3 and out.


 

All in all, I think our offense can help our defense out a little.  They won't turn them into world beaters or anything.  But I think we'll see improved numbers, ones more close to the other teams in the NFL.  


Now, I think we'll have reason for concern if say... our Yards Per Play increases when they have less plays.  But I think Bortles will aid the defense, and we'll see them close the gap a little between them and the other Bottom 5 defenses in the NFL.  

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