BVG frustrates me. And so does our defense. But there's hope. I'm sure of it. Kinda.
Join me after the jump for some defensive shenanigans!
And the nominees are [insert drum roll] ...
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Standard Contradictory Disclaimer: Many of the stats that follow could or should (at least in theory) be attributed to our LBs, not just our DBs.
What They Did Right:
(1) DVOA against #2 WRs. Ours was 11 percent more successful than league-average or 6/32 teams.
(2) DVOA against opposing TEs. Ours was 2.1 less successful than league-average or 13/32 teams.
(3) DVOA against #3/#4/#5 WRs. Ours was 7 percent more successful than league-average or 13/32 teams.
What They Did Wrong:
DVOA against #1 WRs. Ours was 7.4 percent less successful than league-average. To be fair, the difference in yards per game allowed between the team with the best DVOA vs. #1 WRs (San Diego with 42.1 yards/game) and the team with the worst DVOA vs. #1 WRs (Dallas with 95.7 yards/game) isn't all that significant.
LINEBACKERS
Standard Contradictory Disclaimer: There are no stats (to my knowledge) that directly assess linebackers as a unit. Could not find advanced statistics for Wire or Adkins, which makes sense given how little they played. The LB advanced stats we usually rely on don't have a minimum-snaps/games-played requirement, which makes it hard to assess how our LB corps measures up league-wide. But what follows are some numbers to think about (hopefully before you vote).
Tackle Factor
Spoon: -1.49
Peterson: -1.14
Lofton: -2.4 (11th highest in the league)
Nicholas: -1.47
Positive Expected Points Added/Game
Spoon: 1.13
Peterson: 2.52
Lofton: 2.81
Nicholas: 1.63
Sacks/QB Hits/Forced Fumbles/Tackles for a Loss/Interceptions
Spoon: 1/2/0/1/0
Peterson: 1/1/2/8/2
Lofton: 2/3/3/4/1
Nicholas: 0/0/1/2/1
Positive Win Probability Added
Spoon: .88
Peterson: .98
Lofton: 1.97 (11th highest in the league)
Nicholas: .59
DEFENSIVE LINE
Standard Contradictory Disclaimer: Many of the stats that follow could or should (at least in theory) be attributed (at least in part) to our front seven, not just the defensive line.
What They Did Right:
(1) Adjusted Line Yards Against - basically a YPC figure that accounts for down/distance/situation/opponent/formation - was 3.81 (12/32 teams).
(2) Stuffed Rank - the percentage of runs where the RB is tackled at/behind the line of scrimmage - was 22 percent (5/32 teams).
What They Did Wrong:
(1) 31 sacks but their Adjusted Sack Rate - sack rate that factors in intentional grounding penalties and offensive line's ability - was only 5.8 percent (ranked 23/32 teams).
(2) Gave up a lot of Open Field Yards (1.19 per rushing attempt or 22/32 teams).
(3) Gave up a lot of 2nd Level Yards (0.92 per rushing attempt or 22/32 teams).
(4) Remember all those 3rd downs where they couldn't stop the run? Bet you do. Their Power Success Against was 64 percent (19/32 teams).