This article analyzes the disparity in key statistical categories between the 2006 Ravens and the twelve other teams in the NFL having a winning record after week 4. I compiled the Defensive numbers and found the average of the 2006 winning teams. I then compared those averages to the stats of the 2006 Ravens through the first four games.
As expected, the Defense is one of the best in the league and is far better than the other winning teams in most of the stats. In fact, the Defense is so good through four games there is no need for a “Bad†or “Ugly†list. The table below lists the five “best†defensive categories for the Ravens through four games compared to the averages of the other winning teams. We’ll call this the “Great†list.
|
STAT
|
2006 Winning Teams AVG
|
2006 Ravens
|
% Difference (+/-)
|
|
Points Allowed
|
14.9
|
8.2
|
+82%
|
|
Turnovers
|
7.6
|
12
|
+58%
|
|
Sacks
|
10.8
|
17
|
+57%
|
|
Rush yards/game
|
97.1
|
63.2
|
+54%
|
|
3rd Down Conversion
|
34.2%
|
25.5%
|
+34%
|
The stat to watch closely below is Pass Completion percentage. If the Offense improves and the Ravens have comfortable leads in the 4th quarter teams will be forced to pass more and this number should increase. An example is the Chicago Bears. They have often had large leads so far this year and their Defense is allowing a 60.2 pass completion rate. Check out the “Good†list.
|
STAT
|
2006 Winning Teams AVG
|
2006 Ravens
|
% Difference (+/-)
|
|
Total Defense
|
289.5
|
219
|
+32%
|
|
Pass Yards/Game
|
192.5%
|
155.8%
|
+24%
|
|
Pass Completion %
|
57.68%
|
53%
|
+9%
|
|
Time of Possession
|
28:43
|
28:30
|
+7%
|
If the Defense can continue to play at this level the Ravens will at least have a chance to win every game. Check back after the game versus Cincinnati on November 5th to see the mid year report cards.
