At the midway point of the season the defense is still producing better than the other teams with winning records.
In case you missed the articles reviewing the 2005 season and the first quarter report card, let me explain how these statistics were created.
This article analyzes the disparity in key statistical categories between the 2006 Ravens and the eleven other teams in the NFL having a winning record after 8 games. (For the results of the season’s first quarter, click on the archive button above.)
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 eight games. The table below lists the nine defensive categories BTN will be tracking the rest of the season.
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DEFENSE:
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Statistic
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2006 Winning teams average
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2006 Ravens
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% Difference (+/-)
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Turnovers forced
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16
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25
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+ 56.3%
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Rush yards per game
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100
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69.3
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+ 30.7%
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Points allowed
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17.3
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13.9
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+ 24.5%
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3rd down conversion %
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36.8%
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32.4%
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+ 13.6%
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Total Defense
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301.2
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273.8
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+ 10%
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Pass completion %
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58.9%
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53.6%
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+ 9.9%
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Sacks
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21.3
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23
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+ 7.9%
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Time of Possession
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28:45
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27:45
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+ 3.6%
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Pass yards per game
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201.3
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204.5
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– 1.6%
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At the current rate the Ravens would force 50 turnovers…an astounding stat. If the numbers above continue to hold or even improve the Ravens should have a chance to make a run in the post season. Let’s hope the injury bug doesn’t make a stop at 1 Winning Drive. Check back for the third quarter report card after the Cincinnati game on November 30th.
