Arguably the most important stats - points given up where we improved A LOT from nearly 40 points per game down to 30.
But in terms of yards per play against and yards per point - we only improved incrementally and on a relative basis that incremental improvement was small.
So what changed statistically to explain the points against? A few things did improve markedly which help to explain the improvement to points allowed.
- FG% increased in the red zone. We went from bad to just below average in getting other teams to kick FGs instead of scoring TDs
- Sacks. We went from beyond horrible to above average in generating a pass rush
- Penalties. We were a the very bottom nationally in 2014 and finished among the better teams in 2015
- Turnover Margin: We were poor in 2014 and yet in 2015 were clearly above average
Yet, our defense was still not very good. We got a lot better against the pass in 2015 but got worse versus the run. A lot of room for improvement here and if we don't get it then 2016 is not likely to be bueno
But in terms of yards per play against and yards per point - we only improved incrementally and on a relative basis that incremental improvement was small.
So what changed statistically to explain the points against? A few things did improve markedly which help to explain the improvement to points allowed.
- FG% increased in the red zone. We went from bad to just below average in getting other teams to kick FGs instead of scoring TDs
- Sacks. We went from beyond horrible to above average in generating a pass rush
- Penalties. We were a the very bottom nationally in 2014 and finished among the better teams in 2015
- Turnover Margin: We were poor in 2014 and yet in 2015 were clearly above average
Yet, our defense was still not very good. We got a lot better against the pass in 2015 but got worse versus the run. A lot of room for improvement here and if we don't get it then 2016 is not likely to be bueno
