If defense wins championships, some of the top teams in the NFL are going to have some issues come playoff time. The two worst defensive teams in total yards? The Patriots (9-3) rank 32nd, and the Packers (12-0) rank 31st. And the NFC South leading Saints (9-3) aren’t much better at 27th.
Over the last 10 years, the team with the worst defense in the league has a combined 47-113 record and has never made the playoffs.
Since the Ravens built a blueprint of how a dominating defense can overcome offensive shortcomings and lead a team to a title in 2000, only three Super Bowl champs have had a defense ranked outside the top 10.
But these three struggling defensive squads are unlike their paltry predecessors for several reasons.
1. Quarterback play ?»
Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees — the three highest-rated passers this season — can make up for a lot of defensive mistakes. These three passers aren’t just having good years; they are all having historic seasons. Rodgers has a higher passer rating than any other quarterback in NFL history, and Brees and Brady are both on pace to break Dan Marino’s single-season record for passing yards.
2. Bend but don’t break » While defenses are often measured by yardage allowed, what really matters most is points against. And the Patriots (13th), Packers (17th) and Saints (19th) are in the middle of the pack in that category. Also, some of the astronomical yardage totals these elite teams have allowed can be explained by opponents producing in garbage time against a team playing with a big lead in a prevent defense.
3. Forcing turnovers »
Green Bay leads the NFL with 23 interceptions, and New England is tied for second with 17. New Orleans has forced 15 fumbles, second most in the league, although the Saints have recovered only five of those. No matter how dynamic the offense, winning the turnover battle always matters.
– Jeffrey Tomik
