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Behind the Numbers - A LOOK INSIDE THE RAVENS 2005 DEFENSE

The Playoff Formula: Part 2 of 3...Photo by Sabina Moran
Posted On: 9/13/06
Written By:  
Scot Kleinfeld
A LOOK INSIDE THE RAVENS 2005 DEFENSE
Defense has been the strength of the Ravens for several years and the performance last Sunday in Tampa Bay is a sign that the 2006 version could be another highly ranked unit. 
 
In case you missed Part I, let me restate how this article was written. This article analyzes the disparity in key statistical categories between the 2005 Ravens and the twelve teams that made the playoffs. I compiled stats on Offense, Defense and Special Teams and found the average of the 2005 playoff teams. I then compared those averages to the stats of the 2005 Ravens. I think some, if not many of the comparisons, might surprise you.
 
In Part I we looked at how much the Ravens need to improve on the offensive side of the ball to have a shot at the playoffs this year.  Now let’s see how the Ravens 2005 Defense stacked up against last year’s playoff teams.
 
As you will see, the Ravens 2005 Defense compared very favorably to the teams that made the playoffs. In six of the nine statistical categories compared, the Ravens were better than the average of the 12 playoff teams.  We’ll call this the “Above Average” table.

DEFENSE
 
 
 
Statistic
 
2005 Playoff teams average
2005 Ravens
% Difference (+ / -)
Rush yards per game
108.8
99.4
+10%
 
 
 
 
Pass yards per game
202.2
185.2
+9%
 
 
 
 
Total Defense (yards/game)
307.9
284.7
+8%
 
 
 
 
 
3rd down conversion %
38%
36%
+6%
 
Pass Completion %
58.4%
56.3%
+4%
 
 
 
 
Sacks
40
41
+3%
 
 
 
 

The numbers above should have you smiling, but there is still some room for improvement in 2006. One category below should leap out at you like that Ray Lewis decking of Michael Pittman on the goal line.  We’ll call this the “Below Average” table.
 

DEFENSE
 
 
 
Statistic
 
2005 Playoff teams average
2005 Ravens
% Difference
(+ / -)
Time of Possession
29:11
29:38
-1%
 
 
 
 
Pts allowed per game
17.7
18.7
-6%
 
 
 
 
Turnovers forced
32
26
-23%
 
 
 
 

Where the Offensive glass was more than half empty, the Defensive glass was nearly full. If the 2006 Ravens Defense can cause more turnovers and play at or nearly to the same level in the other major categories as they did in 2005, they should have a solid chance of reaching that magic number – 10 wins!
 
Check back soon for the analysis of the 2005 Ravens Special Teams.
 

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Posted On: 9/13/06
Written By:  
Scot Kleinfeld

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