Analyzing the Pass Defense
The Broncos passing defense was ranked 29th in the league during the regular season. This ranking is based on the fact that they allowed 227.7 passing yards per game. Is this a good estimate of the Broncos passing defense? I think not. There is more to look at than just the number of yards allowed per game.
This yardage is skewed by how many teams were coming from behind and throwing a lot late in the game. Take a look at the Redskins, Patriots and Giants games, among others. You see a lot of passing happening late in the game as the Broncos played a more conservative D and gave up a lot of extra yards.
Also a factor was the Broncos rushing defense. The Broncos were second in the league in total rushing yards allowed. Teams had to pass more because their running games simply weren’t effective. This is reflected in the stats as well. Teams threw the ball over 38.3 times a game against the Broncos…highest in the league, and well over the average of 32.2. On the other hand, teams only ran it 21.5 times a game against the Broncos — lowest in the game.
Putting the different spin on the numbers, the Broncos defense allowed the third lowest pass completion percentage in the league at 56.1%. Their 5.94 yards allowed per attempt places them sixth in the league. Perhaps these numbers might give a better reflection of this passing defense.
The Broncos defense often relies on solid coverage as the defensive backs are placed in one on one coverage during blitzes. This sometimes accounts for big passing plays. However, it also accounts for a lot of hurried throws that end in incompletions and interceptions. This is also a big reason why Champ Bailey is such an important piece of the Broncos defense. His ability to cover a receiver by himself frees up another defender elsewhere.
In spite of the ranking of 29th in the league, perhaps this passing defense is at its best in obvious passing downs. Five or six (and occasionally even more!) defenders can go after the QB with little concern for the run.
Is this the best passing defense in the league? No one will argue that. But they aren’t fourth from the bottom either.
On January 18th, 2006 at 7:14 am
Nice. Thanks for your efforts Freak. I enjoy reading your blogs. I hope each week that the opposing team pays more attention to stats than what happens on the playing field, but of course at this level (post-season) I am confident that is not the case. If Pitt. can’t run against the Broncos #2 run D they are dead this Sunday.
On January 18th, 2006 at 10:30 am
Thanks Wrath.