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Originally Posted by an23dy
If we are undeniably a worse defense than Philly how did we beat em twice, because our offense or special teams undeniably is not better than Philly's. You're just looking at it based on hype from the media.
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This argument is akin to saying something like, "if meteorologists are undeniably better predictors of weather than sportscasters, then how come it rained yesterday?" It's neither here nor there. Philadelphia was ranked ahead of us by every defensive measure, points, yards, etc, and they had to defend way, way more drives.
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If you look at results we gave up 4th lowest yard total and 6th lowest point total. And oif course people are going to come back with we didn't cause enough turnovers and that's true, but when you play a riskier style you also give up big plays. We played solid and that's why the overall stats are good. And in terms of turnovers, I believe we were 2nd in the NFL in 3 and outs, which is basically a turnover, same as a 30 yard interception for example.
Also, I thought I heard talk about Blache possibly retiring after this year and sticking around for one more year. I don't know his contract or anything like that, but I hope he does retire after this year so we can get Gray. I expect the defense to be good this year which may keep Blache around, and if it does I expect Gray to be gone with another D-coordinator job.
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Per game yardage totals and points totals don't consider how often you faced an opponents drive, because the style of the offense (slow vs. fast) will affect how many drives a defense has to defend. Also, a defense that struggles to get off the field will have to face fewer drives. We actually weren't very good at getting three and outs, as much as we were at eventually forcing punts.
But it was a few things that put us behind the Tampa's and Chicago's of the world in defense last year, and I think turnovers are a big part of that. I don't have any doubt that they will improve in those phases this year, Blache-permitting. Interesting points, you make.