"Sudden Change" Defense - key to Panthers success

[KB_fan]

I just linked this article in the Stats & Analysis thread, but I think it's probably worth a separate thread.  Surprise, it's from David Newton, but it's got great info.

http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/16635/sudden-change-defense-is-a-big-reason-the-panthers-suddenly-are-relevant-again

I hadn't ever seen this stat re defensive performance following "sudden changes" before.  I knew we were doing well at limiting points following our turnovers this year, but I'd not known it was also a huge factor in the 2013's team success.  Very interesting...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Twice on Sunday night the Philadelphia Eagles began a drive inside the Carolina Panthers' 40-yard line after Cam Newton threw an interception.

Both possessions resulted in field goals.

In terms of "sudden change," that was a win for the Carolina defense.

It’s nothing new. The Panthers (6-0) have allowed only 12 points this season after an interception or fumble, otherwise known as "sudden change." That’s the third fewest in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats and Information.

Carolina is one of four teams that haven’t allowed a touchdown on a drive following a turnover. Seattle, St. Louis and Green Bay are the others.

The ability to limit their opponents in "sudden change" situations is a big reason the Panthers are off to the best start in team history heading into a Monday night game against Indianapolis.

The Panthers easily could be 4-2 had they given up touchdowns instead of field goals against the Eagles and Seattle the previous week after a pair of interceptions.

[...]

The Panthers ranked first in the NFL in sudden change defense in 2013. The defense finished that season second behind eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle and finished the regular season with a 12-4 record.

Carolina was 19th in sudden change in 2014, allowing 77 points after turnovers. The defense ranked 10th overall, and the Panthers' regular-season record was 7-8-1.

[Stewart up the middle]

That to me was the most impressive aspect of this W, that we beat them even after throwing 3 picks. The other side of this coin is that the defense is bailing out the offense just like last year. 

[X-Clown on 1]

I think TD causing a sudden change in direction for most of their ball carriers, played a big part in this stat.

[Khaki Lackey]

That to me was the most impressive aspect of this W, that we beat them even after throwing 3 picks. The other side of this coin is that the defense is bailing out the offense just like last year. 

It's a team effort. The offense did score 27 on a pretty stout defense.

[Khyber53]

That is a really important stat. What it shows is the attitude of the defense after a turnover.

Our guys aren't groaning about having to get up unrested. They are charging out there to shut down the opposing team's offense. It's a subtle attitude thing, but it's really important. There's no "Oh crap! We've turned the ball over, we're screwed now!" mentality, but a group of angry defenders going out to shut down somebody who "took their ball away."

Yeah, this is a good stat. Consistent winning teams don't let a turnover wreck the game. Losing teams get all upset and let the ballgame go. Our defense is chomping at the bit to get back out there and extract revenge, other guys' defenses are whining about being winded or not getting to finish their Gatorade.

 

[UKPanther94]

Yeah other than that TD run which was from their territory they got nothing when it wasn't a short field

[Mr. Scot]

I think TD causing a sudden change in direction for most of their ball carriers, played a big part in this stat.

Reminds me of an old saying:

"It's not the fall that kills you. It's the sudden stop."

Davis hitting you has a similar effect.