Give credit where due

[Davis83]

The Defense:

18th in pts allowed = 21.4

This while being on the field on average 36-38 minutes of the game. This while our O has given the other team the ball on short fields so many times - and many of those the D held them to 3pts.

Now the following look really good, but are driven by defending a short field following turn overs.

4th in TOT Yds = 301.7

5th in Pass Yds = 182.7

YES, I acknowledge that there have been a few blown coverages, several bone head plays, but what team ever goes thru a season without that happening from time to time? I'm just impressed that as bad as we have looked, the D has for all intensive purposes looked good.

The D is 6th in interceptions with 10 - they have forced 4 fumbles and recovered 3. I'd say thats pretty respectable.

There is not much thay can do when we turn the ball over and the opposing team begins in the Red Zone.

So with all the frustration and being haters - lets at least acknowledge that our D has played good enough for us to win.

[tarheelpride]

If we had even the Bills O, we would have about 4 wins right about now

[Phil Dees]

LOTS of posts here talk about the defense being on the field so long. Fact is if the offense had the ball only 2 min and 59 sec per more game it would be 50% offense and 50% defense.

Patriots D is on field more than Panthers and they're doing pretty good. 6-1

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?season=2010&seasonType=REG&defensiveStatisticCategory=GAME_STATS&d-447263-o=2&conference=ALL&tabSeq=2&role=OPP&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=TIME_OF_POSS_SECONDS_PER_GAME_AVG&d-447263-n=1

[Davis83]

The avergae makes it look like close to 50%. I'm seeing several 36+"s and remember I'm talking ALOT of short fields in those minutes.

Rams = 36:28

49ers = 36:05

Bears 29:41

Saints = 38:22

Bengals 23:88 = this is the one that throws the average out of wack

Bucs 29:00

Giants = 34:39

[Phil Dees]

Chargers lead in TOP with 33 min 43 sec.

http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?offensiveStatisticCategory=GAME_STATS&season=2010&seasonType=REG&d-447263-o=2&conference=ALL&tabSeq=2&role=TM&d-447263-p=1&d-447263-s=TIME_OF_POSS_SECONDS_PER_GAME_AVG&d-447263-n=1

[Catdaddy]

Being dead last in points scored and being ranked 4th in defense is pretty good!