A STATISTICAL LOOK AT THE DEFENSES OF THE PATRIOTS AND SEAHAWKS

In case you haven't heard, the Seahawks are known for having a tough defense.  During the regular season they led the league for both least points allowed and least yards allowed.  When it comes to passing yards allowed and rushing yards allowed during the regular season they were ranked first and third respectively.  While those rankings may be good enough data for someone who gets all their sports information from ESPN, if you're reading my blog you want more.    

Because data is always easier to comprehend when it's in a table or a chart, that's how it will be presented.

Looking at the statistics I've shared, it is evident that Seattle and the "Legion of Boom" have earned all the praise they are getting.  Although I'm a total "Pats Homer", I can't refute this.  What I can do however, is take a closer look at the competition the Seahawks have faced.

While the previous tables are pretty self-explanatory, this next chart needs a quick explanation.  First off, the teams are listed in order of when the game was played.  I looked at how many points the Seattle defense gave up and how many points the opposing team typically scored this season.  If Seattle kept a team 7 points below what would typically be expected from them I changed the font to green.   

Looking at the sea of green predominately being during the second half of the season you can interpret it multiple ways including two of the more obvious: the team was getting better or the competition was getting worse.  Looking at the teams who they faced, I would have to consider it a combination of both.  

Being a Patriots fan, I'm not worried too much about the Seahawks' defense as the Patriots averaged over 29 points per game during the regular season and 40 in the post-season.  As usual, the Patriots fate lies in their own hands.

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