Numbers Show Eagles’ D Might Be Better

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Photo by: Tom Fox

It’s Tuesday and I’m already tired of hearing about the greatness of the Vikings defense, while talking about the Eagles defense like it’s some kind of second-class squad. How much better is the Vikings defense than the Eagles’? Is the Vikings defense all hype? I’ve watched both squads and I think the Eagles are just as good. Am I crazy? Let’s look at some numbers.

VIKINGS DEFENSIVE AVERAGES:

Opp Score Total Yards Pass Yards Rush Yards
16.24 280.76 197.41 83.35

EAGLES DEFENSIVE AVERAGES:

Opp Score Total Yards Pass Yards Rush Yards
17.94 305.00 225.41 79.59

The Vikings, on average, give up 1.75 less points a game, about 28 less passing yards, and almost 4 more rushing yards per game than the Eagles. On face value, they are slightly better than the Eagles’ defense. But, let’s dig a little further.

Since the game is being played at Lincoln Financial Field, let’s take a look at the Vikings defense on the road.

VIKINGS DEFENSE ON THE ROAD:

Opp Score Total Yards Pass Yards Rush Yards
19.00 303.38 191.25 112.13

The numbers drop off a bit when the Vikings hit the road. They give up almost 3 more points, 23 more total yards, about 6 less passing yards, but their rush defense drops off dramatically to a whopping 112 yards per game. That means one thing. RUN, BABY RUN!

Let’s compare that to the Eagles defense at home.

Opp Score Total Yards Pass Yards Rush Yards
13.00 280.67 209.33 71.33

The Eagles defense performs dramatically better at home. Compared to the Vikings road defense, the Eagles defense gives up 6 less points. That’s basically a touchdown. The Eagles give up 18 more passing yards, but, most importantly, the give up only 71 yards per game rushing.

That’s important. The Vikings like to use the run to take a little pressure off Keenum. Good luck with that against the Eagles.

Let’s do one last comparison to prove that the Eagles defense is every bit as good as the Vikings. Let’s compare how the defenses performed against common opponents.

VIKINGS COMMON OPPONENTS
Opp Opp Score Total Yards Pass Yards Rush Yards
@Chicago Bears 17 274 159 115
@Washington Redskins 30 394 313 81
@Atlanta Falcons 9 275 173 102
@Carolina Panthers 31 345 129 216
Chicago Bears 10 201 171 30
AVERAGES: 19.4 297.8 189 108.8

 

EAGLES COMMON OPPONENTS
Opp Opp Score Total Yards Pass Yards Rush Yards
@Washington Redskins 17 264 200 64
@Carolina Panthers 23 305 225 80
Washington Redskins 24 344 269 75
Chicago Bears 3 140 134 6
Atlanta Falcons 10 281 195 86
AVERAGES: 15.4 266.8 204.6 62.2

This format is easier for comparison purposes:

vs. Common Opponents:

Opp Score Total Yards Pass Yards Rush Yards
Vikings D Averages: 19.4 297.8 189 108.8
Eagles D Averages: 15.4 266.8 204.6 62.2

Eagles’ defense outperformed the Vikings defense versus common opponents in every category, but total Avg Passing Yards Allowed. The Eagles’ gave up 4 points less per game and 46.6 less yards rushing. That’s just ridiculous.

The numbers don’t lie. This Vikings’ defense is good, but the Eagles are just as good, if not better.

In conclusion, SHUT THE F**K UP ABOUT THE VIKINGS DEFENSE. 

Fly Eagles Fly.