Big plays are defined as >= 30 yards for a pass play and >= 20 yards for a running play
Niner Offense:
Passing: tied for 18th in NFL with 14 such plays
Rushin: tied for 9th in NFL with 12 such runs
Overall: 14th in NFL with 26 such plays
Niner Defense:
Passing: tied for 27th in NFL with 24 such plays allowed
Rushing: tied for 16th in NFL with 9 such plays allowed
Overall: 26th in NFL with 33 such plays allowed (the only worse teams are the dregs of the NFL)
Conclusions?
Allowing big pass plays defensively is killing the Niners. Solution? Better pass rush and/or better defensive team speed, especially at the safety position, is required. Offensively, the club seems to be coming along nicely in this regard.
Very interesting results. I knew that the Niner defense has had difficulty getting off the field, but the scope of the vulnerability to the big pass play surprised me.
Don't think that this statistic is significant? Undefeated Indy is #1 in Big Play Defense.
[ Edited by jimbagg on Dec 22, 2009 at 6:35 PM ]