WHODATINCA

I knew these teams were fairly equally matched. I wanted to know if there were any glaring differences? I wanted to see how they compared by the numbers. I know that numbers don't tell the whole story, but it was a fun exercise nonetheless. Here is the comparison so far:

QUARTERBACK.............ATT......COMP......PCT........YDS......AVG......YDS/G......LONG
Drew Brees.................439.......300.........68.3........3647.....8.3......317.3........69
Russell Wilson..............275.......176.........64........2362......8.6......198.3........80

QUARTERBACK.............TD......TD%......INT......INT%....SACK...YDSL
Drew Brees.................28.......6.4.........8........1.8.......23.......157
Russell Wilson..............19.......6.9.........6........2.2......29.......181

Summary: We pass more and, naturally, score many more TDs thru the air. Drew is more accurate and is intercepted less. Wilson is sacked a bit more.

OFFENSE Receiving
.........................NO.......SEA
Yards / Game.......331.5....227
YAC...................1627......1180
1st Downs...........168.......110
20+....................45.........40
TD......................28........20
Total Yards..........3647.....2497
Avg....................12.2.......13.6

Summary: One surprise here is our YAC which is substantially better. We make more first downs passing, they make more on the ground.

OFFENSE Rushing
.........................NO.......SEA
Yards / Game.......97.7.....147.9
1st Downs...........64........90
20+....................4.........10
TD......................7........11
Total Yards..........1075....1627
Avg.....................3.9......4.5

Summary: Not surprisingly run defense will be important. [*see Skittles] Total yards for air & ground: 4722 NO vs 4124.

DEFENSE
.........................NO.......SEA
Sacks.................37........33
Tackles for Loss....21........24
Sack Yards Lost....235......223
Interceptions........10........16
Pick 6 ..................0..........2
Yds on Intercep.....163......293
Forced Fumbles......15.......15
Recov. Fumbles.......7........10
Blocked Kicks..........0........1
Passes Defended.....50.......53
Yds Allowed..........305.4.....293.3
Pts. Allowed..........17.8.....16.3
Pass YDA.............198.0.....180.4
Run YDA..............111.9......112.9
Turnover Ratio.......+4..........+11
%3rd Down Conv.....34.3......37.8

Summary: This is where the numbers start getting interesting. They have 6 more interceptions than we do -- and massive yards off those interceptions. They are recovering a few more fumbles too. Interestingly, the Legion of Boom only has 3 more passes defended than we do. I would have thought that number would be worse. We have 4 more sacks and Wilson has been sacked 6 times more than Drew. Can you say Cam and Junyah?!!!

Also, our defense ranks 4th in % Third Downs Converted, while Seattle ranks 18th. And, the news is even better on 4th down. Hey, in this type game, it's the little things that matter.

Next up receiving and kicking game.....

Enjoy,
WHODATINCA

Shutdown defense in 2017 = Championship!