ESPN NFL

A Defensive Trend
The Colts-Jets game was an offensive showcase, featuring 862 yards of offense and 69 points scored. There were some one-sided offensive displays as the Browns scored 44 points against the Cardinals, the Broncos put 37 points on the board against the Chargers, and the Seahawks scored 35 first-half points to cage the Lions. Yet despite those showcases, the theme of the day was defense.

The Bills faced a Texans team with the 31st-ranked defense both in scoring and yards allowed, yet failed to score an offensive touchdown for their third straight game. The Dolphins and Ravens went into a fifth quarter and still couldn't get into the end zone. The Titans and Jaguars combined for just 13 points in their game. Nine teams scored 10 or fewer points, and the scoring for the week was 2.4 points below the previous average.

Possible reasons for this are plentiful, but the most obvious answer is injuries. Twelve of the 30 teams that played on Sunday started a different quarterback than they did on opening day. Offensive lines have taken a beating, taking apart the chemistry needed to work the entire offense. Plus, some star receivers like Marvin Harrison and Eric Moulds were unable to participate. Injuries have certainly hit defenses as well, but a defense is better suited to deal with backups playing. On defense, each player knows his assignment and then reacts to what the offense does.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider