ESPN - Week 9: Numbers Crunching - NFL Denver's defense is the worst in the league in the second half of games; Miami's offense is fourth in both the first and second halves. Both teams love second down on offense; Miami's offense is second in the league on second down, while Denver's offense is third. Thought I'd share to see what you all think.
Well, I'm not one that puts too much stock in categorical 'rankings'... as it never takes the quality of opponents into account, and it only accounts for yards... not points, turnovers, situations, or penalties. However, these numbers would suggest that Miami is good at adjusting at halftime... and Denver is not. It would help explain why Denver isn't doing as well as expected this year... and Miami is doing better than almost everyone predicted.
The thing we have to worry about is being able to stop and control B. Marshall especially and their other WRs as well. Our secondary has serious problems stopping big, tall, dominant receivers, see Fitzgerald, Boldin and A. Johnson. The only way we can do that IMO is to have the safeties help the DBs better, which they've been horrible doing up until this point and we need to get serious pressure on Cutler.
I think the Pressure is paramount. Cutler has an absolute Cannon and no, nobody on our team can cover Marshall OR Royal 1 on 1. On the flipside, with a depleted Denver Defense, and no Champ Bailey, I think our Offense could really OWN the time advantage. I really like our chances in this one, but.... I also really like our chances against Houston...
