NFL Playoffs: Analyzing and Ranking every Team
Nov 10, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; A salute to veterans logo on an NFL football during the second half between the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars at LP Field. Jacksonville won 29-27. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
In the NFL playoffs, one bad day can send a team packing and teams that lack balance are far more susceptible to early or surprising exits. If a team’s success is tied heavily to one phase of the game and that phase fails them – or simply isn’t up to par – teams go home early.
We have seen it with good offensive teams that lack defense: 2012 Broncos, 2011 Packers, endless Colts teams, etc. We have also seen it with good defensive teams that lack offense: Endless Ravens teams in the last 10 years, the Tony Dungy Buccaneers, etc. With that being said, I took a look at who are the most and least balanced teams in the 2013 playoffs. I took a look at the following 23 categories (8 offense, 7 defense, 8 special teams) and added up the team’s regular season rankings in all 23 categories.
Offense Defense Special Teams
Yards Per Game Yards Per Game Net Punting
Passing YPG Passing YPG % of Punts Inside 20
Rushing YPG Rushing YPG Fair Catches Forced
Points Per Game Points Allowed Per Game FG %
Giveaways Takeaways Kick Return Avg.
Turnover Differential Sacks Punt Return Avg.
Sacks Allowed 3rd Down Conv. Allowed KR Avg. Allowed
3rd Down Conversion % PR Avg. Allowed