Does Defense Still Win Championships?
By Joe Tufaro
There is an old saying that I have always believed in…Defense Wins Championships. However, after witnessing last nights game between the New Orleans Saints and The New York Giants, I wanted to take another look at that adage. The Giants, in a losing effort, had Eli Manning throw for 406 yards, while the team gained 465 Total Yards. The Giants had 29 first downs and were 5-11 on third down conversions. The Giants were reduced to throwing the ball throughout the second half as their defense could not contain the high wire act of Drew Brees and the Saints. So with a one dimensional offense staring at the Saints the entire second half, they allowed Eli to complete passes at will. Unfortunately, as we stated in our piece yesterday, without a running game this team is now the Eli Highlight Show every week. But more importantly, can you really be successful with just a great offense?
Let’s take a look at who many believe to be the top teams in the league and how they are faring defensively:
Green Bay: Ranked 30th in total defense averagng over 393 yards per game allowed
New England: Ranked 32nd in total defense
New Orleans: Ranked 25th in total defense
Chicago: Ranked 23rd
Houston, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore rank 1st to third in that order…….so if you still believe that Defense Wins Championships…One of those three teams will be wearing the crown come February.