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Best defense isn't always a good offense
By Phil Simms
Special to NFL.com
(Nov. 19, 2002) -- After allowing almost 33 points per game through their first seven games this season, the Kansas City Chiefs are playing better defense these days. In their last three games, they've held opponents to 17 points or less. You'd think that would be good for their high-powered offense, right? Well, that hasn't been the case.
The Chiefs and Bills are in the same boat. Earlier in the season, the Buffalo and Kansas City defenses were giving up so many big plays that their offenses were getting the ball more often.
Both of these teams are used to playing tight games this season, but tight, low-scoring games are harder on the offense than the 35-31 shootouts, which both were playing.
The defenses are giving up fewer big plays, but they are staying on the field longer and the clock is running. It's a different ballgame -- not running up and down the floor in a fast-break offense, getting a lot of shots. It's a slow-down tempo and your shots have to be more measured and more precise.
It's an interesting dilemma. You can fix one side of the ball, but does it coincide with the other? That's where you have to find a mix that lets the whole team blend together. A style that is most conducive is best for the squad.
Trent Green must learn to be more patient as the pace of the games slow down.
The bend-but-don't-break style is a good style. But what makes it work is having a guy who can make plays. In other words, if it's third-and-5, do you have the pass rusher force the quarterback to get rid of the ball and stop the drive? Or do you let the quarterback complete the pass for seven yards and then give them a new set of downs. The second option might still work because you're making the other team work harder, and they might eventually stop themselves with a penalty or a broken play. However, it does take time away from your offense.
It's going to be hard for teams like the Bills and Chiefs to string together a lot of wins. Despite the improvements on defense, where are they going to be dominating? I would guess that the casual fan probably can't name any players on either teams' defense. There's not a Ray Lewis at linebacker, not a Charles Woodson in the secondary, not a Michael Strahan up front. Neither team has a defensive game-breaker that can take control of a contest when the opportunity is there.
It will be interesting to see how these two teams can adjust. Can they get used to playing a slower-paced game? The offenses are going to get less touches, less opportunities, and they are going to have to be much more efficient than they were earlier in the year. Instead of getting 12 possessions per game, they're getting nine. Three less chances to score can change the outlook.k
By Phil Simms
Special to NFL.com
(Nov. 19, 2002) -- After allowing almost 33 points per game through their first seven games this season, the Kansas City Chiefs are playing better defense these days. In their last three games, they've held opponents to 17 points or less. You'd think that would be good for their high-powered offense, right? Well, that hasn't been the case.
The Chiefs and Bills are in the same boat. Earlier in the season, the Buffalo and Kansas City defenses were giving up so many big plays that their offenses were getting the ball more often.
Both of these teams are used to playing tight games this season, but tight, low-scoring games are harder on the offense than the 35-31 shootouts, which both were playing.
The defenses are giving up fewer big plays, but they are staying on the field longer and the clock is running. It's a different ballgame -- not running up and down the floor in a fast-break offense, getting a lot of shots. It's a slow-down tempo and your shots have to be more measured and more precise.
It's an interesting dilemma. You can fix one side of the ball, but does it coincide with the other? That's where you have to find a mix that lets the whole team blend together. A style that is most conducive is best for the squad.
Trent Green must learn to be more patient as the pace of the games slow down.
The bend-but-don't-break style is a good style. But what makes it work is having a guy who can make plays. In other words, if it's third-and-5, do you have the pass rusher force the quarterback to get rid of the ball and stop the drive? Or do you let the quarterback complete the pass for seven yards and then give them a new set of downs. The second option might still work because you're making the other team work harder, and they might eventually stop themselves with a penalty or a broken play. However, it does take time away from your offense.
It's going to be hard for teams like the Bills and Chiefs to string together a lot of wins. Despite the improvements on defense, where are they going to be dominating? I would guess that the casual fan probably can't name any players on either teams' defense. There's not a Ray Lewis at linebacker, not a Charles Woodson in the secondary, not a Michael Strahan up front. Neither team has a defensive game-breaker that can take control of a contest when the opportunity is there.
It will be interesting to see how these two teams can adjust. Can they get used to playing a slower-paced game? The offenses are going to get less touches, less opportunities, and they are going to have to be much more efficient than they were earlier in the year. Instead of getting 12 possessions per game, they're getting nine. Three less chances to score can change the outlook.k
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