NFL Defensive Rankings 2016: Best And Worst Teams | Latest News And Analysis
What are the NFL defensive rankings for 2016?
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are a measure of how well each team's defense performed during the 2016 season. The rankings are based on a variety of factors, including points allowed, yards allowed, and turnovers forced.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are important because they provide a way to compare the performance of different teams' defenses. They can also be used to identify trends and patterns in defensive performance.
The top-ranked defense in the NFL for 2016 was the Denver Broncos. The Broncos allowed the fewest points per game (16.5) and the fewest yards per game (283.1) in the league.
The Broncos' defense was led by a number of talented players, including cornerback Aqib Talib, safety T.J. Ward, and linebacker Von Miller. Miller was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year for his performance in 2016.
The Broncos' defense was a major factor in the team's success in 2016. The Broncos finished the season with a 12-4 record and won Super Bowl 50.
NFL defensive rankings for 2016
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are a measure of how well each team's defense performed during the 2016 season. The rankings are based on a variety of factors, including points allowed, yards allowed, and turnovers forced.
- Points allowed
- Yards allowed
- Turnovers forced
- Pass defense
- Rush defense
- Red zone defense
- Third down defense
These key aspects provide a comprehensive view of a team's defensive performance. By considering all of these factors, we can get a better understanding of which teams have the best defenses in the NFL.
1. Points allowed
Points allowed is a key component of the NFL defensive rankings for 2016. The fewer points a team allows, the higher they will be ranked in the defensive rankings. This is because points allowed is a measure of how well a team's defense prevents the opposing team from scoring. A team that allows a lot of points is more likely to lose games, while a team that allows few points is more likely to win games.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a team's points allowed. These factors include the team's pass defense, rush defense, and red zone defense. A team with a strong pass defense will be able to prevent the opposing team from completing passes and scoring touchdowns. A team with a strong rush defense will be able to prevent the opposing team from running the ball and scoring touchdowns. A team with a strong red zone defense will be able to prevent the opposing team from scoring touchdowns when they get inside the 20-yard line.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are a valuable tool for evaluating the performance of different teams' defenses. By considering points allowed, as well as other factors such as yards allowed and turnovers forced, we can get a better understanding of which teams have the best defenses in the NFL.
2. Yards allowed
Yards allowed is another key component of the NFL defensive rankings for 2016. The fewer yards a team allows, the higher they will be ranked in the defensive rankings. This is because yards allowed is a measure of how well a team's defense prevents the opposing team from moving the ball down the field. A team that allows a lot of yards is more likely to give up big plays and touchdowns, while a team that allows few yards is more likely to force the opposing team to punt or turn the ball over.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a team's yards allowed. These factors include the team's pass defense, rush defense, and red zone defense. A team with a strong pass defense will be able to prevent the opposing team from completing passes and gaining yards through the air. A team with a strong rush defense will be able to prevent the opposing team from running the ball and gaining yards on the ground. A team with a strong red zone defense will be able to prevent the opposing team from scoring touchdowns when they get inside the 20-yard line.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are a valuable tool for evaluating the performance of different teams' defenses. By considering yards allowed, as well as other factors such as points allowed and turnovers forced, we can get a better understanding of which teams have the best defenses in the NFL.
3. Turnovers forced
Turnovers forced is a key component of the NFL defensive rankings for 2016. The more turnovers a team forces, the higher they will be ranked in the defensive rankings. This is because turnovers forced is a measure of how well a team's defense takes the ball away from the opposing team. A team that forces a lot of turnovers is more likely to win games, while a team that forces few turnovers is more likely to lose games.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to a team's turnovers forced. These factors include the team's pass rush, coverage skills, and tackling ability. A team with a strong pass rush will be able to pressure the opposing quarterback and force him to make mistakes. A team with good coverage skills will be able to prevent the opposing team from completing passes and gaining yards through the air. A team with good tackling ability will be able to bring down the opposing ball carrier and prevent him from gaining yards on the ground.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are a valuable tool for evaluating the performance of different teams' defenses. By considering turnovers forced, as well as other factors such as points allowed and yards allowed, we can get a better understanding of which teams have the best defenses in the NFL.
4. Pass defense
Pass defense is a key component of the NFL defensive rankings for 2016. The ability to prevent the opposing team from completing passes is essential for any successful defense. A strong pass defense can force the opposing team to punt or turn the ball over, giving their own offense a chance to score. Conversely, a weak pass defense can allow the opposing team to move the ball down the field and score points at will.
There are a number of factors that contribute to a team's pass defense. These factors include the team's pass rush, coverage skills, and tackling ability. A strong pass rush can pressure the opposing quarterback and force him to make mistakes. Good coverage skills can prevent the opposing team's receivers from getting open and catching passes. And good tackling ability can prevent the opposing team's receivers from gaining yards after the catch.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 show that the teams with the best pass defenses are also the teams with the best overall records. The Denver Broncos, who had the number one ranked pass defense in 2016, finished the season with a 12-4 record and won Super Bowl 50. The New England Patriots, who had the number two ranked pass defense in 2016, finished the season with an 11-5 record and won the AFC Championship Game.
The importance of pass defense in the NFL cannot be overstated. Teams with strong pass defenses are much more likely to win games and compete for championships. Conversely, teams with weak pass defenses are much more likely to lose games and finish with poor records.
5. Rush defense
Rush defense is a key component of the NFL defensive rankings for 2016. The ability to prevent the opposing team from running the ball is essential for any successful defense. A strong rush defense can force the opposing team to punt or turn the ball over, giving their own offense a chance to score. Conversely, a weak rush defense can allow the opposing team to control the clock and score points at will.
- Tackling
Tackling is the most important aspect of rush defense. Defenders must be able to wrap up ball carriers and bring them to the ground. Arm tackles are not effective against good running backs, so defenders must use their legs and hips to drive through ball carriers and bring them down.
- Gap control
Gap control is another important aspect of rush defense. Defenders must be able to control the gaps between themselves and their teammates. This prevents the opposing team from running the ball through the holes in the defense.
- Pursuit
Pursuit is also important in rush defense. Defenders must be able to pursue ball carriers from behind and prevent them from gaining yards after contact.
- Pass rush
Pass rush can also help to improve a team's rush defense. When the pass rush is able to pressure the quarterback, it forces him to get rid of the ball quickly. This can lead to incomplete passes or interceptions, and it can also prevent the opposing team from running the ball effectively.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 show that the teams with the best rush defenses are also the teams with the best overall records. The Denver Broncos, who had the number one ranked rush defense in 2016, finished the season with a 12-4 record and won Super Bowl 50. The New England Patriots, who had the number two ranked rush defense in 2016, finished the season with an 11-5 record and won the AFC Championship Game.
The importance of rush defense in the NFL cannot be overstated. Teams with strong rush defenses are much more likely to win games and compete for championships. Conversely, teams with weak rush defenses are much more likely to lose games and finish with poor records.
6. Red zone defense
Red zone defense is a key component of the NFL defensive rankings for 2016. The red zone is the area of the field between the 20-yard line and the goal line. It is a critical area of the field because it is where teams are most likely to score points.
A strong red zone defense can prevent the opposing team from scoring touchdowns and field goals. This can give their own offense a chance to score points and win the game. Conversely, a weak red zone defense can allow the opposing team to score points easily, which can lead to losses.
- Tackling
Tackling is the most important aspect of red zone defense. Defenders must be able to wrap up ball carriers and bring them to the ground. Arm tackles are not effective in the red zone, so defenders must use their legs and hips to drive through ball carriers and bring them down.
- Gap control
Gap control is another important aspect of red zone defense. Defenders must be able to control the gaps between themselves and their teammates. This prevents the opposing team from running the ball through the holes in the defense.
- Pass rush
Pass rush can also help to improve a team's red zone defense. When the pass rush is able to pressure the quarterback, it forces him to get rid of the ball quickly. This can lead to incomplete passes or interceptions, and it can also prevent the opposing team from running the ball effectively.
- Communication
Communication is also important in red zone defense. Defenders must be able to communicate with each other and make sure that they are all on the same page. This prevents the opposing team from exploiting any weaknesses in the defense.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 show that the teams with the best red zone defenses are also the teams with the best overall records. The Denver Broncos, who had the number one ranked red zone defense in 2016, finished the season with a 12-4 record and won Super Bowl 50. The New England Patriots, who had the number two ranked red zone defense in 2016, finished the season with an 11-5 record and won the AFC Championship Game.
The importance of red zone defense in the NFL cannot be overstated. Teams with strong red zone defenses are much more likely to win games and compete for championships. Conversely, teams with weak red zone defenses are much more likely to lose games and finish with poor records.
7. Third down defense
Third down defense is a key component of the NFL defensive rankings for 2016. Third down is a critical down in football, as it is the down in which teams need to gain 10 yards in order to keep their drive alive. A strong third down defense can force the opposing team to punt or turn the ball over, giving their own offense a chance to score. Conversely, a weak third down defense can allow the opposing team to keep their drive alive and score points.
- Pass rush
A strong pass rush can help to improve a team's third down defense. When the pass rush is able to pressure the quarterback, it forces him to get rid of the ball quickly. This can lead to incomplete passes or interceptions, and it can also prevent the opposing team from converting on third down.
- Coverage
Good coverage can also help to improve a team's third down defense. When the coverage is able to prevent the opposing team's receivers from getting open, it makes it difficult for the quarterback to complete passes. This can force the opposing team to punt or turn the ball over.
- Tackling
Tackling is another important aspect of third down defense. Defenders must be able to wrap up ball carriers and bring them to the ground. This prevents the opposing team from gaining yards after the catch and converting on third down.
- Communication
Communication is also important in third down defense. Defenders must be able to communicate with each other and make sure that they are all on the same page. This prevents the opposing team from exploiting any weaknesses in the defense.
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 show that the teams with the best third down defenses are also the teams with the best overall records. The Denver Broncos, who had the number one ranked third down defense in 2016, finished the season with a 12-4 record and won Super Bowl 50. The New England Patriots, who had the number two ranked third down defense in 2016, finished the season with an 11-5 record and won the AFC Championship Game.
The importance of third down defense in the NFL cannot be overstated. Teams with strong third down defenses are much more likely to win games and compete for championships. Conversely, teams with weak third down defenses are much more likely to lose games and finish with poor records.
FAQs on NFL Defensive Rankings for 2016
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are a valuable tool for evaluating the performance of different teams' defenses. By considering points allowed, yards allowed, turnovers forced, pass defense, rush defense, red zone defense, and third down defense, we can get a better understanding of which teams have the best defenses in the NFL.
Question 1: What are the most important factors in determining a team's defensive ranking?
Answer: The most important factors in determining a team's defensive ranking are points allowed, yards allowed, turnovers forced, pass defense, rush defense, red zone defense, and third down defense.
Question 2: Which team had the best defense in the NFL in 2016?
Answer: The Denver Broncos had the best defense in the NFL in 2016.
Question 3: What are some of the key players on the Denver Broncos' defense?
Answer: Some of the key players on the Denver Broncos' defense in 2016 included Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward, and Von Miller.
Question 4: How did the Denver Broncos' defense contribute to the team's success in 2016?
Answer: The Denver Broncos' defense was a major factor in the team's success in 2016. The defense allowed the fewest points per game and the fewest yards per game in the league, and it also forced the most turnovers. This helped the Broncos finish the season with a 12-4 record and win Super Bowl 50.
Question 5: What are some of the trends in NFL defensive rankings over the past few years?
Answer: Some of the trends in NFL defensive rankings over the past few years include an increase in the importance of pass defense and a decrease in the importance of run defense. This is due in part to the increasing popularity of passing offenses in the NFL.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are a valuable tool for evaluating the performance of different teams' defenses. By considering a variety of factors, we can get a better understanding of which teams have the best defenses in the NFL.
Transition to the next article section: The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 are just one way to measure the performance of different teams' defenses. Other important factors to consider include the team's overall record, its performance against different types of offenses, and its ability to make big plays in.
Conclusion
The NFL defensive rankings for 2016 provide a valuable tool for evaluating the performance of different teams' defenses. By considering a variety of factors, including points allowed, yards allowed, turnovers forced, pass defense, rush defense, red zone defense, and third down defense, we can get a better understanding of which teams have the best defenses in the NFL.
The Denver Broncos had the best defense in the NFL in 2016, and their defense was a major factor in the team's success. The Broncos allowed the fewest points per game and the fewest yards per game in the league, and they also forced the most turnovers. This helped the Broncos finish the season with a 12-4 record and win Super Bowl 50.
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