What if the other team actually scores a couple TDs in garbage time, as often happens? In that case, points allowed is also deceptive. Other factors that can also skew points allowed (but not yards allowed) are turnovers by the offense, which can force the defense to defend a short field, or big returns allowed by the special teams. In both of those situations, the defense can play perfectly and still allow a field goal, or make just one little mistake and allow a TD.

There is no one perfect statistic for measuring defense.

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The cream will rise to the top on stats. Maybe not early but as the season goes on you will see the truly good D's at the top in points allowed as you will see the better offenses at the top as well.

The better scoring D's are going to hold opponents in the redzone out of the endzone at a higher percentage and staying away from big plays allowed. Both huge. All D's have to come in at times after turnovers and big ST's plays. We certainly haven't set any records on covering KO's or punts that's for sure.

We also happen to have on the very best stats on PA after turnovers which is one of the most important stats for a defense. I think we are like #2 there also.

Rather than look at one stat to measure a D would be to look at several. We are very high in PA, PA after turnovers, sacks, turnovers, and defensive TD's. One stat alone may not tell a whole story but several stats combined explains why we don't give up many points.

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You're not supposed to allow TDs in garbage time. You're supposed to limit them to FGs at the most. If you're allowing TDs, then you aren't exactly bend but don't break.

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