In depth statistical look at defensive backs

[oasis]

There has been a lot of talk about how well Sean Smith has played, and in contrast, how poorly Will Allen has played.

I took a look at some stats compiled by PFF.
http://www.profootballfocus.com/by_...type=r&runpasteamid=-1&numsnaps=25&numgames=1

They rank Sean Smith 9th among all corners. Will Allen is ranked 35th. However, if you take a close look at the numbers, Allen is actually allowing a lower catch percentage (38.5% vs. 47.6%). However, Allen dips fairly low in the rankings because he has allowed 2 TDs and has been penalized a fair amount. Most notable, however, is the opposing QBs passer rating when throwing into the defensive backs' coverage - Will Allen is allowing a 50.6 while Sean Smith is allowing 87.0. Cumulatively, throwing into Smith's coverage has also yielded more yardage (228 vs. 143). But Sean has not allowed any touchdowns so far (not surprising in redzone considering his size).

Will is actually performing a little better coverage-wise (he's ranked 15th while Smith is 16th), but the fact he is getting penalized so much really drops his overall ranking. Otherwise, he'd be fairly high up on the list. The flip-side is you have to commend Smith for not drawing any flags.

These numbers basically argue that both corners are playing well, except for Will's penalties. Vontae Davis did not make the list. Also interesting is that Nnamdi Asomugha is allowing a high catch percentage (87.5%), but he's only been thrown at 8 times.


On to the more depressing numbers, our safeties are playing miserably, as we all know. YB and GW are ranked 71st and 80th, respectively, among all safeties. They are allowing passer ratings of 108 and 95. Notably, Yeremiah Bell has been thrown against quite a bit...18 times this season, which is among the highest for safeties. The best coverage safety in the league right now? Michael Huff of Oakland.

One redeeming stat for our safeties is YB's play against the run. He's actually ranked 6th among all safeties against the run, presumably due to the large number of tackles he makes for short yardage runs.

http://www.profootballfocus.com/by_...type=r&runpasteamid=-1&numsnaps=25&numgames=1

 

[mrodriguez4096]

Wasn't Michael Huff the one player that Oakland was trying to trade a few years ago? I think?

I wonder how much longer he has on his contract and if he is someone worth looking at if he's available? I don't know anything about him so I'm curios to hear.

 

[dolpns13]

They rank Sean Smith 9th among all corners. Will Allen is ranked 35th. However, if you take a close look at the numbers, Allen is actually allowing a lower catch percentage (38.5% vs. 47.6%). However, Allen dips fairly low in the rankings because he has allowed 2 TDs and has been penalized a fair amount. Most notable, however, is the opposing QBs passer rating when throwing into the defensive backs' - Will Allen is allowing a 50.6 while Sean Smith is allowing 87.0. Cumulatively, throwing into Smith's coverage has also yielded more yardage (228 vs. 143). But Sean has not allowed any touchdowns so far (not surprising in redzone considering his size).Will is actually performing a little better coverage-wise, but the fact he is getting penalized so much really drops his overall ranking. Otherwise, he'd be fairly high up on the list.

so in other words, they have the ability to drive down on Sean Smith, and then score on will Allen... I also would like to add that Allen has had two completely bogus PI calls called against him this year which is driving up his number...

On to the more depressing numbers, our safeties are playing miserably, as we all know. YB and GW are ranked 71st and 80th, respectively, among all safeties. They are allowing passer ratings of 108 and 95. Notably, Yeremiah Bell has been thrown against quite a bit...18 times this season, which is among the highest for safeties. The best coverage safety in the league right now? Michael Huff of Oakland.

One redeeming stat for our safeties is YB's play against the run. He's actually ranked 6th among all safeties against the run, presumably due to the large number of tackles he makes for short yardage runs.

This means our linebackers arent getting it done alone... Bell comes up into the box is helping us take away the run greatly, but this is also a huge reason why our pass defense sucks.

Nice analysis! Good thread

 

[oasis]

Wasn't Michael Huff the one player that Oakland was trying to trade a few years ago? I think?

I wonder how much longer he has on his contract and if he is someone worth looking at if he's available? I don't know anything about him so I'm curios to hear.

Huff has really stepped up his game this year. He's one of the best this year alongside Reed and Sharper. I do remember him being on the block two years ago...but at that time he was largely considered a bust (for being drafted...#7 or #9 overall).

 

[j-off-her-doll]

Saying that someone is playing well except for penalties is a bit strange. Will Allen's PI on Edwards was crap, but most of his penalties have been warranted.

Just going off of what I've seen, Smith has played much better than Allen. And, it seems clear that QB's target their #1 WR's more when Davis or Allen are covering them (as opposed to Smith).

 

[oasis]

Saying that someone is playing well except for penalties is a bit strange.

Is it? I'm just trying to say that the stats suggest Allen is covering fairly well. If he can clean up his penalties, he doesn't seem to be doing nearly as bad as I thought (based on the numbers).

While subjectively you might feel Allen is being thrown at a lot more, these numbers suggest he's only been thrown at five more times than Smith, with a lower catch percentage. Smith has given up more yards as well.