Here's a few stats I thought were interesting on the preseason results:
The Seahawks and Eagles were undefeated. The Bills, Dolphins, and Jets went winless (and the AFC East was 1-15 as a group).
| Most points scored | Fewest points scored | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Seahawks | 122 | Jets | 31 |
| Ravens | 108 | Dolphins | 43 |
| Eagles | 106 | Patriots | 55 |
| Steelers | 104 | Bills | 59 |
| Lions | 102 | Buccaneers | 60 |
| Texans | 101 | Chiefs | 61 |
| Jaguars | 100 | Raiders | 61 |
| Most points allowed | Fewest points allowed | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills | 119 | Seahawks | 44 |
| Cardinals(*) | 119 | 49ers | 53 |
| Chiefs | 116 | Giants | 58 |
| Jaguars | 117 | Redskins | 59 |
| Bears | 99 | Eagles | 60 |
| Dolphins | 96 | Cowboys | 60 |
(*)Through 5 games
| Highest net points | Lowest net points | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Seahawks | 78 | Bills | -60 |
| Eagles | 46 | Jets | -57 |
| Redskins | 39 | Chiefs | -55 |
| 49ers | 37 | Dolphins | -53 |
| Steelers | 33 | Buccaneers | -35 |
Comments:
Are the Seahawks a breakout team this year? Most points scored and fewest points allowed can't be a total coincidence. On the other hand, rookie QB Russell Wilson will almost certainly struggle when he starts to face defenses that are actually game planning for him, and not holding back on their playbook.
It's hard to come to any conclusion except that the Jets are in big trouble going into this season. If they average 8 points a game starting next week, Rex Ryan will be fired by November.
I wonder how much teams really hold back on what they can do in the preseason, just so it can be a "surprise" in the regular season. It seems to me this kind of tactic gets you one game (at best), and denies you opportunity to practice at full speed against a motivated opponent.
This sort of thing is particularly unconvincing in the case of teams like the 49ers, who struggled offensively last year. If they're struggling offensively in the preseason, my first thought is not "oh, they must be holding back".
Also, Joe Buck? Whoever told you that beard looks good on you was lying.
