NFL WEEK 15 GAMES (DECEMBER 15-19th)
FATIGUE = “TIRED LEGS” DEFENSES
Note: Always be wary of a team playing too many plays on Defense in multiple weeks coming into this week’s games. Also we are now 14 games into this season so lots of wear and tear on the Defense’s already. It does matter.
MOST “TIRED/FATIGUED” DEFENSES HEADING INTO WEEK 15:
1). MINNESOTA VIKINGS DEFENSE: Were on field last week (69) plays and a whopping (82) plays two weeks ago and (70 and 70) plays three and four weeks ago. Making it worse is they are allowing insane yards (464 last week to Detroit, 486 two weeks ago, 409, 458, 486) the prior three weeks. This D has no depth and can’t cover the kids in the neighborhood. If you read this column last week I was basically giving you an easy winner against Minnesota as this Defense coming into Saturday’s game is now fried. They are so lucky to be catching a Dead Indy Offense that may not even be able to fully exploit their tired legs.
2). NEW YORK GIANTS DEFENSE: On field last week (62) plays (not a terrible number) and (77) plays two weeks ago and (69) total plays three weeks ago. The real problem isn’t an insane amount of plays the D has been on field but now it’s clearly tired legs giving up yards by boatload. Last week vs. Philly (437 total yards allowed), two weeks ago vs. Washington (411) total yards allowed and also Overtime added plays too. They gave up (430) total yards 3 weeks ago to Dallas. This Defense may now be TOAST CITY.
3). MIAMI DOLPHINS DEFENSE: Last week on field (74) total plays….this after (75) plays vs. a punishing rushing attack of the Niners two weeks ago. Allowing (432) and (351) total yards the past two weeks as the Offense simply is stuck in the mud is creating real troubles now on road a third straight week in freezing cold Buffalo this Sunday. They had no weather problems the past two weeks and couldn’t get off field. The Offense has been so bad (89 total plays last two weeks combined) it has left the Defense out there for (149 total plays). This season is now 14 full games into the season and banged up bodies are all over the place. You at least hope your Defense has somewhat fresh legs. Not this Dolphins team.
4). NEW ENGLAND PATS DEFENSE: On field (63) plays last week but on Monday Night game, then (70) plays 2 weeks at Buffalo (they did play Thursday so getting 3 extra days rest). Now though it’s on a short week though for another road game vs. a pissed off Raiders team playing on 3 extra days rest and very fresh legs.
5). TENNESSEE TITANS DEFENSE: On field (67) total plays last week and (65) two weeks ago and (65) plays three weeks ago. They allowed 428 total yards last week to Jags, 453 total yards to Philly two weeks ago and 374 to Cinci three weeks ago. The Offense is killing it’s own Defense being on field only (105) total plays last 2 weeks and you could see this Titans Defense really outta gas in second half last week.
6). DENVER BRONCOS DEFENSE: On field (65, 65, 65, and 61) total plays last 4 weeks and the Defense is starting to show some fatigue as the Offense can’t stay on field (only 63, 50, 54 and 59) total plays last 4 games. I will say though the Denver D gave the team so many chances to steal an Upset win over KC but in the end it’s same result….really crushing loss. It’s going to be hard to keep asking this Broncos Defense to get up for games rest of the way.
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“FRESH LEGS” DEFENSES COMING INTO WEEK 15 NFL GAMES:
1). BALTIMORE RAVENS DEFENSE: On field last week only (51 plays, (50) plays two weeks ago, (57) plays three weeks ago, only (50) four weeks ago and were off on “Bye” week 5 weeks ago….hence they have QB issue but Defense legs are actually super fresh heading into this Sunday’s game at Cleveland.
2). LA CHARGERS DEFENSE: Despite missing 3 key starters this Defense is really playing well and staying off field for long play drives. Last week only on field vs. Miami for a league low (47) total plays and the week before on field vs. Las Vegas only (59) total plays. Now they face a struggling Titans Offense on field only (1o5) combined plays the past 2 games.