Eagles vs Patriots

Quarterback Sacks

The QB sack is likely the most under rated stat in the game. It deserves more emphasis by the media. That's an opinion based on the fact each sack contributes more than 3 points to the scoring differential.

Playmakers like the late Reggie White, a landmark QB sack leader, averaging one Big Hit per game (16 per season) sets the standard.

So in Sunday's Super Game the Eagles' Jevon Kearse needs only one big hit on Pats' QB Brady to earn his money for the day. On average a QB sack leads to a loss of almost 6 1/2 yards. A first down sack leads to second down and 16 to go. So it likely leads to a punt. A punt is a turnover. By definition the punt limits the possibility of a score.

In short, one QB sack on offense or defense can be a Killer Stat.

QB Sacks New England Patriots 2004 through Week 17

In the stat graphic above (upper left) the Pats' season sack performance is pictured. The standout game was the -14-point New England loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Four sacks is a bit much. The Post Game stat analysis shows the 4 heavy hits on QB Brady cost 13.4 PPG in the scoring differential.

So this one stat fully accounted for the loss.

By comparison, the Eagles' D layed on opposing QBs heavier than a mortgage with 5 sacks in four games and won all four (upper right).

With the Patriots on DEFENSE (lower left) the one game they failed to sack the opposing QB was lost to the Steelers.

And the Eagles' OFFENSE (lower right) lost 2 of 3 games when they were weaker than league average (PIT and CIN).

Moral: Pay more attention to the QB sack. It's a Killer Stat.

Bud Goode

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