Week 3 Game Review- Part 1

I'll review this week's games based on pressure to both quarterbacks, red zone conversions, total yards, penalties, turnovers, and time of possession.  I went 12-3 this week on my game preview posts.  Now, on to the game reviews!

Washington at Detroit

I'm sure the fans of the Redskins aren't pleased to be the team that brought an end to the Lions losing streak.  However, the numbers tell the story of a close game.  Washington put more pressure on Stafford than the Skins did to Campbell, and had a higher red zone conversion rate (50% to 33%).  The yards were essentially even, and Washington had just one more penalty called on them.  The stats that separated Detroit was the turnover differential (+1) and an approximate 13 minute advantage in holding the ball.  I suspect Detroit will build on this win, and Washington will air it out more- they really started moving the ball when they got Santana Moss involved in the passing game.

Green Bay at St. Louis

The surprising part about this game is the minimal pressure created by either side, and Marc Bulger managed to get injured.  Also, the lack of pressure shows why the game was so high scoring.  Penalties and time of possession were even.  The Rams actually were better with their red zone opportunities (100% compared to 60%).  However, they gave up three more chances than they were given.  The Packers dominated in turnover rate (+3) and total yards with an additional 70.  Those two stats prove how Green Bay dominated this game.

San Francisco at Minnesota

Just like I predicted, this was a nail-biter.  The numbers show that the 49ers had a hard-luck loss, which they did.  They created slightly more pressure on Favre, than Minnesota did to Hill.  Also, the 49ers gave the Vikings only one red zone opportunity, and they did not allow a touchdown.  That speaks volumes, because on the other side was Adrian Peterson and he was born to smell pay dirt.  And they had a 67% conversion rate on their red zone chances.  The Vikings won this game because they held the ball for an additional four minutes, but more importantly, they gained over 130 total yards.

Atlanta at New England

This was one of the games I missed on.  Once the second half rolled around, the Patriots dominated.  To credit both teams, they kept their quarterbacks clean.  The Falcons had a higher red zone conversion percentage (50% to 20%).  Everywhere else, though, New England dominated.  The Patriots won the turnover battle, had a five called penalty advantage, held the ball for an additional 19 minutes, and gained close to 200 more yards.  The stat that kept this game reasonably close was the Patriots inability to close the door in the red zone- two additional opportunities, but one fewer conversion.