While it’s obvious that NFL teams need solid quarterback play in order to compete for a championship year in and year out, the Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers both proved this year that a solid defense is also vital.
While many of you may scoff at the Adjusted Net Yards Per Attempt that I track over the course of the season, it’s worth pointing out that the Panthers (4.46) and Broncos (4.71) finished the regular season ranked first and second respectively in defensive ANY/A. Over the course of the last 21 NFL seasons, only two teams have managed to make it to the Super Bowl with a defensive ANY/A greater than 5.