### Chart 1: Tackles Made by Linebackers
One of the key defensive plays to watch in August is the number of tackles made by linebackers. Linebackers play a crucial role in stopping the run game and defending against short passes. Keeping an eye on this statistic can give insight into which linebackers are excelling in their positions and making significant contributions to their teams’ defense.
### Chart 2: Interceptions by Cornerbacks
Another critical defensive play to look out for is the number of interceptions made by cornerbacks. Interceptions can quickly change the momentum of a game, giving the defensive team a valuable opportunity to regain possession of the ball and potentially score themselves. Charting the interceptions made by cornerbacks can highlight which players have exceptional ball-hawking skills and the ability to read opposing quarterbacks effectively.
### Chart 3: Sacks by Defensive Ends
Defensive ends are responsible for putting pressure on the quarterback and disrupting passing plays. Tracking the number of sacks made by defensive ends can provide valuable insights into which players are successfully getting past offensive linemen and getting to the quarterback. Sacks are not only important for stopping drives but also for demoralizing the opposing team’s offense and creating turnovers.
### Chart 4: Pass Breakups by Safeties
Safeties play a dual role in defending both the run and the pass. Pass breakups, where a safety deflects or intercepts a pass intended for a receiver, are crucial in preventing big gains in the passing game. Monitoring the number of pass breakups by safeties can showcase which players have the awareness and athleticism to disrupt passing plays effectively and make a significant impact on defense.
### Chart 5: Forced Fumbles by Defensive Tackles
Forced fumbles are game-changing plays that occur when a defensive player strips the ball from an offensive player, creating a turnover opportunity for their team. Defensive tackles, often in the trenches battling against offensive linemen, can play a vital role in causing fumbles and disrupting the opponent’s offense. Keeping track of forced fumbles by defensive tackles can highlight which players have the strength and technique to dislodge the ball from ball carriers effectively.
### Chart 6: Quarterback Pressures by Linebackers
Pressuring the quarterback is a key aspect of a successful defense, and linebackers can play a significant role in this task. By tracking the number of times linebackers pressure the quarterback, whether through hurries, hits, or sacks, teams can identify which players are effective at disrupting the opposing team’s passing game. Quarterback pressures can force errant throws, leading to interceptions or incompletions, and help control the tempo of the game in favor of the defense.
### Chart 7: Tackles for Loss by Defensive Backs
Defensive backs are often involved in making tackles for loss, where they bring down ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage, resulting in a loss of yardage for the offense. Tackles for loss can stifle running plays and screen passes, putting the offense in unfavorable down-and-distance situations. Monitoring the number of tackles for loss by defensive backs can highlight which players excel at reading plays quickly, shooting gaps, and making impactful stops against the run.
### Chart 8: Pass Deflections by Defensive Linemen
Defensive linemen, tasked with disrupting the flow of the offensive line and putting pressure on the quarterback, can also make significant contributions in pass coverage. Pass deflections, where defensive linemen bat down or disrupt passes at the line of scrimmage, can thwart passing plays and force turnovers. Tracking the number of pass deflections by defensive linemen can reveal which players have the awareness and athleticism to affect passing lanes and make life challenging for opposing quarterbacks.
### Chart 9: Red Zone Stops by Linebackers and Defensive Backs
The red zone is where defenses are tested the most, as offenses look to score touchdowns when they are within striking distance of the end zone. Linebackers and defensive backs play crucial roles in making key stops and preventing red zone scores. Identifying which linebackers and defensive backs excel at stopping opponents in the red zone can showcase which players have the tenacity and skill to protect their end zone and keep opposing offenses at bay.
### Chart 10: Defensive Touchdowns by Any Position
Defensive touchdowns are game-changing plays that occur when a defensive player scores directly off a turnover, such as an interception return for a touchdown or a fumble recovery in the end zone. Tracking defensive touchdowns by any position can highlight which players have the playmaking ability and instincts to capitalize on turnover opportunities and swing momentum in their team’s favor. Defensive touchdowns can demoralize opposing teams and provide a significant boost to a defense’s overall performance.
