Analysis
9/24/21
2 min read
Chargers Still on Top of Big Play Index After Week 2
The 33rd Team introduced the Big Play Index last season to show how NFL teams stack up in terms of big plays produced and big plays allowed.
The Big Play Index has a new and improved outlook with the help of Marc Trestman. When Trestman coached in the NFL, his definition of a “Big Play” was a run of 10-plus yards and/or a pass of 16-plus yards. Ultimately, BPI correlates the ability to create explosive plays, while also limiting the opponent, and the success of the team (based on wins).
The Packers have zero explosive plays on the ground this entire season through two weeks. That means they do not have a single run of 10-plus yards. While the Chiefs only have one!
The Chiefs are the second-worst team in the BPI so far, but not due to their poor offense, it is due to their incredibly poor defense through two games playing against really explosive teams (Browns and Ravens). This will not stay this way for long but it will likely stay this way for one more week. The Chiefs play the number-one ranked BPI team (the Chargers).
Five of the top seven in the BPI metric are 2-0 teams. There are only seven 2-0 teams in the NFL right now. The other two teams -- 49ers are 11th in BPI; Broncos are 13th -- both have very strong defenses.
The Rams have the No. 1 defense in stopping explosive plays, allowing only nine, while the Chargers lead the league in big plays on offense with 25.
Here's the complete breakdown:
