Analysis

12/30/21

3 min read

Philadelphia Eagles Are NFL's Best In The Big Play Index

Philadelphia Eagles Are NFL's Best In The Big Play Index

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).

With two weeks left in the season, the Philadelphia Eagles lead the league in Big Play Differential at Plus-53 for the season. Their ability to generate chunk plays on offense while minimizing their opponents' big gains has helped them turn things around from a cellar dwelling team to a potentially frisky playoff group. With first year Head Coach Nick Sirianni continuing to lean on Jalen Hurts' legs to generate offense, Hurts has rewarded his coach's confidence in him while remaining healthy.

BPI Mismatch Of The Week:

Browns vs Steelers

This is shaping up to be a very bad matchup for the Steelers, as their defense has been porous and their explosive offense has been non-existent. They have allowed the 4th-most big plays, including the second most big plays on the ground. On offense, they are tied for the 4th least amount of explosives due to the fact they are bottom 10 in big passes and big runs for. On the other sideline, the Browns team has the 4th-most big plays for due to having the most big rushes for  in the NFL (75). The Browns run offense against the Steelers rush defense will determine the game. On defense, they are steady as well, as they have allowed only the 4th least big plays. This game is a battle between explosive (Browns) vs not explosive (Steelers).

Extra Hits:

Cardinals over Cowboys

Could the Cardinals fall into a 4 game losing streak? The Big Play Index does not believe so. The Cowboys are entering this game on Sunday afternoon having won 4 straight, while the Cardinals have lost 3 straight. The BPI gives the Cardinals the edge defensively, as they are middle of the league in big plays allowed while the Cowboys are the 7th worst. The Cowboys have been exceptionally vulnerable through the air, and the Cardinals are a top 10 team in the Big Pass For category. Take the Cardinals in this matchup as they right the ship in Dallas (they've only lost 1 game on the road all season).

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