It's interesting, really, how a 4-12 team can run more offensive plays, gain more net yards, pass for more yards, convert more first downs, and commit less penalties for less yards than their combined opponents. But that's what happened to the Birds this year. That's surprising to say the least, but perhaps more surprising is the 2 stats I brought up earlier: points and turnovers.
The point differential was a ridiculous 164 points in favor of the Eagles' opponents. Rounding up, the average score was 28-18. Ouch. The point differential in the Eagles' wins was a razor thin +6, meaning each win was by an average of 1.5 points. Needless to say, the point differential in losses was a God awful -170; each loss was by an average of 14+ points.
Turnovers were main reason that the point differential was so bad, since that differential was also horrendous. -24. Let me say that again. -24. The Eagles only caused 13 turnovers, not even 1 per game. On average, they turned the ball over over at least 2 times per game. Take away the 2 games the Eagles somehow held onto the ball, and that number jumps to 2.6 turnovers per game. They only won the turnover battle once all season, and tied twice. Unbelievable.
Obviously the problems with this year's team was what I've been talking about: Points and Turnovers. Unlike last year's team that couldn't hold a 4th quarter lead, this year's squad never played well enough to get a lead, and never made any big plays to get back in the game. Who knows what problems next year will bring. Until then, so long...
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