Chiefs Usually Winning the Turnover Battle

by Joel Thorman on Nov 28, 2009 10:06 AM CST in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign

The Kansas City Chiefs surrendered a season high three turnovers to the San Diego Chargers in their earlier meeting this season. The Chiefs also lost by the largest margin of the season partly because the defense did not create any turnovers.

In eight of ten games this season, the Chiefs have created a turnover.

When they WIN the turnover battle, the Chiefs average about a three point loss. So, creating turnovers is obviously a major key in the Chiefs keeping it close with teams that I think a lot of folks would say are much better (Ravens, Cowboys, etc).

When the Chiefs LOSE the turnover battle, they average about a 16 point loss. However, that's a tiny sample size because the Chiefs have only lost the turnover battle two times this season (and one tie with the Eagles).

Turnovers are usually one of those stats that can predict success fairly well. If you're consistently winning the turnover battle, you're usually winning games.

Not these Chiefs. They have ranked well in the +/- turnover ratios the last couple seasons but don't have much to show for it.

In 2008, the Chiefs were 8th in the turnover margin. In 2007 they were 28th. The difference? Two more wins on the 28th ranked team. It's really kinda strange.

This season, the Chiefs are ninth in turnover margin. After the jump, I included a game by game breakdown with a chart.

Opponent	Turnovers	Score
Ravens	+1	-14
Raiders	-2	-3
Eagles	0	-20
Giants	+1	-11
Cowboys	+2	-6
Redskins	+2	+8
Chargers	-3	-30
Jaguars	+1	-3
Raiders	-1	+6
Steelers	+2	+3
Total	+3	-70

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Comments

Turnovers mean nothing

When we are last in 3rd down conversions.

Really need to start getting the offense going in the first half of games.

"The first step to penetration... must not be lateral"
-Confucius, in contrary to Glenn Dorsey lining up in the 2-tech

by ArrowSpread on Nov 28, 2009 10:13 AM CST reply actions

I agree.

I had a recent fanpost about this same topic. We need to get going in the first half, and 3rd down conversions is true. It’s a little known fact that we actually beat the steelers in 3rd down efficiency, but not until the second half.

by Pilcrow on Nov 28, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

Something that should be added to this...

The Chiefs are also one of the least penalized teams in the league. The Chiefs have the 5th fewest penalty yards.

This space for rent.

by averagegatsby on Nov 28, 2009 10:13 AM CST reply actions

Couldn't agree more Arrowspread

If the chiefs improve on converting 3rd downs and continue to do well in the turnover category, this team will start winning some games.

by Chiefsfan1970 on Nov 28, 2009 10:19 AM CST reply actions

Last year, we were actually first in turnover margin at one point.

We really need to convert those 3rd Downs. We improved on that somewhat last game, just like we improved on penalties.

When you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

by NJChieffan16 on Nov 28, 2009 12:31 PM CST reply actions

Stretch the defense and score points early.

I hope to see Chiefs throw some deep balls early and force SD to defend the entire field early. The past few weeks they have done that late in the game and it opens running lanes and short passes. Even if they don’t connect early, it at least will spread things out. I think CC would love to help them out in this area. LL can stretch the field as well. Start hot, get a victory. Go Chiefs

by Rockin109 on Nov 28, 2009 4:59 PM CST reply actions