Are the 4-0 Eagles the Worst Team in History Plus Where Nacua’s Start Ranks and Insights into Five Major Trends
Exciting Early NFL Season Developments and Historical Comparisons
Analyzing Early NFL Season Stats with DVOA
As the NFL season kicks off, early statistics capture attention while sparking intrigue about historical precedents. Noted analyst Aaron Schatz delves into these figures using the DVOA metric, which evaluates team performance through four weeks of play since 1978. This method allows comparative analysis against past teams rather than full-season performances.
Seattle Seahawks Lead in DVOA, But Are Not a Historic Team
Leading the league in DVOA, the Seattle Seahawks stand out not for historical greatness but for their robust defense. Despite being top-ranked presently, they place 32nd since 1978 based on performance through four games. Contrastingly, the Buffalo Bills’ offense ranks 71st historically since 1978, though they are the current leaders.
The Dallas Cowboys’ Struggle with Pass Defense
The Dallas Cowboys rank eighth-worst in pass defense, allowing the most passing yards, tied for the most passing touchdowns, and leading in net yards per pass attempt. Their struggles follow the trade of edge rusher Micah Parsons, exacerbating their defensive woes despite possessing talented secondary players like Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland.
| Rank | Year | Team | W-L | DVOA | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1979 | SF | 0-4 | 80.2% | 2-14 |
New York Giants’ Run Defense: A Surprising Statistic
With the third-worst run defense, the New York Giants allow 6.1 yards per attempt, tied with the Bears for the worst in the league. Despite ranking 12th in run-stop win rate, their performance falls short in preventing significant ground gains, particularly beyond ten yards from the line of scrimmage.
| Rank | Year | Team | W-L | DVOA | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1979 | NO | 1-3 | 30.2% | 8-8 |
Defending Champions Philadelphia Eagles and Their Unique Start
The Eagles, despite being 4-0, are not performing at a typical level for undefeated teams. Ranking 12th overall, the Eagles have benefitted from non-predictive plays like blocked kicks. However, their early success sets a positive trajectory for the season.
| Rank | Year | Team | DVOA | Rank | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003 | CAR | -0.5% | 14 | 11-5, lost SB |
Bengals Face Challenges Amidst Departure of Star QB
The absence of Joe Burrow has left the Cincinnati Bengals struggling, reflected in their bottom-tier DVOA ranking. Despite an average strength of schedule going forward, the Bengals have shown vulnerability with Jake Browning stepping in as quarterback.
| Rank | Year | Team | DVOA | Rank | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017 | MIA | -42.3% | 30 | 6-10 |
Puka Nacua’s Record-Matching Start: A Glimpse into Potential
Puka Nacua’s performance for the Rams ties him for the most receptions through the first four games since 1978. With 42 receptions, he matches legendary NFL players and demonstrates potential to break records this season, provided he maintains consistency against increasingly tougher defenses.
| Rank | Player | Year | Team | Rec | Yds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puka Nacua | 2025 | LAR | 42 | 503 |
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