Scoring Defensive Statistics Calculations Dispute

[Fan_in_Kettering]

According to the NFL statisticians the Cincinnati Bengals are allowing 18.3 points per game. This is based on 128 points scored by the opposing teams. However, seven of those opposing points were scored on a pick six and therefore has nothing to do with the Bengals’ defense.

This bothers the scientist in me.

Why do pick sixes count against the defense when the defense is on the bench when they happen? That’s statistically dishonest.

As I calculate it Lou Anarumo’s defense has allowed 121 points. This means the Bengals are allowing 17.3 points per game.

[*michaelsean*]

Yeah it should be easy enough to remove when making the calculation. Maybe they figure over a season it doesn’t count for all that much, and the difference among teams isn’t all that great? Still not all that difficult to figure correctly.