Summary
- • In 2021, the Dallas Cowboys led the NFL with 34 takeaways
- • The 2021 Jacksonville Jaguars had the fewest takeaways with 9
- • In 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers led the league with 27 interceptions
- • The 2020 Houston Texans had only 3 interceptions, the lowest in the league
- • In 2019, the New England Patriots defense scored 7 touchdowns off turnovers
- • The 2018 Chicago Bears led the NFL with 36 takeaways
- • In 2017, the Baltimore Ravens had the best turnover differential at +17
- • The 2016 San Francisco 49ers had the worst turnover differential at -28
- • In 2015, Marcus Peters of the Kansas City Chiefs led the NFL with 8 interceptions
- • The 2014 Green Bay Packers had the fewest giveaways with 13
- • In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks led the league with 39 takeaways
- • The 2012 Kansas City Chiefs had a league-worst -24 turnover differential
- • In 2011, the San Francisco 49ers set an NFL record with only 10 giveaways in a season
- • The 2010 New England Patriots had a +28 turnover differential, best in the league
- • In 2009, Darren Sharper of the New Orleans Saints returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns
Turnover Talk: From the Art of Takeaways to the Comedy of Mistakes – The NFL’s history is a rollercoaster ride of interceptions, fumbles, and the occasional touchdown celebration in the end zone. With the Dallas Cowboys snagging takeaways like candy in 2021 to the Jacksonville Jaguars barely managing to hold on to the football, and everything in between – buckle up as we dive into the wild world of turnovers that define the beautiful chaos of Americas favorite sport.
Defensive Scoring
- In 2019, the New England Patriots defense scored 7 touchdowns off turnovers
- The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense scored 5 touchdowns off turnovers
- The 2020 Miami Dolphins defense scored 5 touchdowns off turnovers
- The 2016 Kansas City Chiefs defense scored 8 touchdowns off turnovers
- The 2012 Chicago Bears defense scored 9 touchdowns off turnovers
Interpretation
The turnover touchdown leaderboard in the NFL reads like a thrilling game of defensive "one-upmanship." With the New England Patriots leading the pack in 2019 with an impressive 7 defensive scores off turnovers, it seems like every other team was trying to catch up. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2002, the Miami Dolphins in 2020, the Kansas City Chiefs from 2016, and the Chicago Bears in 2012 all took their turn in the spotlight with 5 to 9 defensive touchdowns off turnovers. It's a classic case of "anything you can do, I can do better," but in this case, it's more like "anything you can turnover, I can score off of."
Individual Performance
- In 2015, Marcus Peters of the Kansas City Chiefs led the NFL with 8 interceptions
- In 2009, Darren Sharper of the New Orleans Saints returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns
- In 2005, Nathan Vasher of the Chicago Bears led the NFL with 8 interceptions
- In 2001, Ronde Barber of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returned 3 interceptions for touchdowns
- In 1999, Sam Madison of the Miami Dolphins led the NFL with 7 interceptions
- In 1995, Merton Hanks of the San Francisco 49ers returned 2 interceptions for touchdowns
- In 1993, Eric Allen of the Philadelphia Eagles returned 4 interceptions for touchdowns
- In 1989, Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers led the NFL with 9 interceptions
- In 1985, Everson Walls of the Dallas Cowboys led the NFL with 9 interceptions
- In 1983, Bill Bates of the Dallas Cowboys recovered 6 fumbles, leading the league
- In 1979, Lester Hayes of the Oakland Raiders led the NFL with 13 interceptions
- In 1975, Mel Blount of the Pittsburgh Steelers led the NFL with 11 interceptions
- In 1973, Dick Anderson of the Miami Dolphins returned 4 interceptions for touchdowns
- In 2021, J.C. Jackson of the New England Patriots led the NFL with 23 passes defended
- In 2019, Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots led the NFL with 6 interceptions
- In 2017, Darius Slay of the Detroit Lions led the NFL with 8 interceptions
- In 2013, DeAndre Levy of the Detroit Lions led the NFL with 6 interceptions
Interpretation
In the illustrious history of the NFL, the turnover gods have smiled upon a select few, granting them the power to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. From Marcus Peters' magnet hands to Darren Sharper's dance into the end zone, these defenders have turned interceptions into instant glory. In this game of inches and split-second decisions, those who can read a quarterback's mind or strip a ball from a ball carrier are celebrated as heroes. So, here's to the pick-six kings and interception maestros, immortalized in the annals of football history with a flair that leaves offenses trembling and fans on their feet.
Interceptions
- In 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers led the league with 27 interceptions
- The 2020 Houston Texans had only 3 interceptions, the lowest in the league
- In 2007, the San Diego Chargers led the NFL with 30 interceptions
Interpretation
These turnover statistics are a true game of interceptions and interceptions, with the Steelers playing defense like they're swatting flies and the Texans apparently being the most generous team in the league when it comes to passing the ball. It's like watching a high-stakes game of hot potato, with some teams adamantly holding onto the ball while others seem eager to give it away. In the end, it all comes down to who can protect their possession the best - a lesson that seems to have bounced around the league for the past decade.
Team Giveaways
- The 2014 Green Bay Packers had the fewest giveaways with 13
- In 2011, the San Francisco 49ers set an NFL record with only 10 giveaways in a season
- The 2004 Indianapolis Colts had only 17 giveaways, fewest in the league
- The 1998 San Francisco 49ers had only 16 giveaways, fewest in the league
- The 1992 New Orleans Saints had only 15 giveaways, fewest in the league
- The 1988 Cincinnati Bengals had only 18 giveaways, fewest in the league
- The 1982 Washington Redskins had only 12 giveaways in a strike-shortened 9-game season
- The 1978 New England Patriots had only 22 giveaways, fewest in the league
- The 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers had only 22 giveaways, fewest in the league
Interpretation
In a world full of turnovers, fumbles, and intercepted dreams, these NFL teams shone like beacons of ball security, dazzling football fans and causing defensive coordinators to pull out their hair in frustration. From the stingy Packers of 2014 to the record-setting 49ers of 2011, these teams held onto the pigskin like it was the last cheeseburger at a team barbecue. In a sport where possession is nine-tenths of the law, these gridiron guardians were the masters of the turnover-free domain, proving that sometimes the best offense is a darn good defense.
Team Takeaways
- In 2021, the Dallas Cowboys led the NFL with 34 takeaways
- The 2021 Jacksonville Jaguars had the fewest takeaways with 9
- The 2018 Chicago Bears led the NFL with 36 takeaways
- In 2013, the Seattle Seahawks led the league with 39 takeaways
- The 2006 Baltimore Ravens had 40 takeaways, most in the league
- The 2000 Baltimore Ravens had 49 takeaways, most in the league
- The 1996 Green Bay Packers led the NFL with 39 takeaways
- The 1994 Cleveland Browns had 42 takeaways, most in the league
- The 1990 Kansas City Chiefs led the NFL with 45 takeaways
- The 1986 Chicago Bears led the NFL with 47 takeaways
- The 1984 Seattle Seahawks had 63 takeaways, most in a single season in NFL history
- The 1980 Oakland Raiders led the NFL with 52 takeaways
- The 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers led the NFL with 46 takeaways
- The 1974 Oakland Raiders had 52 takeaways, most in the league
- The 1970 Minnesota Vikings led the NFL with 42 takeaways
- The 2018 Cleveland Browns had 31 takeaways, tied for most in the league
- The 2014 Houston Texans recovered 17 fumbles, most in the league
Interpretation
In the realm of NFL turnover statistics, one thing remains crystal clear: the only thing consistent is the inconsistency. From the Seattle Seahawks in 2013 to the Green Bay Packers in 1996, teams have been on a perpetual quest for the pillaging of possessions. Much like a game of football itself, these numbers showcase the unpredictable nature of the sport, where one season's defensive powerhouse can quickly be supplanted by another. Perhaps the lesson to be learned here is that in football, as in life, the only constant is change, and the turnover battle is a fickle mistress indeed.
Turnover Differential
- In 2017, the Baltimore Ravens had the best turnover differential at +17
- The 2016 San Francisco 49ers had the worst turnover differential at -28
- The 2012 Kansas City Chiefs had a league-worst -24 turnover differential
- The 2010 New England Patriots had a +28 turnover differential, best in the league
- The 2008 Miami Dolphins had a league-best +17 turnover differential
- In 2003, the Kansas City Chiefs led the NFL with a +19 turnover differential
- In 1997, the New York Giants had a league-best +25 turnover differential
- In 1991, the Washington Redskins had a league-best +18 turnover differential
- In 1987, the San Francisco 49ers had a league-best +41 turnover differential
- In 1981, the Philadelphia Eagles had a league-best +26 turnover differential
- In 1977, the Denver Broncos had a league-best +23 turnover differential
- In 1971, the Baltimore Colts had a league-best +28 turnover differential
- In 2015, the Carolina Panthers had a league-best +20 turnover differential
Interpretation
Amidst the ebb and flow of turnovers in the NFL, one thing remains clear: If you want to succeed, hold onto the ball like it's the last piece of pizza at a Super Bowl party. From the 2010 New England Patriots, who treated turnovers like gold bullion, to the 2016 San Francisco 49ers, who seemed to have butterfingers on a greased pig, these statistics show that in the game of football, protecting possession is as crucial as having a good defense or a potent offense. So, as teams look to the past for lessons in ball security, one thing is for certain – in the turnover battle, one man's fumble is another man's touchdown pass.
