The assessment of team defensive performance in professional American football during the 2017 season involved a multifaceted evaluation. These assessments consider various statistical measures to determine the relative strength of each team’s ability to prevent opponents from scoring and gaining yardage. These metrics typically include points allowed, total yards allowed, passing yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and turnover differential, among others.
Understanding defensive capabilities is crucial for several reasons. Effective defense is strongly correlated with team success and playoff contention. Historical analysis of defensive rankings reveals trends in coaching strategies, player development, and the overall evolution of the sport. This understanding provides valuable insights for fans, analysts, and coaches alike, informing predictions, game strategy, and player evaluations.