NFL Football 2011

What is one of the secrets to success in the NFL? Winning the turnover battle certainly ranks high on the list.

"It's about taking care of the football and getting it," says Seattle Seahawks head coach PETE CARROLL. "It's not just giving up the ball, it's getting the ball too. It's the No. 1 emphasis in the program."

Last season, the four teams with a turnover differential of at least +10 -- New England (+28), Pittsburgh (+17), Atlanta (+14) and Green Bay (+10) -- all made the playoffs and combined for a 49-15 record (.766). In addition, the list included both Super Bowl XLV participants in Green Bay and Pittsburgh.

Team Total Takeaways Total Giveaways Net Record
Source: NFL
New England3810+2814-2
Pittsburgh3518+1712-4
Atlanta3117+1413-3
Green Bay3222+1010-6

 

For the Patriots, their turnover differential of +28 trailed only the 1983 Washington Redskins (+43) for the best such mark since 1970. In addition, the team set an NFL record for fewest turnovers in a 16-game season with 10 while also setting an NFL record by not committing a turnover in seven consecutive games.

"There is nothing more important than taking care of the ball," says New England head coach BILL BELICHICK. "If you handle the ball, it's a critical job for your team and we emphasize that every week. That's our No. 1 thing offensively and in the kicking game, to take care of the football when you possess it. Nothing comes before that. That's a weekly goal."

The Super Bowl champion Packers would agree. Green Bay, which finished the season with a +10 differential, did not give the ball up once and forced three Pittsburgh turnovers during the Packers' 31-25 triumph over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.

"Turnovers take on significance every time you take the field, and the playoffs are the most important time of year, so it's obviously more significant," says Green Bay head coach MIKE MC CARTHY.

NFL 2011 - Why Turnovers Are Key To Victory in the NFL