A funny thing happened on the way to a statistical analysis
It’s only a collection of numbers, and any game played with an oddly shaped ball that has points on its end is always going to be about more than numbers.
But the general consensus, given their 9-7 finish in the regular season and the fact they have a rookie quarterback behind center in Mark Sanchez, is that the Jets are the uninvited guests remaining in the NFL’s playoffs.
But if you take a look at the following statistical categories — rushing, passing, total offense, points scored, rushing defense, pass defense, points allowed, yards per kickoff return, yards per punt return, yards per kickoff return allowed, yards per punt return allowed and turnover margin — and rank the playoff teams 1-4 on their regular-season finish in those categories, it’s a Jets-Vikings Super Bowl on tap.
With one point given for the best finish in each of those categories and four points going to the worst, low score wins. The Jets, fueled by a defense that finished No. 1 in total defense, pass defense and scoring defense, finished with the second-lowest overall total — 31.
The Vikings were No. 1 at 30, with the Saints at 34 and the Colts at 35.
New Orleans led on offense, with six points given its No. 1 ranking in total offense and scoring. The Jets finished on the bottom on offense with 13 points because of their 31st-ranked passing offense, and they were 17th in scoring.
On defense, the Jets easily led the way. Minnesota was in the second spot with nine points because it finished the season No. 2 against the run (behind only the Jets) and No. 6 in total defense.
Defensively, the Saints were at the bottom, with 15 points, because they finished the regular season ranked no higher 20th in any of the major defensive categories.
On special teams, the Jets and the Vikings tied for the No. 1 spot with nine points, while the Saints were at the bottom with 12, having finished behind all of the other remaining teams in all four categories.
The Saints led the Final Four in turnover margin in the regular season — at plus-11 — and all four teams won the turnover battle for the season, with the Jets the lowest total at plus-1.
So, the numbers point to the Super Bowl few really expect to see.
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
