The Bendability Index is obtained by dividing the number of yards allowed on defense by the number of points surrendered, yielding Yards Per Point Allowed. Teams with high YPPA numbers are those which opposing offenses must work hardest to score upon.
The Bendability Index is not purely a defensive yardstick. It is, instead, a great barometer of team success, of overall team strength and efficiency. It is a function of many team-wide factors, including general defensive strength, special teams proficiency, turnover differential and Red Zone defense.
The Bendability Index compiles all these factors into a simple and easy-to-understand number. NFC North champion Chicago, for example, forced opponents to generate an amazing 22.32 yards for every 1 point the Bears surrendered. The spineless Tennessee defense, meanwhile, surrendered a point after allowing a mere 12.14 yards.
The difference is more startling when put into terms of touchdowns: Chicago's opponents needed 133.92 yards of offense to score a TD. Tennessee's opponents needed just 72.84 yards of offense.
Most importantly, the Bendability Index is a "Stat That Matters." It is generally a more accurate indicator of overall team strength than total defense or scoring defense.
