NFL: Studying how turnovers affect winning percentage

Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) and Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrate after Sherman intercepted a pass thrown by Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) (not pictured) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Arizona defeated Seattle 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 7

Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2012-2013 Kansas City Chiefs

2012: -24 turnover differential, 2-14 record
2013: +18 turnover differential, 11-5 record

Change in Turnover Differential: +42
Change in Win Total: +9

Of the teams on this list that made a change for the better, none made a more drastic improvement than the 2013 Kansas City Chiefs. While it’s impossible to give credit for such a turnaround to just one or two people, it’s not hard to identify the main characters responsible for things in KC. Between 2012 and 2013 the Chiefs changed GMs, head coaches, and quarterbacks. The additions of John Dorsey, Andy Reid, and Alex Smith clearly spearheaded the turnaround. On the field there was no more important change than the QB play upgrade of Alex Smith who committed just seven turnovers compared to the combined 23 by Matt Cassel and Brady Quinn the previous year.

Home/Detroit Lions