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 /

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Sep 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) reacts after throwing an interception during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2012-2013 Houston Texans

2012: +12 turnover differential, 12-4 record
2013: -20 turnover differential, 2-14 record

Change in Turnover Differential: -32
Change in Win Total: -10

The 2013 Houston Texans were the “Ying” to Kansas City’s “Yang”. While Kansas City ushered in a new regime that orchestrated an epic jump in productivity, the Texans productivity under the leadership of coach Gary Kubiak and QB Matt Schaub fell off of a cliff. A change in turnover differential of -32 means that the Texans averaged two MORE turnovers per game in 2013 than in the previous season. Kubiak’s leadership and play calling became stale and Schaub seemed to lose all of his confidence, eventually getting benched. Unfortunately for Texans fans this was a stark contrast to the new leadership and improved QB play that was displayed in the first two positive examples.

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