So they are all clock control stats. As the season progresses, you will be learning about the 6 clusters of stats that go to make up the 6 key factors of the game. In addition to the idea of a correlation, there are three other ideas. That defensive stat is one reason they are winners. Since a change of 1-yard from a prior average is worth more than 3 points in the winning margin, this difference, with Marino at the helm, added a TD to the Dolphin's winning margin.
Teams run hot and cold.
Their game performances vary around their averages from week to week. They play over their heads, below their averages and near their averages. But they seldom play on their averages. That is one ruling reason why it is impossible to beat the line. Math and statistics teachers will find this weekly updated research helpful in motivating students.