In terms of points allowed, the Pats have given up only 40, or 13 per game. This is without starters at LB or CB.

They’re also the 8th best defense in terms of yards allowed for the entire season. In those same three, they’re also 7th in the league in terms of rushing yards. They’re also “only” the 10th worst passing offense.

So what’s the difference maker? 3 redzone interceptions, two of them in one-score games. (vs. WAS/IND) 6 interceptions total, the most of any team in the past 3 games.

Just something to think about!

  • bedroom_fascistBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Some people may not like to hear it, but this is part of why Belichick is getting criticized. The league is built on offense these days; he has made a continuous string of bad decisions on that side of the ball.

    • The Matt Patricia appointment fiasco

    • Poor / non drafting of elite offensive talent.

    • Poor development of offensive talent (the disappearance of Pop for several games after one turnover speaks volumes)

    • Mac Jone! The Patriots took a serviceable QB and ruined it like a kid driving dad’s sportscar with no oil in the engine. Three systems in three years? Benched 4 times in a season? Matt Fucking Patricia? There is a list of exactly 0 QBs who have been successful with those circumstances.

    • Wasting draft choices. I’m not going to pick on the talent evaluation - it really can be a crapshoot. But when you’re taking a projected 3rd round pick in the first, wasting a 4th rounder on a kicker … you clearly think you know more than other people. Turns out, not only did you not know more, but you didn’t learn from your mistakes.

    I clearly remember Belichick’s resignation from HC of the NYJ, and hiring here. Having total control of the football organization was the central, driving factor. He required that then; now, after so many rings and dominant seasons, I can’t imagine him willingly giving that up. I believe he’d rather leave, and try again elsewhere being given total control. That’s of course a guess.

    Defense used to win championships. I’m not sure any more; the game (rules as well as a lot of other things) has really changed.