There seems to be a sentiment among the Patriots Defense that the Offense isn’t pulling their weight. This is absolutely true but statistically there is one statistic the Defense can’t be proud about. Courtesy of https://rbsdm.com/stats/stats/ when I look at their Defensive EPA (rolling 6-week average) for 3rd Downs in 3rd, 4th and OT periods, the Patriots are dead last. They are unable to get off the field on the 3rd Downs. The EPA is filtered for 3rd and 4th quarter so maybe they’re fatigued given the Offense hasn’t been able to sustain long drives. Thoughts?
Short version: Pats can’t get off the field on 3rd downs in the second half.
Which is a double whammy, especially when they’re in constant need to catch up. The offense going 3-and-out so much and putting them on the field has to be wearing them down, I’d suspect that’s part of it, but it wouldn’t surprise me (just a guess, no evidence, just speculating) if they aren’t making second-half adjustments in years past either.