AndyJohnson

The 2012 Patriots have gained the 5th most yards in their first 8 games of any teams in NFL history.
They are 26th all time in points scored.
They have the 15th fewest turnovers of any team ever. This is the 3rd time (07,09,12)in the BB era that the Patriots have had 7 tunronvers in the first 8 games, and only 14 other teams in NFL history have had fewer in any season. THAT is one of the most remarkable stats Ive seen, when combined with the yards and points.
They also have run the 2nd most offensive plays of any team in the first half. (Behind the 1995 Patriots)

DarrylS

Believe you would find similar commentary on number of first downs... but do not know where to begin searching.

The whole number of offensive plays thing aids our defense..

Seem to recall there were some who were lamenting how anemic this offense was a couple of weeks ago..

This is a very good offense..

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QB12

Hard to draw any meaningful conclusions from those stats, sorry.

AndyJohnson

Hence the tiltle Interesting stats rather than Conclusive stats.

1960Pats

Here's the half season stat that sticks out to me;

Points by Quarter
Pats 66-67-65-62-3
Opps 33-38-38-61-0

Why are the Pats giving up so many more points in the 4th quarter? That has to be on the coaching.

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The Pats may have a defense to go along with their offense.

NYCPatsFan

Turnover stats aren't meaningful?

Pity that such stats pointing to a stellar O are hidden among the other news and distractions.

On second thought, I would rather such stats contine to be obscure so that we remain under the radar and win the SB this season. And the next. And the one after that.

RelocatedPatFan

Judging by stats alone it would look like a prevent defense. Going by memory and watching the games, it would seem the 3 losses pulled the average in the 4th quarter down; while (possibly) driving up the opponent 4th quarter average (being just under 8 points per game)

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brdmaverick

That is only natural when you are a team that typically has the lead going into the fourth quarter. You'll have a prevent defense going against a team that looking to run and gun. Of course, the defense should still be able to make plays so your point (concern) still stands.

Seattle and Baltimore put up big fourth quarter points in their comebacks against us. Denver gave a good rally but ultimately came up short. With St. Louis and Tennessee the defense was actually able to keep the damage to a minimum despite holding a big lead.


What is even more amazing about those stats, with the Pats fourth quarter defensive woe's HIGHLY DOCUMENTED, it's interesting to see that our offense has STILL earned more points (62) than they have given up (61) in that quarter.

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RelocatedPatFan

actually looking at this 31 of their 62 points in the 4th quarter came against the Bills. Thus, they are definitely not scoring as much as the average would indicate.

Still, if the offense and defense generally improve, we could see 4th quarter get worse if prevent/bend and occasionally break defense is at play.

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Metaphors

That is the flaw of this team (and every team including ATL and HOU has at least one) and hopefully it isn't a fatal one. When an opponent is behind in the 4th quarter, forced to throw the ball (plus infrequent draw plays), maybe even in a 4-down situation...the secondary and pass rush has to turn over the ball. The Pats have issues in this area. It is a combination of talent, execution, play calling and coaching. There are hopeful signs:

1) The injury situation (only Dowling is long-term) is manageable so far...knocking on every source of wood I can find.

2) Talib has the same skill set as Dowling to be physical off the line and disrupt quick passes over the middle. Getting Arrington and Moore out of this role is critical for late season success.

3) Jones is starting to get a positive reputation around the league. Why is this important? Because if he were Ware or Matthews, he would have drawn innumerable holding calls this year. Now that his visibility is rising, those calls will start to come.

4) The flashes (frustratingly infrequent) of middle blitzes using the linebackers. The Hightower pick was a dichotomy for me...hated it if he was just going to play in space....loved it if he would be used to create chaos in the backfield. Jury is still out but all 3 linebackers are blurs when asked to knife into the backfield. Another weapon on the utility belt if Belichick wants to use it.

5) Along the same lines, Cunningham's resurgence and use as an interior rusher is a major story of the season so far. He looks much leaner and quicker than last year. Since he is used sparingly in the base defense, he is fresh in the 4th quarter.

You could make a completely reasonable argument that the Pats were a single 4th quarter play away from titles in 2006, 2007 and 2011. Not an amazing play like a pick-6...but a basic play like falling on a fumble or holding on to an interception or pulling in a late completion or knocking down a pass or getting a QB to the ground in the pocket. If the Pats are able to get back to that situation, I'm confident that the players on the depth chart right now (given 8-10 more games of experience) will make that one play.