Dropped Balls: The Patriots became nearly fumble-proof after a 2006 rule change backed by Tom Brady.

Aaron · Jan 26, 2015

I followed that up by looking at the fumble data, which showed, regardless of weather or site, that the Patriots prevention of fumbles was nearly impossible. Ironically, both studies saw the same exact starting point: Something started for the Patriots in 2007 that is still going on today.

Once again, a key takeaway is deadly obvious: Prior to 2007 the Patriots were right in line with the league averages across the other nondome teams. When you look team by team, they literally are in the middle of the pack for most seasons. But starting in 2007, all similarities totally vanish.
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The statistical “jump” the Patriots make in the 2006 offseason, from one fumble every 39 plays to one fumble every 76 plays is nothing short of remarkable. Their trend line over this period is not even close to that of the rest of the NFL.

http://www.slate.com/articles/sport..._became_nearly_fumble_proof_after_a_2006.html

“Additionally, according to Stats, LLC, the six players who have played extensively for the Patriots and other teams in this span all fumbled far less frequently wearing the New England uniform. Including recovered fumbles, Danny Amendola, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Wes Welker, Brandon LaFell and LeGarrette Blount have lost the ball eight times in 1,482 touches for the Patriots since 2010, or once every 185.3 times. For their other teams, they fumbled 22 times in 1,701 touches (once every 77.3).”

http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...ssible-rate/LCgrlUR9qgxDsIgcal9dUI/story.html

Ivan · Jan 26, 2015

Drop dead

Bourne Again Christian · Jan 26, 2015

It's called coaching assholes!
Also knowing Belichick would melt you with his mind if you did fumble.
So stupid

FrodoBagginz · Jan 26, 2015

SHOCKING! The Patriots are some of the best coached in the League. BRING OUT THE PITCHFORKS!

50-yard-line · Jan 26, 2015

Patriots were 24th in the league in fumbling in 2013.

Danger Zone · Jan 26, 2015

50-yard-line said:
Patriots were 24th in the league in fumbling in 2013.

Throw that year out.. it doesn't fit the agenda.

Patriot Missile · Jan 26, 2015

You ever see what happens to a RB that fumbles in New England? Answer in short. You don't play. Just ask Steven Ridley. Lame first post btw.

50-yard-line · Jan 26, 2015

But yes, this is where the argument is now going - they're going after the legacy, with the clear accusation that under-inflated footballs have made a substantial impact on the Patriots' run (funny how all 3 Superbowls came BEFORE that 2007 season...).

Yes, any resident statisticians who can blow holes in these reports should go to!

RayClay · Jan 26, 2015

Aaron said:
http://www.slate.com/articles/sport..._became_nearly_fumble_proof_after_a_2006.html

http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...ssible-rate/LCgrlUR9qgxDsIgcal9dUI/story.html

The Patriots have won 14 of the last 18 coin flips.

Explain that.

Deus Irae · Jan 26, 2015

This story has already been debunked. Thanks for bringing up, yet again, though.

First post on the board from this person is a hit piece that's been already been refuted.

I'm thinkin' there be trolls in our midst.

Dr Pain · Jan 26, 2015

Every Patriots RB who puts the ball on the ground gets tossed

Bobsyouruncle · Jan 26, 2015

I already saw this. The Patriots were not the best most years. Even over the period in the article they were only 3rd best in fumbles per play. Where's the article on NO and ATL who are better?

They are better than average most years but not all.

Better than average is not extraordinary. They are better than average at a lot of things, wins, points, etc. etc. So are other teams.

50-yard-line · Jan 26, 2015

Deus Irae said:
This story has already been debunked. Thanks for bringing up, yet again, though.

First post on the board is a hit piece that's been destroyed.

I'm thinkin' there be trolls in our midst.

Deus, do you have any links to the debunking? Because I'm really curious as to the explanations for this - because the premise seems ridiculous when I just look at team fumbles over the last 8 seasons.

PatriotsInGA · Jan 26, 2015

RayClay said:
The Patriots have won 14 of the last 18 coin flips.

Explain that.

"Tide goes in, tide goes out. Never a miscommunication. You can't explain that. You can explain why the tide goes in" - Bill O'Reilly

BradyToAmendola · Jan 26, 2015

I'd like to see the stats if you exclude all fumbles from QBs. Our QB is pretty good about getting rid the ball quickly, doesn't fumble much. I'd wanna see the numbers for running backs and receivers only, cause many of other team's fumbles are due to their QB hanging onto the ball too long and getting blindsided.

TheBostonStraggler · Jan 26, 2015

Patriot Missile said:
You ever see what happens to a RB that fumbles in New England? Answer in short. You don't play. Just ask Steven Ridley. Lame first post btw.

First post? I'd bet the mortgage check against that (regardless of the 1 next to its screenname).
Wouldn't surprise me at all if he was the other poster what started a 'hey guys, I'm a fan but the fumble numbers make me believe the Patriots are very bad people' thread from the other day.

deters · Jan 26, 2015

Oh look, a story that links to the original story using false information saying we've fumbled 33 times since 2010, when the truth is we've fumbled 86 times and failed to recover 33 while averaging nearly a fumble a game. Cool story bro, now **** off.

Danger Zone · Jan 26, 2015

I believe part of the debunking evidence that Deus is talking about is that the study doesn't take into consideration Fumbles Recovered.

For example, Edelman's fumble(s) (?) recovery during the AFCCG. I would not be surprised to learn that Edelman recovers more his own fumbles than any other player in the NFL.

Every Fumble Recovered is a lost data point because it doesn't get registered in the study as an actual Fumble.

Show416 · Jan 26, 2015

BS - I watched Maroney play

Bobsyouruncle · Jan 26, 2015

I just looked at the new update, the article debunks itself. After concluding "it could not be random!" No ****, fumbles aren't random. And it's "extraordinary!"

They run fumbles for the last 25 years to find the best 5 year period. And..... The Patriots "extraordinary" run puts them......drum roll.....4th best! In 25 years.

No team has ever had a run like this! Except for the four others that had a run better in just the last 25 years.

Dropped Balls: The Patriots became nearly fumble-proof after a 2006 rule change backed by Tom Brady.

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