Do you look at # of different starters differently than # of games lost by starters? I would think the latter is a more accurate assessment, or a truer indicator of a teams injuries. If your O-lineman goes down, you may plug more than 1 guy in that spot, or rotate things a bit to see what combination(s) work best. But with starters lost, it is pretty cut and dry. Where it gets dicey is when you have more than 1 guy go down at a specific spot. IE, this year, when Marvin went down, the depth chart moved Moorehead into the starting line up. Well, at that same time, Gonzo was also out a few games. A feww weeks go by, and Moorehead gets IR'd. If he's in Harrison's spot, do we count his games missed to the end of the year, or do we assume Gonzo eveantually fills that spot, and Moorehead takes back his spot as a reserve? To me, it's just very interesting topic. And as a fan, it is great to take comfort in knowing your team has got enough depth to fill some voids.
For the record, talking about these injuries and using them as an excuse are not the same thing. Sure, we feel like had we been at full strength, the November game would have been different, but, no one can say that for certain. Pats made the plays when they needed to, and earned the victory.
Will be interested to see the final tally. Someone spoke of a site or service that computes those numbers at the end of each season.