Where would the Pats be with better health?

[ctpatsfan77]

Per Aaron Schatz (formerly of Football Outsiders), Adjusted Games Lost is a measure of how many games are lost by starters, also taking into account things like being at less than 100%.

The Patriots finished with the 3rd most AGL in 2023. Last year, they were somewhat healthier, but still finishing with the 9th most AGL last year. They were league average (16th) on defense, but 5th worst on offense.

I'm not saying that things would be completely different if they had been healthier, but I have to think it was at least a factor in both Belichick and Mayo losing their jobs.

2024 AGL: 49ers Get Smacked Down by Injuries

The 49ers were the most injured team in the league in 2024, while the Ravens were one of the least injured teams in years.

ftnfantasy.com

 

[Hugepatsfan]

8 of their 2023 losses were by one score or less. BB still had the team playing hard and prepared most weeks, they'd just never make enough plays. A few more guys being available maybe swings a game or two. Less inclined to say so for last year because more of their 1 score losses felt back door cover-ish and they generally didn't look prepared down the stretch.

Does this account for if the starters are actually good though? Sure we've had some starters out with injuries over the years, but were they any good?

 

[Froob]

8 of their 2023 losses were by one score or less. BB still had the team playing hard and prepared most weeks, they'd just never make enough plays. A few more guys being available maybe swings a game or two. Less inclined to say so for last year because more of their 1 score losses felt back door cover-ish and they generally didn't look prepared down the stretch.

Does this account for if the starters are actually good though? Sure we've had some starters out with injuries over the years, but were they any good?

Bad teams lose a lot of close games. The OL injuries were brutal though last two years. One thing, they weren't that talented to begin with, now they don't have a consistent 5 playing together. OL badly needs to figure out a solid 3-4 starters that will be around a while.

 

[billdog3484]

4-13

 

[signbabybrady]

I think there a small Chicken or egg thing to this too.

It hurts a little more when you play on a team that doesn't win. You're on your heels and over compensating plus it's just a mental grind.

 

[KCSVEN]

Patriots depth was bad both years so injuries probably hurt them more than an average team.
However, the poor coaching was probably more to blame than the injuries in 2024.
In 2023 they didn't have a QB which probably made more of a difference than injuries.