Digging deeper on Pats' 4th-quarter defense

[convertedpatsfan]

Digging deeper on Pats' 4th-quarter defense - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

ESPN Stats looked into the Pats 4th-quarter defense issues over the past two weeks and found the team played with an extra defensive back on 39 of 42 snaps. It makes sense, but the other stats point to this sub package being quite ineffective.

In fact, with 5+ DBs on the field, QB numbers in the 4th quarter are actually DOWN compared to the rest of the game. It's just that we don't play that package as consistently as we seem to in the 4th quarter.

Next-level stats: Patriots-Colts - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Another article with several stats from the game, including how poorly we did against play-action passes, Tom Brady doing much better with 2 TEs on the field, and Manning's struggles with passes down the sidelines.

 

[JoeShmoe]

I know were winning these games but let's be honest, who didnt think last night that Manning was going to find Wayne in the EZ and win the game. He was in total control of the game at that point

Sooner or later this prevent crap is going to burn us - I only hope it isnt when it matters

Our lack of pass rush hurt us last night too one Manning adjusted

 

[sbpatfan]

As bad as the pass rush was, it picked the right time to be existent. The whole fourth quarter defense thing is a bit perplexing though.

 

[R_T26]

Cinci, SD, Pitt, and Indy we went to prevent and all it did was allow us to give up lots if points very fast.!it's not even preventing huge plays because teams are still getting those. I feel the ppg has been hurt by this tactic.

 

[borg]

The pass defense is what it is...horrible.
Depressing stat rankings:
274 receptions against....rank #32
3005 reception yds...rank #31
20 TDs thru air...rank #30 (3 way tie)
37 receptions 20+ yds...rank #29 (tie)
160 first downs thru air...rank #32
but
1 reception 40+ yds...rank #1
Summary:
The Patriots don't give up the big play....just every other kind of pass play.
PS.......13 INTs...rank 8 (tie)

 

[IllegalContact]

It freaking manning and the colts.......this is all on the offense......it was their job to keep manning off the field. One more sustained drive would have done it, not consecutive 3 and outs.

The defense is young and you can't count on them against guys like manning. It worked out this time, but lets do the same last minute 10 times and how does it play out?