"Third, going for it on fourth down against New England does not incur much risk.
Normally, a team punts to pin an opponents deeper in their own territory. But distance has proven little obstacle to the New England offense this year.
The Patriots have scored touchdowns on over 60 percent of their offensive possessions when starting from inside their own 20 yard line. Is there really a downside to failing to convert a fourth down try? The upside is big: you get to keep the football for a few minutes more, and maybe score. The downside? New England's probably going to score whether you punt or not."
My corrolary to this is yes, go on 4th down against the Pats even if the Pats get good field position because if the Pats score quickly from a short field you'll get the ball back sooner and have a chance to tire the Pats D, their weakest link this season.