2019 Pats Defense: What Are We Witnessing?

[OurF'ingCity]

For sure. And that was my point really. They "struggled" yesterday but it was against an offense that has the potential to be explosive, and they still only allowed 310 total yards and 13 points. I mean, that's pretty good.

I don't have the time or football acumen to really break it down play-by-play, but I wouldn't be surprised, especially after the 17-0 start, if the Pats had intentionally been playing in packages designed to protect against big passing plays (basically, not stacking the box). Obviously the D shouldn't be giving up huge runs like the one that ended in the Chubb fumble, but I suspect to some degree the Pats were okay with giving Chubb a little more leeway to gain few more yards per down if it meant ODB, Landry, etc. weren't breaking off big "chunk" plays and the Browns' drives were taking a ton of time off the clock.

 

[tims4wins]

It adds up. For the total yards, they subtract the sack yardage.

263+110-75=298

The play totals weren't adding up, the totals said 145 but then when I added them it came to 124. I realized the total plays listed on Pro Football Reference included punts, field goals, PATs, etc.

 

[Shelterdog]

I don't have the time or football acumen to really break it down play-by-play, but I wouldn't be surprised, especially after the 17-0 start, if the Pats had intentionally been playing in packages designed to protect against big passing plays (basically, not stacking the box). Obviously the D shouldn't be giving up huge runs like the one that ended in the Chubb fumble, but I suspect to some degree the Pats were okay with giving Chubb a little more leeway to gain few more yards per down if it meant ODB, Landry, etc. weren't breaking off big "chunk" plays and the Browns' drives were taking a ton of time off the clock.

I did some quick math and they averaged 5.8 DBs, 3.5 linebacks (counting Winovich and Simon as LBs) and 1.7 DL per play. they were essentially in Dime all day. Giving up some running yards isn't the plan but it's not that bad.

 

[tims4wins]

Curran on the D / comparisons to the 00 Ravens

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/chasing-history-can-2019-patriots-defense-break-2000-ravens-record-points-allowed

 

[brandonchristensen]

After 8, everyone has given up 100+ points except the Pats at 61. Insane.

 

[Van Everyman]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMmMyzwmkT4&feature=youtu.be

 

[soxhop411]

Time is a flat circle:
View: https://twitter.com/NFLResearch/status/1191212450986610688

 

[E5 Yaz]

Time is a flat circle:
View: https://twitter.com/NFLResearch/status/1191212450986610688

That's because we live on a flat planet

 

[axx]

After 8, everyone has given up 100+ points except the Pats at 61. Insane.

That's what happens when you had the easiest schedule of all time.

 

[j44thor]

What can we discern, if anything, from the D's challenges when facing down hill, 1 cut type runners this season? Frank Gore, Chubb and Ingram have all gone over 100yds on less than 20 touches. My memory is that downhill runners have typically struggled against NE defenses in the past. Is the DL a weakness the rest of the D has been masking, LB's missing assignments?

 

[Captaincoop]

Belichick is going to spend the next two weeks throwing all the "boogeymen" bullshit in their faces.

 

[dcmissle]

Belichick is going to spend the next two weeks throwing all the "boogeymen" bullshit in their faces.

People get all over Nick Saban whenever he rants about “rat poison”, but he’s absolutely right. The characterization of GOAT defense, the comparisons to 2000 Ravens, were ridiculous and embarrassing, but this was the media environment these players were dipped in. For weeks.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

People get all over Nick Saban whenever he rants about “rat poison”, but he’s absolutely right. The characterization of GOAT defense, the comparisons to 2000 Ravens, were ridiculous and embarrassing, but this was the media environment these players were dipped in. For weeks.

No they weren't. Even against an easy schedule what the Pats had done over the course of the first half of the season was historic. The 2000 Ravens gave up 36 points in one game. I get that you are not-so-closeted Ravens fan, but how about we let the rest of the season play out?

Edit: and the Boogeymen was a self-given nickname for sure, but nobody else on the Pats has said a word about historical comparisons. The media is doing their job, and to not talk about what the Pats D had done through 8 games would have been negligence. There were a million stories about the easy schedule too, it was part of the analysis.

 

[Super Nomario]

What can we discern, if anything, from the D's challenges when facing down hill, 1 cut type runners this season? Frank Gore, Chubb and Ingram have all gone over 100yds on less than 20 touches. My memory is that downhill runners have typically struggled against NE defenses in the past. Is the DL a weakness the rest of the D has been masking, LB's missing assignments?

I think so. Guy / Butler / Shelton are all useful players but let's face it, there's not a game-changer in that group. The Patriots want to play WR vs DB games. When they get into an OL vs DL game, they're not going to be as effective. The Ravens present some unique challenges, but the Eagles and Cowboys games will be interesting tests.

 

[dcmissle]

I think so. Guy / Butler / Shelton are all useful players but let's face it, there's not a game-changer in that group. The Patriots want to play WR vs DB games. When they get into an OL vs DL game, they're not going to be as effective. The Ravens present some unique challenges, but the Eagles and Cowboys games will be interesting tests.

Along with the Texans (Watson) and Chiefs (Mahomes).

Pop quiz. Granting the differences between the schemes, who on this defense starts over his Ravens 2000 counterpart?

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/rav/2000_roster.htm

 

[pappymojo]

No they weren't. Even against an easy schedule what the Pats had done over the course of the first half of the season was historic. The 2000 Ravens gave up 36 points in one game. I get that you are not-so-closeted Ravens fan, but how about we let the rest of the season play out?

Edit: and the Boogeymen was a self-given nickname for sure, but nobody else on the Pats has said a word about historical comparisons. The media is doing their job, and to not talk about what the Pats D had done through 8 games would have been negligence. There were a million stories about the easy schedule too, it was part of the analysis.

This. I am still of the opinion that the Patriots still have a great defense.

 

[Harry Hooper]

What can we discern, if anything, from the D's challenges when facing down hill, 1 cut type runners this season? Frank Gore, Chubb and Ingram have all gone over 100yds on less than 20 touches. My memory is that downhill runners have typically struggled against NE defenses in the past. Is the DL a weakness the rest of the D has been masking, LB's missing assignments?

In the past the interior run D had some big boys in place (Washington, Wilfork, etc.). BB has built a front 7 this year with generally smaller DLs and bigger LBs. As I posted in the gamethread:

Interior D could be more stout vs. the run and the LBs struggle in coverage. Ravens made sure to mix pounding inside with forcing the LBs to chase guys out to the sidelines.

Not many teams will be able to dominate the LOS vs. the Pats D, but can BB coach around that matchup problem when it comes up given the 2019 personnel?

 

[lexrageorge]

This. I am still of the opinion that the Patriots still have a great defense.

This. Collins, Hightower, Van Noy and Bentley didn't just turn into the Ghosts of Derrick Burgess, Gary Guyton, and 2009 Adalius Thomas over the course of the past week.

Usually, losses like this are combination of a bad matchup, a team failing to bring its A game, and some misfortune. I noted in the game goat thread that there are a lot of similarities to the drubbing the Pats took at the hands of Roethlisberger and the Steelers back in 2004, right down the final 34-20 score. Bettis and Staley made a good 2004 defense look like a bunch of Gary Guyton's.

 

[InstaFace]

Belichick is going to spend the next two weeks throwing all the "boogeymen" bullshit in their faces.

I wouldn't want to be Philly in two weeks, that's for sure. You want to talk about "great vengeance and furious anger"... Belichick's gonna lay his vengeance upon thee.

 

[BigSoxFan]

I wouldn't want to be Philly in two weeks, that's for sure. You want to talk about "great vengeance and furious anger"... Belichick's gonna lay his vengeance upon thee.

Philly is going to be a great litmus test for this team. They're a decent opponent but nothing special and the Pats will have had a chance to come off their bye (Philly as well). It won't be an easy game and the atmosphere will be quite hostile but if the D struggles once again, then it's probably time for some real concern given that they'll have the Cowboys, Texans, and Chiefs right afterwards needing to win 2 of 3 to remain in good shape for the 1 seed.

I was actually more encouraged yesterday with the offense then I thought I'd be. They started slow but started figuring things out in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Sanu really is going to be a great addition for this team. If Wynn comes back and looks like he did in Week 1 and if Harry comes back and gives Brady a big red zone target, things will start to come together. As of now, both are clearly pretty big IFs but we have reason to be cautiously optimistic. I am far from an OL expert but I feel like Mason is having a really rough season so far.

 

[OurF'ingCity]

The Patriots want to play WR vs DB games.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Their front seven is good, but their DBs are really where their strength is. The problem is that most of the other AFC contenders have mobile QBs, good OLs and strong RBs, so the Pats will obviously need to make adjustments come playoff time (and certainly the Chiefs will be another good litmus test - I actually hope Mahomes is 100% for that game because it will provide a better pre-playoff test).

Ironically in terms of matchups this version of the Pats D would actually probably be better suited in the NFC, where most of the top contenders have tons of talent but use more traditional offensive approaches (think the Packers, for example).

 

[DennyDoyle'sBoil]

I think this pretty much sums it up. Their front seven is good, but their DBs are really where their strength is. The problem is that most of the other AFC contenders have mobile QBs, good OLs and strong RBs, so the Pats will obviously need to make adjustments come playoff time (and certainly the Chiefs will be another good litmus test - I actually hope Mahomes is 100% for that game because it will provide a better pre-playoff test).

Ironically in terms of matchups this version of the Pats D would actually probably be better suited in the NFC, where most of the top contenders have tons of talent but use more traditional offensive approaches (think the Packers, for example).

Dallas is going to be an interesting game. Elliott should be able to run effectively if they stick to it and don't get down early. I'd rather have the Packers and maybe even the Seahawks.

 

[Willie Clay's Big Play]

View: https://twitter.com/tkyles39/status/1192219623904759810?s=19


Pretty good follow here - does the leg work, speaks on what he sees and he's pretty fair. This spotlights what some on this thread have been saying about it being a scheme issue not a talent issue.

Tough look for them on Sunday night, but I'd bet they're prepared for what they see if there's a rematch down the road.

 

[caesarbear]

Posted a similar analysis video in the vid thread. My own interpretation is that Jackson and the Baltimore offense did a great job with playing off the linebacker matchups. Try to fool Van Noy or Collins, try to out run Simon or Bently.

 

[Captaincoop]

Dallas is going to be an interesting game. Elliott should be able to run effectively if they stick to it and don't get down early. I'd rather have the Packers and maybe even the Seahawks.

I could not disagree more with the last sentence. I'll believe Jason Garrett's team can beat Bill Belichick's remotely equal team when I see it happen.

Not to mention that Wilson and Rodgers tend to kill the Pats. Give me Dak all day long.

 

[Willie Clay's Big Play]

Posted a similar analysis video in the vid thread. My own interpretation is that Jackson and the Baltimore offense did a great job with playing off the linebacker matchups. Try to fool Van Noy or Collins, try to out run Simon or Bently.

Well played. Take away the strengths. Sounds familiar in these parts.

 

[Bowhemian]

View: https://twitter.com/tkyles39/status/1192219623904759810?s=19


Pretty good follow here - does the leg work, speaks on what he sees and he's pretty fair. This spotlights what some on this thread have been saying about it being a scheme issue not a talent issue.

Tough look for them on Sunday night, but I'd bet they're prepared for what they see if there's a rematch down the road.

That's how the option is played-the D-end is left unblocked.
And yes, the Pats played it horribly.

 

[m0ckduck]

What changed between the Eagles 3rd drive yesterday— where they drove 95 yards, held the ball for 9 and half min, and basically imposed their collective will on the Pats D— and the rest of the game, where they were able to do almost nothing? Was it just their O-lineman getting injured? Or was there a fundamental change to the Pats' defensive plan or execution?

 

[BigSoxFan]

What changed between the Eagles 3rd drive yesterday— where they drove 95 yards, held the ball for 9 and half min, and basically imposed their collective will on the Pats D— and the rest of the game, where they were able to do almost nothing? Was it just their O-lineman getting injured? Or was there a fundamental change to the Pats' defensive plan or execution?

Lane Johnson being hurt certainly explains some of that.

 

[j44thor]

Romo claimed they def made adjustments and you could see Bill huddled with the D after that drive but what adjustments they made I don't recall.

Next week will be a good barometer for this D. Conventional, well balanced offense with a strong OL. Gilmore/Cooper should be quite the battle. Elliott doesn't look quite himself this season and G Collins got hurt late so that will be one to watch but given the challenges downhill runners have presented this year it will be interesting to see what scheme NE employs.

 

[tims4wins]

Ravens tracker update. Red zone and plus-50 updates coming later.

Ravens:
Game 1 (@ Steelers, finished 9-7): 0 points, 193 yards passing, 30 yards rushing, 223 total yards
Game 2 (vs. Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 36 points, 375 yards passing, 46 yards rushing, 421 total yards
Game 3 (@ Miami, finished 11-5): 19 points, 152 yards passing, 106 yards rushing, 258 total yards
Game 4 (vs. Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 0 points, 90 yards passing, 4 yards rushing, 94 total yards
Game 5 (@ Cleveland, finished 3-13): 0 points, 207 yards passing, 23 yards rushing, 230 total yards
Game 6 (@ Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 10 points, 253 yards passing, 95 yards rushing, 348 total yards
Game 7 (@ Washington, finished 8-8): 10 points, 145 yards passing, 101 yards rushing, 246 total yards)
Game 8 (vs. Titans, finished 13-3): 14 points, 101 yards passing, 90 yards rushing, 191 total yards)
Totals: 89 points, 1,516 yards passing, 495 yards rushing, 2,011 total yards, total opponents' record of 62-66, .484%)

Pats:
Game 1 (vs. Steelers, currently 2-4): 3 points, 276 yards passing, 32 yards rushing, 308 total yards
Game 2 (@ Miami, currently 0-6): 0 points, 142 yards passing, 42 yards rushing, 184 total yards
Game 3 (vs. Jets, currently 1-6): 14 points, 69 yards passing, 36 yards rushing, 105 total yards
Game 4 (@ Bills, currently 5-2): 10 points, 240 yards passing, 135 yards rushing, 375 total yards
Game 5 (@ Washington, currently 1-7): 7 points, 75 yards passing, 145 yards rushing, 220 total yards
Game 6 (vs. Giants, currently 2-6): 14 points, 161 yards passing, 52 yards rushing, 213 total yards
Game 7 (@ Jets, currently 1-6): 0 points, 73 yards passing, 81 yards rushing, 154 total yards
Game 8 (vs. Browns, currently 2-5): 13 points, 151 yards passing, 159 yards rushing, 310 total yards
Total: 61 points, 1,190 yards passing, 682 yards rushing, 1,872 total yards, total opponents' record of 14-42, .250%)

Ravens had a very good defensive day against a good team in week 8. Their strength of opponent is much stronger halfway through the season. But the Pats have still allowed 28 fewer points (3.5 PPG) and 139 fewer yards (17.375 YPG).

Ravens tracker update. Like BB with plays of the week, this baby only gets updated after wins.

Ravens:
Game 1 (@ Steelers, finished 9-7): 0 points, 193 yards passing, 30 yards rushing, 223 total yards
Game 2 (vs. Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 36 points, 375 yards passing, 46 yards rushing, 421 total yards
Game 3 (@ Miami, finished 11-5): 19 points, 152 yards passing, 106 yards rushing, 258 total yards
Game 4 (vs. Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 0 points, 90 yards passing, 4 yards rushing, 94 total yards
Game 5 (@ Cleveland, finished 3-13): 0 points, 207 yards passing, 23 yards rushing, 230 total yards
Game 6 (@ Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 10 points, 253 yards passing, 95 yards rushing, 348 total yards
Game 7 (@ Washington, finished 8-8): 10 points, 145 yards passing, 101 yards rushing, 246 total yards
Game 8 (vs. Titans, finished 13-3): 14 points, 101 yards passing, 90 yards rushing, 191 total yards
Game 9 (vs. Steelers, finished 9-7): 9 points, 111 yards passing, 120 yards rushing, 231 total yards
Game 10 (@ Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 7 points, 130 yards passing, 44 yards rushing, 174 total yards)
Totals: 105 points, 1,757 yards passing, 659 yards rushing, 2,416 total yards, total opponents' record of 75-85, .469%

Pats:
Game 1 (vs. Steelers, currently 5-5): 3 points, 276 yards passing, 32 yards rushing, 308 total yards
Game 2 (@ Miami, currently 2-8): 0 points, 142 yards passing, 42 yards rushing, 184 total yards
Game 3 (vs. Jets, currently 3-7): 14 points, 69 yards passing, 36 yards rushing, 105 total yards
Game 4 (@ Bills, currently 7-3): 10 points, 240 yards passing, 135 yards rushing, 375 total yards
Game 5 (@ Washington, currently 1-9): 7 points, 75 yards passing, 145 yards rushing, 220 total yards
Game 6 (vs. Giants, currently 2-8): 14 points, 161 yards passing, 52 yards rushing, 213 total yards
Game 7 (@ Jets, currently 3-7): 0 points, 73 yards passing, 81 yards rushing, 154 total yards
Game 8 (vs. Browns, currently 4-6): 13 points, 151 yards passing, 159 yards rushing, 310 total yards
Game 9 (@ Ravens, currently 8-2): 37 points, 162 yards passing, 210 yards rushing, 372 total yards
Game 10 (@ Eagles, currently 5-5): 10 points, 174 yards passing, 81 yards rushing, 255 total yards
Total: 108 points, 1,526 yards passing, 973 yards rushing, 2,499 total yards, total opponents' record of 40-60, .400%)

Basically dead even in points and total yards. Major improvement in the opponents' record. It was at 14-42 as of two weeks ago, so those teams went 26-18 in the time since.

Given the last 3 opponents this year, the Pats have a chance depending what happens the next 3 weeks.

 

[tims4wins]

Still the #5 defense of all time through 10 games per DVOA.

 

[tims4wins]

Simply put if you have to throw against this defense you will not succeed.

 

[RedOctober3829]

117 points allowed thru 11 games is now ahead of the 2000 Ravens pace(128 through 11).

 

[Saints Rest]

And over their last five games, they will play the following scoring offenses: 10, 3, 31, 21, 30.

 

[Seels]

I think they make it. We'll know in two weeks. The Bengals and Dolphins are as bad as the Texans and Chiefs are good. If the Pats can get away allowing under 50 the next two weeks, they make it.

 

[Saints Rest]

If those teams score at their per game average, the points scored would be: 24, 28, 21, 14, 15 = 102 points scored.

Hands up if you think any of those teams, with the possible exception of KC will score their average.

 

[tims4wins]

The Ravens converted five 3rd downs against the Pats. That was a season high. The next highest is three, which has happened twice. In 8 of 11 games it has been 2 or fewer. We’ve never seen this before.

 

[tims4wins]

Ravens tracker update. Like BB with plays of the week, this baby only gets updated after wins.

Ravens:
Game 1 (@ Steelers, finished 9-7): 0 points, 193 yards passing, 30 yards rushing, 223 total yards
Game 2 (vs. Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 36 points, 375 yards passing, 46 yards rushing, 421 total yards
Game 3 (@ Miami, finished 11-5): 19 points, 152 yards passing, 106 yards rushing, 258 total yards
Game 4 (vs. Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 0 points, 90 yards passing, 4 yards rushing, 94 total yards
Game 5 (@ Cleveland, finished 3-13): 0 points, 207 yards passing, 23 yards rushing, 230 total yards
Game 6 (@ Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 10 points, 253 yards passing, 95 yards rushing, 348 total yards
Game 7 (@ Washington, finished 8-8): 10 points, 145 yards passing, 101 yards rushing, 246 total yards
Game 8 (vs. Titans, finished 13-3): 14 points, 101 yards passing, 90 yards rushing, 191 total yards
Game 9 (vs. Steelers, finished 9-7): 9 points, 111 yards passing, 120 yards rushing, 231 total yards
Game 10 (@ Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 7 points, 130 yards passing, 44 yards rushing, 174 total yards)
Totals: 105 points, 1,757 yards passing, 659 yards rushing, 2,416 total yards, total opponents' record of 75-85, .469%

Pats:
Game 1 (vs. Steelers, currently 5-5): 3 points, 276 yards passing, 32 yards rushing, 308 total yards
Game 2 (@ Miami, currently 2-8): 0 points, 142 yards passing, 42 yards rushing, 184 total yards
Game 3 (vs. Jets, currently 3-7): 14 points, 69 yards passing, 36 yards rushing, 105 total yards
Game 4 (@ Bills, currently 7-3): 10 points, 240 yards passing, 135 yards rushing, 375 total yards
Game 5 (@ Washington, currently 1-9): 7 points, 75 yards passing, 145 yards rushing, 220 total yards
Game 6 (vs. Giants, currently 2-8): 14 points, 161 yards passing, 52 yards rushing, 213 total yards
Game 7 (@ Jets, currently 3-7): 0 points, 73 yards passing, 81 yards rushing, 154 total yards
Game 8 (vs. Browns, currently 4-6): 13 points, 151 yards passing, 159 yards rushing, 310 total yards
Game 9 (@ Ravens, currently 8-2): 37 points, 162 yards passing, 210 yards rushing, 372 total yards
Game 10 (@ Eagles, currently 5-5): 10 points, 174 yards passing, 81 yards rushing, 255 total yards
Total: 108 points, 1,526 yards passing, 973 yards rushing, 2,499 total yards, total opponents' record of 40-60, .400%)

Basically dead even in points and total yards. Major improvement in the opponents' record. It was at 14-42 as of two weeks ago, so those teams went 26-18 in the time since.

Given the last 3 opponents this year, the Pats have a chance depending what happens the next 3 weeks.

Ravens tracker update.

Ravens:
Game 1 (@ Steelers, finished 9-7): 0 points, 193 yards passing, 30 yards rushing, 223 total yards
Game 2 (vs. Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 36 points, 375 yards passing, 46 yards rushing, 421 total yards
Game 3 (@ Miami, finished 11-5): 19 points, 152 yards passing, 106 yards rushing, 258 total yards
Game 4 (vs. Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 0 points, 90 yards passing, 4 yards rushing, 94 total yards
Game 5 (@ Cleveland, finished 3-13): 0 points, 207 yards passing, 23 yards rushing, 230 total yards
Game 6 (@ Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 10 points, 253 yards passing, 95 yards rushing, 348 total yards
Game 7 (@ Washington, finished 8-8): 10 points, 145 yards passing, 101 yards rushing, 246 total yards
Game 8 (vs. Titans, finished 13-3): 14 points, 101 yards passing, 90 yards rushing, 191 total yards
Game 9 (vs. Steelers, finished 9-7): 9 points, 111 yards passing, 120 yards rushing, 231 total yards
Game 10 (@ Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 7 points, 130 yards passing, 44 yards rushing, 174 total yards
Game 11 (@ Titans, finished 13-3): 23 points, 224 yards passing, 62 yards rushing, 286 total yards
Totals: 128 points, 1,981 yards passing, 721 yards rushing, 2,702 total yards, total opponents' record of 88-88, .500%

Pats:
Game 1 (vs. Steelers, currently 6-5): 3 points, 276 yards passing, 32 yards rushing, 308 total yards
Game 2 (@ Miami, currently 2-9): 0 points, 142 yards passing, 42 yards rushing, 184 total yards
Game 3 (vs. Jets, currently 4-7): 14 points, 69 yards passing, 36 yards rushing, 105 total yards
Game 4 (@ Bills, currently 8-3): 10 points, 240 yards passing, 135 yards rushing, 375 total yards
Game 5 (@ Washington, currently 2-9): 7 points, 75 yards passing, 145 yards rushing, 220 total yards
Game 6 (vs. Giants, currently 2-9): 14 points, 161 yards passing, 52 yards rushing, 213 total yards
Game 7 (@ Jets, currently 4-7): 0 points, 73 yards passing, 81 yards rushing, 154 total yards
Game 8 (vs. Browns, currently 5-6): 13 points, 151 yards passing, 159 yards rushing, 310 total yards
Game 9 (@ Ravens, currently 8-2): 37 points, 162 yards passing, 210 yards rushing, 372 total yards
Game 10 (@ Eagles, currently 5-6): 10 points, 174 yards passing, 81 yards rushing, 255 total yards
Game 11 (vs. Dallas, currently 6-5): 9 points, 212 yards passing, 109 yards rushing, 321 total yards
Total: 117 points, 1,738 yards passing, 1,082 yards rushing, 2,820 total yards, total opponents' record of 52-68, .433%

Pats opponents continue to look better by the way. Adjusted for era it's pretty amazing on the yardage and points front. 10 more yards per game allowed when the league average has to be like 50 yards or more higher than it was in 2000.

Pats would have to give up 48 over their final five games to match the points mark. The Ravens gave up 37 over their final five: 0, 7, 3, 7, and 20. Given the next two opponents it's going to be difficult. I would bet the Pats end up somewhere closer to around 180 allowed.

 

[Cotillion]

Sub 200 pts in this era of football would be insane.

 

[Ralphwiggum]

In an era designed to favor the passing game, the fact that they have not allowed a 300 yard passing game against them and have more sub-100 yard games (3) to 200+ yard games (2) is absolutely amazing.

 

[BaseballJones]

Passing yards allowed:
276
142
69
240
78
161
73
151
162
174
212 (that 212 would have been 199 if not for the bad clock runoff that allowed Dallas one more play, which happened to be a 13-yard completion...kind of super annoying actually)

Without that last ridiculous play that never should have happened, the Pats have only given up 200+ yards passing TWICE this entire season. As @Ralphwiggum pointed out...that's truly amazing.

 

[BigSoxFan]

Holding 3 teams under 100 is absolutely ridiculous in this day and age. Love watching this defense work. Next 2 weeks will be a great test. Some really good QBs and passing offenses coming up.

 

[tims4wins]

Sub 200 pts in this era of football would be insane.

In an era designed to favor the passing game, the fact that they have not allowed a 300 yard passing game against them and have more sub-100 yard games (3) to 200+ yard games (2) is absolutely amazing.

Right on. The 2003 D was the best of this era IMO. That team gave up 238 points.

 

[Saints Rest]

The Ravens converted five 3rd downs against the Pats. That was a season high. The next highest is three, which has happened twice. In 8 of 11 games it has been 2 or fewer. We’ve never seen this before.

The NFL record for this is 25.1% set by the 2017 Vikings. (They've only kept this stat since 1991.). The Pats sit at 18.9%

 

[tims4wins]

The NFL record for this is 25.1% set by the 2017 Vikings. (They've only kept this stat since 1991.). The Pats sit at 18.9%

So this one is likely to be a new record.

Here's one that is kind of insane to me: the passer rating against (50.5) is lower than the completion % against (53.9%). Is that even possible????

 

[Shaky Walton]

The thing that stands out for me is that when they fail to stop a team on third down, even when it's third and short, it's a surprise.

The one third and 10 yesterday that the Cowboys converted was almost shocking.

This team has totally altered how I watch the D.

 

[BaseballJones]

I'd like for all of us to just remember the start of the 2017 season, when the Patriots' defense (should be quotation marks around that word) allowed:

- 42, 20, 33, 33 points (128 total = 32.0 avg)
- 537, 429, 417, 444 yards (1,827 total = 456.8 avg)
- 26, 20, 23, 28 first downs (97 total = 24.3 avg)

This year they've allowed:
- 3, 0, 14, 10, 7, 14, 0, 13, 37, 10, 9 (117 total = 10.6 avg)
- 308, 184, 105, 375, 223, 213, 154, 310, 372, 255, 321 yards (2,820 total = 256.3 avg)
- 15, 11, 6, 23, 11, 10, 12, 15, 26, 21, 16 first downs (166 total = 15.1 avg)

And I'll also add that this year they've done it largely without a lot of help from the offense. In years past, they've averaged nearly 30 points a game. In 2017 for example, they put up 28.6 points a game. This year? Just over 27 ppg, but the D and special teams have scored a TON.

 

[InstaFace]

Pats would have to give up 48 over their final five games to match the points mark. The Ravens gave up 37 over their final five: 0, 7, 3, 7, and 20. Given the next two opponents it's going to be difficult. I would bet the Pats end up somewhere closer to around 180 allowed.

How were the Ravens at giving up O/ST points? Trying to figure out if a true D-to-D comparison would favor the Pats more.

 

[tims4wins]

How were the Ravens at giving up O/ST points? Trying to figure out if a true D-to-D comparison would favor the Pats more.

Yeah it’s a good question. The Pats have given up 21 right? INT v Jets, blocked punt v Jets, fumble v Giants?