Stat check

Mike:
Can you give the ranking from the previous week as well so we can get a sense of whether it is improving or getting worse? The offensive categories seem to be getting better. As I recall, we were pretty bad defensively last year late into the season and then improved in the last 1/3 of the season. Let's hope for that again.

Glad to see the stats back up my observations while watching that the Patriots must have one of the worst 3rd down defenses in the league. 3rd and long, 3rd and 10+ have been regularly converted against these guys-- especially in the loss to the NYJ. Hopefully they can get this turned around--I suspect the secondary has a lot to do with these struggles.

our red zone offense and 3rd down defense needs improvement. if we can consistantly knock big ben around (maybe knock him out) and play steady on offense, we should be able to keep it competitive.

Hi Jim. Here is a link from last week's stat check for the comparison:
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/11/stat_check_33.html
--Mike

This 2nd worst Red Zone defense is obviously a function of the poor secondary play and to an extent the lack of consistent pass rush. That's pretty obvious.

But the loose coverage many complain about is largely by design. The number one objective of this patchwork secondary is to keep the play in front of them and prevent the 20+ yard play. That means we'll continue to see loose coverage schemes and ultra conservative individual coverage. (you can argue that's all Hobbs and O'Neal are capable of, but they'd point out their potential to make plays is negated by this overiding scheme. Chicken or egg?)

Of course, this conservative approach breaks down the closer you get to the goal line.

Good news is we now have an offense capable of taking pressure of the defense by winning either in shoot-outs (v. Miami) or ball control (v. Buffalo). But one untested key to the consistent winning necessary to make the playoffs is whether we have a kicker who can win a game with a late, long, clutch FG. Me thinks we'll find that out before this is all over...

The only three statistics that really matter. 3rd down defense and red zone offense and defense. We are unfortunately in the bottom of the league in those categories. If those dont improve we dont make the playoffs.