The Patriots score the most points in the NFL, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they have the best offense in the league.
In fact, looking at the numbers, their rushing production (112.5 yards per game) and passing production (236.7 ypg) rank just 16th and 12th, respectively, in the NFL.
And when it comes to defense, move along — nothing to see here. New England has managed to give up 399.1 total ypg, including a league-worst 288.5 passing yards.
Not exactly the recipe for success.
If you’re searching for the real reason why the Pats keep winning, look no further than the turnover column.
On the year, the Pats have committed just nine turnovers. Of those, three came in the loss to the Jets, and three more came in the loss to the Browns. Two turnovers against the Ravens almost earned the Pats a third loss. Starting to see a pattern here?
Tom Brady had never thrown two interceptions against the Jets before Week 2. He also fumbled in that game.
“They create a lot of different ways to cause confusion with the quarterback and with the offense,” Brady said of the Jets’ defense. “They make it tough on you — you’ve got to get the ball into tight spots.”
The Pats’ takeaway/giveaway ratio is plus-11, tied for the second-highest in the league.
In fact, seven of the top eight teams in the league in terms of turnover ratio (Jets included) would make the playoffs today.
Think that could be a coincidence?
Brady has a golden chance to right his wrongs on Monday night, but it won’t be easy.
“Antonio Cromartie is really a ball hawk,” Brady said of the cornerback. “He’s got great hands and ball skills, great awareness. Darrelle Revis is really an incredible corner; he’s really a dynamic player for them, too.”
