PATRIOTS' DEFENSIVE NUMBERS BY POSSESSION

Patriots' Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia could probably be more successful if opponents weren't averaging 11 possessions per game.

While watching the Patriots play last Sunday, I made the comment that the biggest problem with the Patriots' defense this season is their offense.  Both my New England and Kansas City friends were in agreement.  While last week the Patriots' defense played rather poorly, I still think a big part of the problem was still their offense. 

The problem started after the Patriots once again started the game with a three and out to put the defense back onto the field with little time to rest or make adjustments.  In the second half, turnovers by Tom Brady really put them on their heels. 

While looking the amount of points and yards a defensive unit gives up is useful, I decided to run those numbers against the number of drives the opposing team was given.

Miami-

12 drives
2.75 points per drive
30 yards per drive 

Minnesota-

12 drives
1.42 points per drive
18 yards per drive

Oakland-

9 drives
1.55 points per drive
26.78 yards per drive

Kansas City-

11 drives
3.09 points per drive (does not include Brady's pick 6, but does include 2 play touchdown drive from the 9 yard line)
40.2 yards per drive

Overall-

2.22 points per drive
28.66 yards per drive

For comparisons sake I looked at these numbers for both games against the Broncos last year.

November-

2.21 points per drive (had a shutdown second half and 2 overtime possessions)
29.43 yards per drive

Playoffs-

3.25 points per drive
63.38 yards per drive

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