Statistics.
Yeah, we know, according to Belichick, “stats are for losers and the final score is for winners.’’ But stats have to have some purpose, right? Otherwise, why keep track?
So, after the Patriots’ 38-20 pounding of the Eagles, here is a plethora of statistical evaluations for your reading pleasure (not including last night’s game):
Points per game for: 30.1 (3d in NFL); 2010 - 32.4 (1st) Points per game against: 20.3 (11th); 2010 -19.6 (8th) This might be the one statistic Belichick agrees has merit since, after all, that’s the whole point: to score more points than the opposition. After struggling to score during a three-week stretch against the Cowboys, Steelers, and Giants - a stretch during which they totaled just 57 points, lost two games, and needed a last-gasp touchdown to win in the other - New England has regained its scoring form the last three weeks.
Defensively, the Patriots’ near shutout of the Chiefs helped move them up to a season-high of 10th in the rankings; they slid to 11th after Sunday’s win over Philadelphia, in which they allowed 20 points, their average for the season.
Total yards per game: 429.5 (2d); 2010 - 363.8 (8th) Passing yards per game: 319.1 (2d); 2010 - 240.4 (11th) Rushing yards per game: 110.4 (15th); 2010 - 123.3 (9th) The Patriots aren’t exactly slouches when it comes to moving the ball, but this number gets a boost from their early-season tear, when they hung 622 yards on Miami, 504 on San Diego, and 495 in Buffalo during a loss to the Bills. For some teams, more than 1,600 yards of offense is a good half-season.
The big difference for New England this season is in the passing game. Both Tom Brady and the Saints’ Drew Brees are on pace to eclipse Dan Marino’s season passing record of 5,084 yards. Brady has six games of more than 300 yards in 2011. The Patriots’ ground game has had its ups and downs, with the nadir coming in Pittsburgh, when they got down early and got away from the run.
