As far as third downs, the Patriots’ problems were well-documented. They finished 2010 last in total third-down defense (47.1 percent) and in third-down defense of more than 10 yards (31.5 percent).
So Belichick came up with a plan through scheme changes and player acquisitions.
Of course, things didn’t work as planned. Several key players didn’t stay healthy: cornerbacks Leigh Bodden and Ras-I Dowling, safety Josh Barrett, and defensive linemen Mike Wright and Myron Pryor. And tackle Albert Haynesworth was cut.
In spite of that, the Patriots got better in both areas, which helped propel them to the Super Bowl.
In 19 games, they had 51 sacks and 83 knockdowns for a total of 134 times the opposing quarterback had to pick himself off the turf, an average of 7.1 per game. That was a significant improvement.
And on third down, the Patriots improved slightly overall (43.1 percent, 28th in the NFL), but dramatically on third downs of more than 10 yards (15.9 percent, 10th).
Where will Belichick look to improve heading into next season? That’s part of our trip through some of the significant numbers from the 2011 season, with figures provided by Stats LLC and our own game charting:
253 - Plays allowed of 10 or more yards, last in the league (average of 208). Patriots gave up 224 in 2010.
89 - Plays allowed of 20 or more yards, last in the league (average of 64). Patriots allowed 61 in 2010 to finish 21st.
70 - Pass plays allowed over 20 yards, up significantly from 2010 (42).
72 - Completions for Tom Brady of 20 or more yards, which led the league (average of 52).
