5 Telling facts about the Patriots after 5 games
Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
1. Patriots are moving the chains often, especially on third down
The Patriots are far and away the best third-down offense in the NFL. They are the only offense with a third-down conversion rate over 50 percent (50.9 percent, to be exact). The wealth of dependable weapons at Tom Brady’s disposal has been the driving force behind this efficiency on the most important down of them all.
What’s also very interesting is the Patriots have been tasked with a third down just 57 times in five games, the second-fewest in the league. While that can be attributed in part to the fact the Pats have played one less game than most teams, it’s telling that they haven’t been in third-down situations very often. That indicates the offense is rolling on first- and second-down.
On most third-downs, Brady’s primary option is Julian Edelman, simply because Edelman could get open in a food court. Edelman has 23 first-down receptions on the season. And of course there’s Gronk, who is often open as a result of Edelman drawing so much attention; 19 of Gronkowski’s 23 receptions have translated into first downs. Danny Amendola has also been effective picking up first downs, as 12 of his 17 catches have moved the chains.