10 reasons why the Patriots are undefeated
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sportsz
1. Punting and punt coverage
The Patriots are owning the punt game. Ryan Allen is averaging 47.8 yards every time he boots the ball, the sixth-best total in the league. Punting is an oft-overlooked facet of the game, but it’s nonetheless important to winning the field position battle, and Allen is earning his paycheck.
After Allen punts the ball, the Pats are doing a great job of covering. Matthew Slater and his coverage team pals are allowing just 4.4 yards per return, which is the best average in the AFC and only ranks behind the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
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As the competition gets tougher down the line (especially that juicy November 29th game in Denver), the Pats will be glad to have such an effective punter and punt coverage team.