New England Patriots: Turnovers and takeaways have stood out early on
New England’s defense has had no trouble creating turnovers this season, unfortunately, neither has its offense
Two statistics that have stood out through the New England Patriots’ first five games of the regular season are their turnovers gained and turnovers lost.
New England’s defense has 10 takeaways so far this season, double what they had at this time last year, including six interceptions and four fumble recoveries.
It’s the most turnovers gained by the unit through their first five games since 2014 when they had 11. In addition, they have at least one takeaway in each of their first five games for the first time since 2013.
It’s a promising sign for the Patriots’ defense, who struggled to create turnovers in 2017. The unit finished last season with just 18 takeaways, their least in a season since 2005.
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However, the uptick in turnovers hasn’t been exclusive to the Patriots’ defense. Their offense has nine giveaways this season after they turned the ball over just 12 times in 2017. It’s the most turnovers lost by the team in its first five games since 2005.
Tom Brady has thrown six interceptions, including four in his last two games, and he was strip-sacked against Jacksonville in Week 2. The offense lost two fumbles in the season-opener as well.
Creating and limiting turnovers will be a point of emphasis for the Patriots as they prepare to face Kansas City on Sunday.
The Chiefs’ defense had five takeaways against Jacksonville last week, including four interceptions. New England cannot afford to hand the ball over to Kansas City’s high-powered offense and give Patrick Mahomes extra chances to pick up points.
On offense, Kansas City has turned the ball over just three times this season, tying San Francisco for fewest in the league.
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The Patriots’ defense will need to create turnovers early and often in order to limit the Chiefs’ offensive drives and, ultimately, keep Mahomes on the sideline.