According to ESPN Stats and Information, over Brady’s first 10 postseason appearances, New England’s defense allowed an average of 15.8 points per game and got a sack every 13.2 dropbacks. In his past 16 playoff games, the defense has allowed an average of 22.9 points per game and got a sack every 18.2 dropbacks.

During the 10-0 stretch, the Pats defense allowed 20 or more points only three times; to the Panthers and Eagles in the Super Bowl, and to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 41-27 AFC Championship game blowout.

Dating back to the AFC title game win over the Ravens (23-20), the defense has allowed 20 or more points in six straight playoff games, culminating in a 26-16 loss in the Championship game in Denver last January, when New England gave up 507 yards to the Broncos, the most they’ve allowed in any game — regular season or postseason — under Belichick.

That hit a very familiar nerve with the New England coach.