The Pats defense currently sit 32nd overall in the NFL in 3rd down stop percentage. While the Bears sit at #1 overall giving up a first only 30% of the time. The Patriots give up a first down 49% of the time.
A quick break down of the 3rd down performance by game:
- CIN 8/15 = 53%
- NYJ 6/13 = 46%
- BUF 5/10 = 50%
- MIA 10/15 = 66%
- BAL 5/16 = 31%
- SD 7/15 = 46%
Basically you want to see your 3rd down percentages below 40%. Only once have the Patriots done that this season, and the results were apparent on the field. Especially in the fourth quarter and overtime.
As you can see Miami was a horror show for New England on third down. Hopefully the trend below 50% since the bye week continues downward. Clearly that’s what will need to happen if the Patriots are to make some noise in the playoffs this year.