In sub packages, the Patriots got away from their three-DE grouping and mostly stayed with two defensive tackles, which could have been another result of Wilfork’s absence. Perhaps in losing Wilfork’s run-stopping abilities in the three-DE package (he’s almost the equivalent of two defensive tackles), the coaching staff didn’t feel as comfortable utilizing it.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/in-sub-packages-the-patriots-got-away-from-their/