New England Patriots: 5 observations from Week 14 loss to Dolphins

3rd Down Troubles

There is no easy way to put this. Actually, it’s very easily put because there’s only one way to put it. The New England Patriots were terrible on 3rd down Monday night. It’s literally impossible to be worse than the Patriots were Monday night.

That’s right. The Patriots were 0/11 on 3rd down attempts. It’s the first time since 1991 the Patriots haven’t converted a 3rd down. For reference of just how long ago that was, the team they were playing was named the Phoenix Cardinals. Was that a hybrid of a Phoenix and a Cardinal, or were they Cardinals from Phoenix? Unbelievable.

Anyway, two things went into the Patriots utter failure on 3rd downs Monday night. The first and most glaring issue was the play calling.

It seemed like every time the Patriots got into a 3rd and long, Brady threw the ball deep into double coverage. That’s unlike the Patriots.

Both of Brady’s interceptions came on third down.

One play that summarizes the Patriots night went as follows. It was 3rd down and 6, but the Patriots drew a penalty. So then it was 3rd and 1. Perfect opportunity to hand the ball off or even sneak it to get the first down.

But no, it’s like the penalty didn’t change the play call at all. Brady threw a back shoulder pass to Brandin Cooks about 8 yards up the field. The ball was batted away and the Patriots, for their millionth time of the night, punted it away.

I’m just not really sure what happened. Nothing else to say about it. Luckily, I will never see Tom Brady go without a 3rd down conversion again. If he does, I will personally pay anyone who shares this article $10. That’s a promise. Do you accept venmo?