New England Patriots: 5 observations from Week 15 win over Steelers

Third Down woes, part 2

Last week, the story of the game was the Patriots’ incompetence on third down. The offense didn’t convert a single one in Miami. This week, the 3rd down struggles continued on the opposite side of the ball.

It seemed like every single time the Steelers were in a 3rd down situation, long or short, they converted. As a matter of fact, they almost did. They ended the game 10-16 on third down, and the New England Patriots stopped them on their final 3 third downs. That means the Steelers were 10-13 on third down at one point.

The Steelers third down efficiency kept them in the game. The Patriots greatest strength is when Tom Brady is on the field, and forcing punts is the best way to make that happen. Because of their inability to make third down stops, the Steelers had possession for 35 of the game’s 60 minutes.

I’m no mathematician, but that’s more than half of the game. Did I do that right? I didn’t have a calculator on hand but I’m pretty sure about my math on that one.

Third downs almost did the Patriots in for the second week in a row. Luckily, the offense had more success with the dreaded pre-punt down. They were able to score and bail out the defense, which ultimately secured a win.

Expect a more efficient third down performance on both sides next week, as Bill Belichick will undoubtedly hammer the message home during this week’s practices.