Going into the Super Bowl, I figured I might as well break down the numbers for each team lucky enough to play for the trophy and the all so mighty ring. I’m going to start with the Patriots, because, well, they haven’t lost all season long, and I figure they deserve as much. Let the numbers flow like the Matrix screen saver!
Gambling Numbers: The Patriots were 16-0 during the regular season and currently are perfect on the season at 18-0. The Patriots started out the season 8 straight wins against the spread. Since their game with Washington, the Patriots are just 2-8 ATS, counting the post season. They’ve currently lost 5 straight games against the spread. The Patriots were 11-5 O/U during the regular season; they are just 0-1-1 O/U in the playoffs. When the Patriots played the Giants in the final game of the regular season, the Giants fell just short of ending New England’s perfect run, losing 35-38 in New England.
Team Totals: The Patriots finished the season atop a number of categories. They were #1 in total offense with 411.2 yards per game. In individual offensive categories, they put up some amazing numbers. New England scored 589 total points, more than 130 more points that the second highest scoring team. They were 2nd in 3rd down percentage, one of the most under-recognized statistics in the game. They led the league in yards per play. They lost just 6 fumbles all season long, good for 3rd in the league. The Patriots led the league in passing yardage, touchdowns, and just about every other passing stat. Their rushing attack wasn’t as brilliant, but they still ranked 13th overall in rushing. New England tied for 5th in rushing touchdowns with 17 on the season. While finishing 1st in the league in passing, the Patriots finished with just 9 interceptions on the season, which tied them with Jacksonville for the 2nd fewest in the league. Defensively, the Patriots were no slouch. The Pats finished 4th in total defense and 4th in points allowed per game. With 4th being their magical number, they also finished with the 4th best 3rd down stoppage, getting a top 76% of the time. The Patriots played less snaps on defense than everyone besides Pittsburgh, a team that they tied with for fewest defensive plays.
Top Individual Statistics: Tom Brady led the league in most passing categories. Brady had 4,806 passing yards, almost 400 yards better than Drew Brees who finished 2nd overall. These are the categories that Tom finished 1st in; completion percentage (68.9%), yards, touchdowns (50 - all time single season record), quarterback rating (117.2, 13 points better than 2nd place), yards per pass (8.3), and touchdown to interception ratio. He was 2nd in completions and attempts. He threw fewer interceptions than any quarterback that started ever game. Randy Moss caught a new NFL record 23 touchdown passes this season. Moss finished 2nd in yards with 1,493, tied for 8th in total receptions with 98, and ranked 1st in the league in plays over 40 yards with 9. Wes Welker led the team in receptions with 112, which tied T.J. Houshmandzadeh for 1st in the league. He had 8 receiving TDs, good for 15th in the league. Laurence Maroney led the team in rushing with 835 yards on the ground, and 4.5 yards per carry. He had the teams longest run, 59 yards, and scored 6 rushing touchdowns, good for 1st on the team. Mike Vrabel finished tied for 6th in the league with 12.5 sacks. He also finished 5th in forced fumbles with 5. Asante Samuel finished tied for 5th in the league with 6 interceptions. Tedy Bruschi led the team with 92 total tackles, but no one Patriot finished in the NFL’s Top 50 in tackles.
Recent trends: The Patriots have lost 5 straight against the spread, and are just 2-8 ATS since their 8 game ATS start. After scoring at least 34 points in each of the first 8 games, New England has reached that total just 3 times in the last 10 contests. The Patriots are 4-5-1 O/U in their last 10 games. In their last two games against the NFC East, this season, New England won by a field goal each time. Earlier in the year, they beat Dallas by 21.
