1-for-13.
That was the number of third down conversions out of the number of chances last week for the Patriots. Just once when facing third down did New England get a first down. Even more frustrating was the only first down conversion was the final offensive play, when the outcome was not in doubt.
How these drives died is sad as well: Sacked twice times, six incompletions, two runs too short, and an interception. One incomplete pass was negated by a roughing the passer penalty.
The ability to extend drives is vital to success in the NFL. Earlier this season Matt Cassel led some drives that were 10-plus plays. These kind of drives wear down defenses and breaks wills.
That didn't happen last week. All day New England struggled, even in third and short situations. They mustered one yard in two third and shorts and two passes fell incomplete.
This is not the way to long term success. While Pittsburgh has a really tough defense, winning on third down against a quality Steelers defense likely means the Patriots can get the job done against anybody.
Now the good news is the Pats won't see a defense nowhere near as good as Pittsburgh's for the rest of the season. But if New England sneaks into the playoffs, the defenses they'll face will be tough and the offense will have to get those tough yards or convert long situations into first downs and sustain drives. If they can't do that, a trip to the playoffs won't last long.
On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh was 8-16 on third downs. But even tougher was they scored points every time they entered the red zone. These two stats are related because if the Patriots can't stop teams on third downs, they'll eventually reach the red zone and they'll score. And since the Pats are tied for 30th in third down defense, expect more red zone opportunities for opposing offenses.
Now there isn't a definitive cure to these defensive problems. But I will say I agree 100 percent with Richard Seymour that he should play on third downs. He's the best all-around D-lineman on the team, able to play the run and pass equally well. But more than just his quality of play, Seymour has been one of the healthiest lineman along the Patriots D-line.
Both Ty Warren and Jarvis Green missed games this year. Green, the designated rush end in pass situations, has zero sacks. Warren has a pair, but it doesn't come close to Seymour's team leading eight sacks. That's almost unheard of from a 3-4 lineman!
As the Patriots pass rush continues to struggle and getting stops on third down remains a problem, it gives more reason for the Patriots to put the best players on the field at the most critical times. Will the return of LBs Rosevelt Colvin and Junior Seau make a difference? Only time will tell. One thing I do know is Seymour, with Vince Wilfork an exception, is playing at a higher level than his mates along the D-line. The team needs him on first, second, and especially third down.
A few things I'm looking for:
Arthritis Be Damned -Don't waste time. Put Colvin and Seau in early and often to loosen their joints. New England needs them playing well soon so get them in now to get acclimated to game speed.
Free From Obstacles - Seattle has one of the league's worst defenses. The offense should have its way.
Impose Your Will - It should be a similar story for the defense as they should be able to control the game for 60 minutes.
There's no reason why this shouldn't be a blowout much like last season's relentless team. Treat this game like you're impressing BCS computers and humiliate the Seahawks.
