New England Patriots: 3 Vital statistics for 2019 season
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The last time the New England Patriots committed more than 20 turnovers during the regular season was back in 2009. That was also the last time that Bill Belichick’s club did not earn a first-round bye in the playoffs.
The head coach has made the words “do your job” part of his legendary mantra. And one of those responsibilities is taking care of the football. And the fact that this club has given up the football 20 times or less nine consecutive years epitomizes the many lessons from one of the game’s great teachers.
This past season, there were 11 interceptions and two lost fumbles from quarterback Tom Brady and a combined five miscues from the rest of the team. Of course, the Patriots offset that figure with 28 takeaways. During the playoffs, some would point to the fact that Brady actually had more interceptions (3) than touchdown passes during the three-game run. But those were New England’s only three turnovers of the postseason and the team finished with three takeaways of their own.
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It’s a team that hasn’t had a losing season since 2000 and has won 10-plus games every year since 2003. There have been a record 10-straight playoff appearances and eight consecutive trips to the conference championship game. Simply put, the New England Patriots rarely beat themselves. And that is but one aspect of this franchise’s sustained success.