Sustaining drives in the NFL is vitally important. Even if you don’t score, picking up a first down or two, flipping the field and giving your defense a rest is imperative.
In 2024, the New England Patriots ranked 30th in points per game and 28th in first downs per game. The offensive output needs to be increased, and that starts with converting first downs.
NFL analyst Warren Sharp posted a table on X showing how often running backs were stuffed in short-yardage situations. “Short yartage” is defined as one to two yards to go. The Patriots were tied with the Miami Dolphins for last in the league at 44 percent.