Patriots defensive ends rested and ready

Credit: Matt WestFOXBORO — The Patriots’ rotation of three quality defensive ends has been significant on two fronts.

First, Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard have all had terrific seasons. Second, at the most important time on the calendar, they’re fresher than they’ve been in years.

“No question,” Sheard said. “I think that definitely helps. It keeps guys fresh that we’ve got a nice, decent rotation.”

Jones, a first-time Pro Bowler with a career-high 12.5 sacks, played 84.6 percent of the defensive snaps this season, a favorable spot compared to his first three years. Jones played 88.8 percent in 2014, but 52.2 percent of the team’s overall snaps because he missed six games…