FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots defense made a major turnaround on third down in Sunday’s season finale, as the New York Jets were 0-for-12.
This was significant because third down had been a major problem leading up to the game. The Buffalo Bills had been 7-of-11 on third down in the first half against the Patriots on Dec. 24, and the Pittsburgh Steelers were 10 of their first 13 on third down against the Patriots on Dec. 17.
So what sparked the turnaround?