When looking at the Patriots offense, they rank just 21st in overall efficiency but fourth in rushing efficiency. Belichick's ability to make adjustments is actually shown in the Patriots offensive success rate, as we see them go from 28th in the first half of games to second in offensive success rate in the second half. It's especially noteworthy after they were out-gained by the Cardinals in yardage (298-179), first downs (23-19), yards per play (4.3-3.5) and lost the time of possession (34:08-25:52) and turnover battle (2-1). And only two of those teams quarterbacked by rookies didn’t make the playoffs the seasons they played Belichick.Īlthough it's tough to quantify the exact impact of Belichick on the Patriots, their coaching advantage can't be understated in this matchup.
If you could have any coach in the league coming into a matchup with Herbert, Belichick is at the top of the list: He's gone an impressive 19-5 against rookie quarterbacks and hasn’t lost to a rookie quarterback in seven seasons. Herbert is tied with Cam Newton and Andrew Luck for most 300-yard passing games as a rookie with six, but the Patriots have given up just one 300-yard passing game this season.
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