The Patriots were in a sub defense (5 or more defensive backs) for 69 of 73 snaps against the Colts (including penalties). That further tilts the season numbers in that direction.
Here is the Patriots' season outlook when comparing the base and sub defenses (including penalties):
Sub -- 556 of 852 (65.2 percent)
Base -- 273 of 852 (32.0 percent)
Short-yardage -- 23 of 852 (2.6 percent)
These numbers highlight the importance of the team's fifth defensive back, which on Sunday was veteran Nate Jones. Signed earlier in the week, Jones was thrown right into the mix at both safety and slot corner.The game by game breakdown of base vs. sub:
Colts
Sub -- 69 of 73
Short-yardage -- 3 of 73
Base -- 1 of 73
Eagles
Sub -- 61 of 73
Base -- 11 of 73
Short-yardage -- 1 of 73
Chiefs
Base -- 41 of 70
Sub -- 29 of 70
Short-yardage -- 0 of 70
Jets
Sub -- 50 of 72
Base -- 22 of 72
Short-yardage -- 0 of 72
Giants
Sub -- 35 of 72
Base -- 34 of 72
Short-yardage -- 3 of 72
Steelers
Sub -- 62 of 80
Base -- 14 of 80
Short-yardage -- 4 of 80
Cowboys
Base -- 40 of 74*
Sub -- 33 of 74
Short-yardage -- 1 of 74
* Includes one play with 12 men on the field
Jets
Base -- 33 of 54
Sub -- 21 of 54
Short-yardage -- 0 of 54
Raiders
Base -- 38 of70*
Sub -- 30 of 70
Short-yardage -- 2 of 70
* includes one play with 10 men on the field
Bills
Sub -- 58 of 66
Base -- 2 of 66
Short-yardage -- 6 of 66
Chargers
Sub -- 49 of 72
Base -- 22 of 72
Short-yardage -- 1 of 72
Dolphins
Sub -- 59 of 76
Base -- 15 of 76
Short yardage -- 2 of 76