As part of monitoring a growing trend in recent years for the Patriots -- the defense playing more in space in sub packages (5 or more defensive backs) -- let's update the numbers after Sunday's win over the Colts:
vs. Colts
Sub: 54 of 78
Base: 22 of 78
Short-yardage: 2 of 78
vs. Bills
Sub: 62 of 81
Base: 17 of 81
Short-yardage: 2 of 81
at Rams
Base: 39 of 63
Sub: 24 of 63
Short-yardage: 0 of 63
vs. Jets
Base: 50 of 84
Sub: 32 of 84
Short-yardage: 2 of 84
at Seahawks
Base: 40 of 56
Sub: 16 of 56
Short-yardage: 0 of 56
vs. Broncos
Sub: 60 of 66
Base: 5 of 66
Short-yardage: 1 of 66
at Bills
Sub: 58 of 71
Base: 13 of 71
Short-yardage: 0 of 71
at Ravens
Base: 37 of 73
Sub: 36 of 73
Short-yardage: 0 of 73
vs. Cardinals
Sub: 30 of 64
Base: 29 of 64
Short-yardage: 5 of 64
at Titans
Sub: 42 of 65
Base: 21 of 65
Short-yardage: 2 of 65
ANALYSIS: This puts the 10-game total at 59.05 percent in sub packages (414 of 701, including penalties). At the half, the Patriots had been in sub 26 snaps, and in base for 15 snaps, but those numbers skewed heavier toward sub in the second half as the Colts were forced into more passing situations after falling behind. This highlights the importance of the fifth defensive back, which was either Kyle Arrington, Alfonzo Dennard or Marquice Cole on Sunday as the Patriots used a rotation. Also, with Dont'a Hightower most often coming off the field in sub, it highlights why his playing time isn't as high as fellow linebacker Brandon Spikes.