23 intriguing stats ahead of the Eagles Week 1 game versus Patriots
By Jake Beckman
What has Bill Belichick's defense done in Week 1 games?
While it’s great (and highly encouraged) to pile on the Patriots for how bad they’ve been the past couple of years, it's important to note that’s largely due to their ineptitude on offense. Bill Belichick is a defensive guy. Here's a look at how that unit has done.
5. In Belichick’s 23 Week 1 games, his defenses have allowed 19.4 points per game.
The most points he's allowed was 42 points in 2017 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The fewest points he's allowed was three points in 2019 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
6. In Belichick’s 7 Week 1 losses, his defenses have allowed 26.7 points per game.
Historically, teams have had to put up four touchdowns to win against a Brady-led offense. That's just not the case anymore.
7. In Belichick's last 2 Week 1 games, the Patriots have allowed 18.5 points per game
Both of those games were against the Miami Dolphins. The Fins scored 17 points in 2021 and 20 points in 2022.
There’s always going to be an argument about whether Brady or Belichick most influenced the Patriots dynasty. If you simply take Week 1 numbers into account, it looks like Brady deserves the credit. If an offense can’t put up enough points to win when the other team is held to 20 points or less, it’s kind of telling of where the organization ranks.