BY DAN BEGNOCHE
After finishing next-to-last in 2011 in yards allowed, the New England Patriots made some adjustments in the offseason to stop the bleeding on the defensive side of the ball. One thing that didn't need tweaking, however, is their ability to get the ball back into Tom Brady's hands.
The Pats have lead the AFC the past two years in turnover differential, and with a rating of +11 thus far, St. Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford knows better than to test their ability in handing the ball back to their electric offense.
“When you give them extra possessions or short fields, you’re really putting yourself behind the eight ball,” Bradford told reporters via conference call on Wednesday. “I think we’re very aware of their ability to get the ball out, both [by] causing fumbles and interceptions. We have to do a really good job of taking care of the football and not giving their offense anything extra this week.”
New England's defense has recorded seven interceptions and recovered 11 fumbles this year. Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich have been at the forefront of that effort, combining for seven fumbles and with eight sacks.
