[BostonCard]

Yes, direct comparison to last year are impossible because we didn't play the same teams as last year (and even when we played the same teams, some of them have new coaching staffs, and different sets of players). 

Still, some trends are clear:

• We run less than we used to, and when we do we don't get as many yards as we used to.
  
• We pass more than we did last year, and while we have a better completion percentage, our yards per attempt are down, likely because we aren't beating teams deep, likely because they are no longer putting eight in the box to stop the run.
  
• We have been having much more trouble holding onto the ball. Seven fumbles in four games, versus nine in thirteen last year!
  
• we are having trouble protecting Hogan.... Almost two sacks a game this year, versus a shade over one last year.  I'd love to see the stats for scrambles forced (makes our run game worse) and hurries (hurts our passing game).  Having an OL that could keep the pocket open for Hogan allowed him the time to develop the long pass plays.  This year, I've seen many fewer.
  
• we are committing more penalties for more yards this year.  That really hurts us.
  

It's hard to pin things on a single problem, but I think the biggest issue is probably the offensive line (which isn't bad, but isn't as phenomenal as we've gotten accustomed to).

BC

[BostonCard]

Yes, direct comparison to last year are impossible because we didn't play the same teams as last year (and even when we played the same teams, some of them have new coaching staffs, and different sets of players). 

Still, some trends are clear:

• We run less than we used to, and when we do we don't get as many yards as we used to.
  
• We pass more than we did last year, and while we have a better completion percentage, our yards per attempt are down, likely because we aren't beating teams deep, likely because they are no longer putting eight in the box to stop the run.
  
• We have been having much more trouble holding onto the ball. Seven fumbles in four games, versus nine in thirteen last year!
  
• we are having trouble protecting Hogan.... Almost two sacks a game this year, versus a shade over one last year.  I'd love to see the stats for scrambles forced (makes our run game worse) and hurries (hurts our passing game).  Having an OL that could keep the pocket open for Hogan allowed him the time to develop the long pass plays.  This year, I've seen many fewer.
  
• we are committing more penalties for more yards this year.  That really hurts us.
  

It's hard to pin things on a single problem, but I think the biggest issue is probably the offensive line (which isn't bad, but isn't as phenomenal as we've gotten accustomed to).

BC