The New England Patriots were not as efficient at scoring inside the 10-yard line in 2017 as they had been in previous years.
After scoring a touchdown on 74.4% of drives inside the 10-yard line in 2014, 78.9% in 2015, and 74.4% in 2016- ranking 5th in the NFL over this three-year span-, the Patriots scored a touchdown on just 66.7% of these drives in 2017, ranking 21st in the NFL.
The Patriots missed having LeGarrette Blount by the goal line as his replacement, Mike Gillislee, was a healthy scratch by the end of the season.