The Patriots have attempted the third-most passes in the NFL (424), and have been sacked the fourth-fewest times (15) this season. That number is impressive in itself, but even more so considering the different offensive line combinations they’ve been forced to use because of injuries.

In the Patriots’ Week 12 win over the Jets, ORT Sebastian Vollmer, who has been playing at a very high level this season, was inactive with back and knee injuries. Second-year OT Marcus Cannon started in his place, and Donald Thomas started at left guard for Logan Mankins (ankle, calf) — it was Thomas' sixth start of the season. The fifth different combination used by the Patriots up front pitched a shutout, allowing zero sacks and only one QB hit against an aggressive Jets defensive front.

This was a unit that has shown no drop-off after losing veterans C Dan Koppen and OG Brian Waters, and having to deal with injuries — C Ryan Wendell and OLT Nate Solder are the only O-linemen to start every game this season.