High-powered Patriots offense improving as season goes on behind a revived running game
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The New England Patriots are on track to shatter the NFL record for first downs in a season with a balanced offense that ranks first in the league.
The Patriots are averaging 30.2 first downs a game and would finish with 483 if they maintain that pace. The record of 416 was set last year by the New Orleans Saints. New England set a team record with 35 first downs in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Denver Broncos.
New England also is averaging 439.4 yards per game, 11 more than the team record it set last season.
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The big difference this season is an improved running game, which produced 251 yards against the Broncos one week after rushing for 247 in a 52-28 victory over the Buffalo Bills.