Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando from Baltimore
Earlier we took a closer look at the Patriots' fourth-down tactics when the team holds a big lead. New England was responsible for nine of 19 plays since 2001 in which a team "went for it" on fourth down while leading by at least 28 points.
That information, unfiltered, indicates a clear pattern. But other factors -- notably field position and the number of times New England has built big leads -- changed the outlook considerably.
The chart at right shows how many times since 2001 that head coaches have elected to go for it on fourth down while leading by 10 or more points in the second halves of games.
Bill Belichick ranks at the top -- no surprise for those who think he runs it up, and possibly for those who think he's been unfairly criticized. Belichick is aggressive. He does his homework (statistics can suggest more teams should go for it on fourth down). And his team has enjoyed quite a few blowouts.
Four others made the list despite spending fewer than three full seasons as a head coach since 2001. Mike Mularkey, Dennis Erickson, Sean Payton and Wade Phillips had six apiece.
Baltimore's Brian Billick had only six despite coaching continuously since 2001 (1999, actually). That low figure might reflect the struggles of his offense as much as any philosophical approach. I would think the Ravens haven't had as many 10-point leads as higher-scoring teams.
Note: Stats current entering Week 13.
