Passing on 3rd and 2

Twice during the Falcons game, we passed on 3rd and 2 (incomplete). With us running at will all over Atlanta, it did not make any sense to pass on these downs.

During both of these attempts, the game was already well in-hand. I am thinking that this was actually Payton using the pass to set up the run in future games by muddying the analytics. Similar to what Belichek did against us a couple of years ago, when he blitzed us on the goal line allowing an easy score. He just wanted analytics to show that in that particular situation, the Patriots would likely blitz.

Of course, it is also possible that we did it because we have the best QB in the world and should feel free to pass anytime and anywhere.