Patriots determined to win turnover battle

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FOXBORO -- When it comes to turnovers, the Patriots defense has a pretty simple idea in mind.
"Anytime we can get Tom Brady the ball, anytime the defense can get our offense the ball, it's going to help our team win."
So said Rob Ninkovich on Wednesday. But ask any member of New England's 'D' and you'll probably hear the same thing.
"Anytime they're on the field, they're scoring, they're putting points up," Ninkovich continued. "The more times we can get turnovers and get them the ball, the more it's going to help us out in the long run."
The Patriots have six interceptions and eight forced fumbles through five games. Four of the last five turnovers caused by the defense have translated to points scored by the offense.
New England's quarterback is appreciative.
"I think weve done a great job of getting the ball off the other team," Brady said. "Like last week, its a totally different game if we dont get that fumble there at the end or that strip-sack that Rob got. That strip that Sterling Moore got on Demaryius Thomas, theyre critical. I think offensively, we have to understand were going up against a team thats created I think 14 fumbles. I dont think theyve recovered them all, but thats a lot of fumbles in five games. I think that really speaks to their tenacity, them getting after the football."
Don't forget, before complimenting his opponent, Brady first said New England's no slouch.
Safety Patrick Chung said it comes down to one thing: Practice.
It may be true a guy can have 'a nose for the ball,' but it's more true that working every single day, on every single situation, will produce favorable results for multiple guys.
"Whenever the ball's in the air, you just try to get it," Chung stated simply. "It's just something we practice all the time. Ball's in the air -- go get it. If the ball's on the ground -- go get it. Even if it's an incomplete pass. Just pick it up and act like it's a fumble."
Even Bill Belichick admitted this week he's pleased with his team's giveawaytakeaway ratio. As he should -- New England's plus-10 is tied with Atlanta for best in the NFL.
He just wants to make sure the Patriots don't rest on past performances.
"Hopefully we can be on the plus side of the turnovers against Seattle, but thats hard to do because they do an excellent job of taking it away and they do a great job of protecting it," said Belichick. "Their backs really run hard, they get a lot of extra yardage. Thats often a time when backs will be less protective of the ball because theyre struggling for those extra yards and trying to break tackles and all that but not these guys. They run hard, break tackles, gain extra yards and dont fumble.
"Well see how it all plays out Sunday but just because it happened in a couple other games or didnt happen, I dont think that really means anything for Sunday."
Sounds like a chance for Belichick's team to prove him wrong.

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