Following the flags: Tracking Patriots penalties for 2012 season

Devin McCourty

Through three weeks, the Patriots have been flagged for 21 penalties (15th in the league) for a total of 163 yards (20th in the league). Here’s a breakdown of the calls that have gone against the Patriots this year, not including penalties that were declined or offset:

Most penalized players, listed by total flags and with total yardage lost:
TE Rob Gronkowski: three penalties (two offensive holding, false start), 20 yards
CB Devin McCourty: two penalties (defensive holding, defensive pass interference), 32 yards
WR Julian Edelman: two penalties (false start, offensive pass interference), 15 yards
Team: two penalties (illegal formation, illegal block above the waist), 15 yards
ST Niko Koutouvides: two penalties (defensive holding, illegal block above the waist), 14 yards
LB Jerod Mayo: two penalties (defensive pass interference) 8 yards
LB Brandon Spikes: one penalty (defensive holding), 5 yards
CB Kyle Arrington: one penalty (defensive holding), 5 yards
S Steve Gregory: one penalty (personal foul), 15 yards
CB Ras-I Dowling: one penalty (defensive pass interference) 9 yards
DE Chandler Jones: one penalty (defensive offsides) 5 yards
LS Danny Aiken: one penalty (false start) 5 yards
OL Donald Thomas: one penalty (false start) 5 yards
DL Vince Wilfork: one penalty (encroachment), 5 yards

Most penalized by position:
Cornerback: Four penalties for 46 yards
Specialists (punter, kicker, long snapper, coverage units): Three penalties for 19 yards
Tight end: Three penalties for 20 yards
Linebacker: Three penalties for 13 yards
Team: Two penalties for 15 yards
Wide receiver: Two penalties for 15 yards
Defensive line: Two penalties for 10 yards
Safety: One penalty for 15 yards
Offensive line: One penalty for five yards

Most frequently called penalties on the Patriots:
False start: Four
Defensive pass interference: Four
Defensive holding: Three
Offensive holding: Two
Illegal block above the waist: Two
Defensive offsides: Two
Illegal formation: One
Personal foul: One
Encroachment: One
Offensive pass interference: One

Notes: The Patriots were called for 10 penalties in Sunday’s loss to the Ravens. The last time they were flagged at least 10 times was Nov. 14, 2010 in a win over the Steelers in Pittsburgh. … In the wake of Sunday’s game, New England jumped from 24th in the league in total penalties against to 15th. In addition, the Patriots went from 28th in total penalty yardage lost to 20th. … Interesting that after being flagged for eight penalties in the preseason, the New England offensive line has only been hit with one penalty in three regular-season games.