One of the top Xs and Os questions for the Patriots defense is whether it will be in its base 3-4 alignment or a sub package with extra defensive backs.

This is one of the toughest weeks to project the team’s plans.

Against the Colts, the Patriots went sub for all but two snaps because of the lethal passing game. Against the Jets last week, it was more of a base plan because the Jets entered as the NFL’s top-rated rushing offense.

The Saints, because of their balance and multiple groupings, stress a defense in this area.

If the Patriots go sub, will they be strong enough to hold up at the line of scrimmage against a tough running game? If they go base, will they be able to compete down the field in the passing game?

Including some penalties which don’t count as official plays, here is a breakdown of the team’s sub package usage through 10 games (small margin for error):

Sub package: 311 of 606 (51.3 percent)
Base defense: 283 of 606 (46.6 percent)
Short yardage: 12 of 606 (1.9 percent)