I looked at the penalty data from 2016 and 2017. It is hard to make any strong claim or thesis about the penalties. I developed a reasonable methodology to analyze the data. It involves what I call "subjective calls" versus "non-subjective calls." In short, a subjective call is one that a ref makes based completely on his own empirical judgement (holds, interference, etc.). Non-subjective calls are things like offsides, delay of game and so forth. Generally, the Pats* are beneficiaries of one or two extra subjective calls a game. One game that stands out from the rest is the Chiefs game. The data is below:
Week 1:
Subjective calls against the Patriots- 3
Defensive Pass Interference
Unnecessary Roughness
Offensive Holding (Offsetting)
Subjective Calls Against the Opponent- 13
Defensive Pass Interference
Defensive Holding (Offsetting)
Defensive Holding
Offensive Holding
Offensive Holding
Offensive Holding
Unnecessary Roughness
Defensive Holding
Defensive Pass Interference
Taunting
Offensive Holding
Defensive Holding
Illegal Block Above the Waist
I am not sure how to make any strong claims based on this one game.