Players can miss games for many reasons. Maybe there are injuries. Maybe the team doesn't believe you're able to help against this particular opponent. Maybe the team is terrible and they're recycling players, trying to find the right fit.
In 2013, there was no question that the Patriots were hurt the most by injuries. But when it comes to fielding the most consistent roster, they didn't find themselves at the bottom of the list. Just close to it.
The Patriots Ironmen are as follow:
LB Brandon Spikes
DE Chandler Jones
STLB Chris White
OG Dan Connolly
LS Danny Aiken
LB Dont'a Hightower
FB James Develin
LB Jamie Collins
DT Joe Vellano
WR Julian Edelman
CB Kyle Arrington
RB LeGarrette Blount
OG Logan Mankins
CB Logan Ryan
DE Rob Ninkovich
P Ryan Allen
OC Ryan Wendell
K Stephen Gostkowski
QB Tom Brady
In this list, you see both starting DEs, the starting LBs (sans Mayo), the three interior offensive linemen, Brady, and a bunch of special teamers. Kudos to them, but the team definitely has to take a closer look at how the players are training and if there's anything they can do to stay healthy.
Around the rest of the league, Steelers/Cowboys DB Will Allen holds the season mark for 17 games active.
The Cardinals set the mark with 30 players active for all 16 games. The Eagles are second with 29, the Jets and 49ers have 28, and the Dolphins have 26. At 25 are the Ravens, Broncos, Chargers, and Rams.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Jaguars have 16 players lasting all 16 games, although that's likely due to roster turmoil more than just injuries. The Colts and Browns had 18, and the Patriots and Steelers had 19. The Vikings sit at 20.
The Super Bowl winning Seahawks had 22 players active for all 16 games.
If the Patriots are to have success in 2014, they'll have to hope that their injury luck runs a little better than it has in the past.