The Patriots are one player away from a top 5 defense
The Patriots have given up 34 points in two games. That’s good enough for 9th in the league. They are currently 4th in yards allowed averaging 275. Under 200 yards passing and under 80 yards rushing. They have 2 take aways and should have been more. That stats alone tell us they are top 10.
The strategy helps. The “keep em in front” strategy the DB’s have been able to tackle well and not give up the big play. Look at what Miami just did to Baltimore. Tua has 6 TDs! Tyreek Hill and Waddle were running free all day. That just wasn’t the case against the Pats. They made them convert all the way down the field. Same was the case against the Steelers. It will be that way all year. We’ve seen this before. McCourty knows whats up.
What helps though is the roster looks better than anticipated.
Starting with the front 7. Barmore and Judon have been beasts as advertised. The supporting cast are holding up their end in Wise, Guy, Godcheaux. They have been great against the run and added enough pressure with 4 and 5 man rushes to give the weaker secondary a chance opportunities to make plays.
Speaking of the secondary, the corner backs are weak. I get it. Because there is no true #1 CB everyone is slotted up. If they had a Gilmore, or Revis they could hands down be a top defense in the NFL. However, with the depth in safeties and bend dont break strategy they just need to continue keeping guys in front. And who knows maybe a guy like one of the Jones rookies or Shaun Wade pops. Safties have been the best players on the field for the Pats. Dugger and Phillips playing the hybrid roles. McCourty is your on field coach back there and we saw Peppers come in and not skip a beat with the Dugger injury.
The Linebackers are still the biggest question mark, but arrow is pointing up. The first thing we notice is the improved speed. No more Hightower and Van Noy - 3 yards behind running backs down the field. Judon made that pass break up on the wheel route which was a huge play for them. Guys like Mac Wilson have shown up a lot. He made the diving play which tipped the ball resulting in Jalen Mill’s TD. I’ve seen Uche in the back field. Bently is allowed to play a role more suited for him. Guys are slotted well because of the depth, but the speed is noticeable.
Against a top QB I’m interested to see how well the secondary shakes out, but staying disciplined and attacking up front should give the Pats a chance stay competitive if the offense can keep up.