Before we get into this post about how impressive the New England Patriots defense has been this season, let me go ahead and knock this out: YES, I know the New York Jets had 14 points on Sunday – but both of those were defensive/special teams touchdowns that were not scored against the Pats defense.
I know the quality of opponent hasn’t been that great – playing the Jets and the lowly Miami Dolphins is going to be an opportunity for any team to pad their stats. But, that shutout against the Pittsburgh Steelers lends a little more credibility to this defense. All in all, the Pats look like the best team in all of football right now, but that defensive unit is something else entirely.
As a unit, the Patriots defense is allowing 199 total yards per game – best in the NFL. They’re allowing 162.3 passing yards per game – best in the NFL. They’re allowing a sickening 36.7 rushing yards per game – far and away the best in the NFL. And, as I alluded to earlier, if you take out the two defensive/special teams touchdowns the Jets scored, the Patriots defense has allowed just three points all season. That’s staggering.
Nine different Patriots defenders have at least half a sack. Devin McCourty is leading the league in interceptions with three. Jamie Collins has two. Stephon Gilmore, the best corner in the league, has one. Collins and Gilmore both have a defensive touchdown on the season. As a unit, the Pats defense has deflected a whopping 26 passes. That’s an average of 8.6 PDs per game, two INTs per game, and 4.3 sacks per game. It’s disgusting.
A lot of people consider him the devil and all, but you have to give credit to Bill Belichick for constantly adapting to the strengths and weaknesses of his team. Rob Gronkowski retired. The team is struggling to run the ball. They’re dealing with injuries on offense. So, what does Belichick do? He focuses on the defense – and folks, through three games so far, this looks like a championship defense.
This is how you stay winnin’ Super Bowls, folks. Disgusting and staggering defense.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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