Patriots were a pretty mediocre defense all year. They have a handful of very good defensive players- primarily CB Stephon Gilmore (20 PD) and DE Trey Flowers (led the team with 7.5 sacks, 9 TFL and 20 QB hits). Their run defense wasn't good (4.9 YPC- 29th in the league) but, like the Rams, has really tightened up in the playoffs (60 yards allowed in 2 games). Pass rush wasn't good (31st in QB sack percentage), again, until the playoffs (6 sacks).
OLB Kyle Van Noy (acquired from Detroit in mid-2016) has been a disappointment overall here but played well the past 4-6 games. Devin and Jason McCourty are smart veterans in the secondary but lack speed. SS Patrick Chung is good playing in the box but a liability in pass coverage.
Opportunistic. Will come through with some big plays at the right times. Middle of the pack on 3rd downs. Honestly, not dissimilar from the Rams 2018 defense.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/22/2019 11:27AM by LMU93.
