Despite having a 3-10 record, New England’s defense stands out and gives hope thanks to their dominance in run stopping and potential top draft pick.
There once was a time when the New England Patriots were always winning. Over a 20-year period, they had more victories than any other squad. Those days are long gone now that the team is 3-10 and in a great position to be selected among the first three picks in the 2024 NFL draft. For most of the season, there has been a turnover rate at quarterback. The team’s performance the week before painted a different picture, despite Bailey Zappe’s strong performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers suggesting some steadiness. He was under center for them, but they couldn’t manage a point. Though it’s simple to get caught up in the bad news, not everything is bleak. The one bright spot for the Patriots might be their run defense.
Taking Over the Field: Patriots Run Defense Heading for Best Yards-Per-Carry in Almost a Decade
The defense has been a constant shining spot throughout this unpredictable season. especially putting an end to the run. Since Week 11, these guys have been nothing short of extraordinary. You might wonder, how good. Good, try an incredible negative forty rushing yards before to contact. That’s rewinding the run, not just stopping it. This team consistently possesses an excellent ability to meet and greet ball carriers in the backfield. This Patriots run defense is a beacon of hope in a season that has, for the most part, left fans scratching their heads and giving them optimism that things will get better.
The Patriots’ run defense is something absolutely exceptional, so let’s focus on it. We are discussing one of the best groups the NFL has seen in a very long time. They are building a compelling argument to be the best run-stopping team we have seen in nearly a decade, currently ranking third in the NFL for the fewest rushing yards allowed per game and first in yards per attempt. They will finish the season with the lowest average since the 2014 Lions if they maintain their current 3.2 yards allowed per carry. In addition, the NFL would have witnessed its third-lowest mark in more than 15 years.
The center of this defensive colossus? You only need to look at Davon Godchaux. He’s becoming more and more of the run-stopping monster the Patriots have been lacking. He’s establishing himself as an unstoppable force on the field week after week. DeMarcus Covington, the defensive line coach for the Patriots, has even praised him highly for his exceptional play, calling him “the best run-stopping [defensive tackle] in the NFL.” Godchaux is performing on par with the league’s top rush defenders, not only by his own standards.
Accidents Provide New Opportunities
The Patriots’ entire defense is deserving of recognition, even though their run defense garners most of the attention. They have been consistent all season long, as seen by their current ranking of eighth in total yards allowed per game. It’s true that the secondary struggled to start, which was made worse by injuries to important players like Matt Judon and Christian Gonzalez. Most defensive teams would crumble in the face of losing their greatest pass rusher and secondary player, but not the Patriots.
Despite these difficulties, the secondary has held its ground, coming in at a solid 15th place in terms of passing yards allowed per contest. The key to their stability? The outstanding displays by safety players Kyle Dugger and Jabril Peppers. These two have been nothing short of a revelation; their stat sheets reflect their growth from the previous season in every area of their game. The Patriots’ ability to stay competitive has mostly depended on their versatility, whether it’s in pass coverage or applying pressure. There are lots of opportunities for others to step up because of the injuries on the outside. But the team hasn’t been able to locate a consistent cornerback, whether it’s due to off-field issues or on-field performance.
This season is almost over, and while Patriots fans continue to wish for defeat, the team will soon enter a crucial offseason. Important defensive players are about to become free agents, which clouds this exceptional team. But the setting is set for a comeback with a high draft pick in hand, a potential offensive makeover, and time to heal from injuries. For fans, the defense should be a pillar of optimism since it has been a consistent bright spot amidst the chaos this season.
