State of The Patriots Defense After Two Games

Before the season started, I was certain the Pats would be a top 15 defense and even thought it was likely they would break into the top 10 as the season wore on. I still believe top 15 is realistic and I am not saying that top 10 isn't but the unit has work to do to make that happen. I was curious to see if there is an explanation behind the defense's shaky but bend-don't break start to the season. It must be said it is a significantly revamped defense from the 2024 defense so it will take time for some guys to gel and click with each other. Al though, we have seen players like Milton Williams and Harold Landry slot right in as if they were on the team for decades, that's what great players do, I suppose.

What are they not so good at?

The team is 25th in the league in total yards allowed, allowing 747 yards after two games. Yards allowed doesn't mean a whole lot if the opposition is settling for field goals after long drives, some of our Super Bowl winning defenses gave up significant yardage, so I won't use yards against as a stick to beat a defense with. The Pats are dead last in pass yards allowed with 677 yards total, averaging 338 yards conceded per game. They are 20th in the league in points against, having conceded 47 points. Spillane's tackling has got to improve, some big missed tackles in both games so far.

What are they good at?

The Pats have the league's third best run defense, giving up 117 yards, roughly 58 yards per game. They are 15th on 3rd down percentage. That mightn't qualify as good but I'll go glass half full on that one since it's in the top 15. The Patriots are the best team in the league for sacks, nine sacks in two games from five different players, Harold Landry (3.5), Milton Williams (2), K'Lavon Chaisson (1.5), Robert Spillane and Jaylinn Hawkins (1 each). Two of our guys, Williams and Barmore, ranks first and third in IDL QB pressure rate.

The Patriots defense has plenty good about it but dos have some weak points and concerns also. They are very good, even elite, at run defense and pressuring and sacking the QB. The problems are secondary and pass defense. The positive there is Christian Gonzalez just returned to practice so his addition should alleviate some of the gaps there. Bottom line is we can win games and I have no doubt it will improve, especially with Gonzalez back. Plenty of reason to be optimistic about this team.