The New England Patriots used to be synonymous with victory. They won more than any other team over a 20-year stretch. Now at 3-10, sitting in a prime position to land a top-three pick in the 2024 NFL draft, those days are far in the rearview mirror. The quarterback situation has been a revolving door for the majority of the season. Though Bailey Zappe’s good outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers suggests some stability, the team’s performance the week prior tells a different story. They failed to score a point with him under center. It’s easy to get lost in the negatives; but not everything’s doom and gloom. The Patriots run defense might be the one bright spot.
Dominating the Turf: Patriots Run Defense Marching Towards Best Yards-Per-Carry in Nearly a Decade
In the midst of this rollercoaster season, there’s been one consistent bright spot – the defense. Particularly, stopping the run. These guys have been nothing short of phenomenal, especially since Week 11. How good, you ask? Try an unbelievable negative 40 rushing yards before contact, good. That’s not just stopping the run; that’s rewinding it. This squad’s ability to meet and greet ball carriers in the backfield is as consistent as it is impressive. In a season that’s left fans scratching their heads more often than not, this Patriots run defense is a glimmer of hope, a reason to believe that brighter days are on the horizon.
The Patriots defense has allowed MINUS 40 rushing yards before contact since week 11
1st in the NFL during that period pic.twitter.com/C8nxMUZOG1
— PFF NE Patriots (@PFF_Patriots) December 12, 2023
Let’s zero in on the Patriots’ run defense because they’re doing something truly special. We’re talking about a group that’s one of the best the NFL has seen in a long time. Currently ranked third in the NFL for the least rushing yards allowed per game and first in yards per attempt, they’re making a strong case for being the best run-stopping unit we’ve seen in almost a decade. If they close out the season at their current 3.2 yards allowed per carry, they’ll have the lowest average since the 2014 Lions. It would also be the third-lowest mark the NFL has seen in over 15 years.
The heart of this defensive juggernaut? Look no further than Davon Godchaux. He’s steadily developing into the run-stopping force the Patriots have been missing. Week after week, he’s proving to be an immovable force on the field. His standout play has even earned him high praise from Patriots defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington, who hailed him as “the best run-stopping [defensive tackle] in the NFL”. Godchaux isn’t just having a career year by his own standards, but on par with the best rush defenders in the league.
Since November, Davon Godchaux leads the #Patriots in run stops (8) and has 5 more run tackles (15) than the next closest players, Jahlani Tavai and Anfernee Jennings
Rarely loses 1-on-1 and continues to hold his own against doubles pic.twitter.com/iG7748NOw5
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) December 6, 2023
Injuries Open New Doors
While the run defense steals the headlines, the rest of the Patriots’ defensive unit deserves a nod too. They’re currently 8th in total yards allowed per game, a testament to their all-around consistency. Admittedly, the secondary had a rocky start, compounded by injuries to key players like Christian Gonzalez and Matt Judon. Losing your best secondary player and top pass rusher would derail most defensive units, but not these Patriots.
Amid these challenges, the secondary has managed to hold its ground, ranking a respectable 15th in passing yards allowed per game. The secret to their steadiness? The exceptional performances of safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabril Peppers. These two have been nothing short of a revelation, showing improvement in every facet of their game over last season, and it shows in the stat sheets. Their ability to adapt, whether in pass coverage or applying pressure, has been crucial in keeping the Patriots competitive. The injuries on the outside have provided plenty of opportunities for others to step up. But whether for off-field reasons or on-field performance, the team hasn’t had any luck finding consistency at the cornerback position.
As this season comes to a close and the Patriots faithful keep hoping for losses, the team faces a pivotal offseason coming up. Key defensive players are on the cusp of free agency, casting a shadow of uncertainty over this standout unit. However, with a high draft pick in hand, the likelihood of an offensive overhaul, and a chance to recover from injuries, the stage is set for a resurgence. The defense, a beacon of consistency amid this season’s turmoil, should be a pillar of hope for fans.
Main Photo: Vincent Carchietta – USA Today Sports
