Going back to the Super Bowl, the Patriots defense has not allowed a touchdown in 12 straight quarters. Here are some stats thru 2 games.
Total 1st Downs: 26
Passing YPG: 230
Rushing YPG: 37
YPC: 2.6
YPA: 4.86
PA: 3
PPG: 1.5
INT: 4
Sacks: 8
3rd Down Efficiency: 81% getting off the field(22-27)
They have a look of confidence that I haven't seen a BB defense have since the days of 03-04. There are special players at all 3 levels of the defense and the requisite role players Doing Their Job. Danny Shelton is one of those role players. He is night and day better than he was last year. Jamie Collins' presence has added a lot of athleticism to the other LB spot and made things a lot harder for teams. Gilmore is the best cover corner the Patriots have ever had under Belichick and that includes Ty Law. JC Jackson/Jason McCourty/Jon Jones are as good of a supporting cast alongside Gilmore as there is in the league. We know what Devin McCourty means. Bill (and Jerod Mayo this year) recognize what they have on this unit and have really turned up the aggressiveness really since the Minnesota game last year. He knows this group is experienced enough to handle exotic schemes and he has enough players who have been there long enough to teach young guys like Chase Winovich and Bentley where to be and slow the game down for them.
It is very early and we all know that. But, they have a chance to set a pace in a number of statistical areas that could rival the best defensive units in NFL history.
Total 1st Downs: 26
Passing YPG: 230
Rushing YPG: 37
YPC: 2.6
YPA: 4.86
PA: 3
PPG: 1.5
INT: 4
Sacks: 8
3rd Down Efficiency: 81% getting off the field(22-27)
They have a look of confidence that I haven't seen a BB defense have since the days of 03-04. There are special players at all 3 levels of the defense and the requisite role players Doing Their Job. Danny Shelton is one of those role players. He is night and day better than he was last year. Jamie Collins' presence has added a lot of athleticism to the other LB spot and made things a lot harder for teams. Gilmore is the best cover corner the Patriots have ever had under Belichick and that includes Ty Law. JC Jackson/Jason McCourty/Jon Jones are as good of a supporting cast alongside Gilmore as there is in the league. We know what Devin McCourty means. Bill (and Jerod Mayo this year) recognize what they have on this unit and have really turned up the aggressiveness really since the Minnesota game last year. He knows this group is experienced enough to handle exotic schemes and he has enough players who have been there long enough to teach young guys like Chase Winovich and Bentley where to be and slow the game down for them.
It is very early and we all know that. But, they have a chance to set a pace in a number of statistical areas that could rival the best defensive units in NFL history.