Picking nits, but I thought the tackling yesterday was a notch below what we had seen in the first three weeks, particularly on Gore. But yeah, so far this defense is the best I can remember the Pats having since the 2004 team.
Yes - led to 135 yards on 22 carries by the Bills. Not good. Also picking nits but the 2003 D was better than 2004. I think this D has a chance to end up better than 2003.
Tracking the D vs. the 2000 Ravens:
Ravens:
Game 1 (@ Steelers, finished 9-7): 0 points, 193 yards passing, 30 yards rushing, 223 total yards
Game 2 (vs. Jacksonville, finished 7-9): 36 points, 375 yards passing, 46 yards rushing, 421 total yards
Game 3 (@ Miami, finished 11-5): 19 points, 152 yards passing, 106 yards rushing, 258 total yards
Game 4 (vs Cincinnati, finished 4-12): 0 points, 90 yards passing, 4 yards rushing, 94 total yards
Totals: 55 points, 810 yards passing, 186 yards rushing, 996 total yards
Pats:
Game 1 (vs Steelers, currently 0-3): 3 points, 276 yards passing, 32 yards rushing, 308 total yards
Game 2 (@ Miami, currently 0-3): 0 points, 142 yards passing, 42 yards rushing, 184 total yards
Game 3 (vs Jets, currently 0-3): 14 points, 69 yards passing, 36 yards rushing, 105 total yards
Game 4 (at Bills, currently 3-1): 10 points, 240 yards passing, 135 yards rushing, 375 total yards
Total: 27 points, 727 yards passing, 245 yards rushing, 972 total yards