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Phil Simms: Patriots Secondary ‘Most Underrated’ Group in NFL

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) celebrates a sack against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) celebrates a sack against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots secondary received some major props from former NFL quarterback Phil Simms.

The New England Patriots defense have not gotten much respect this season.  Despite having the number one scoring defense in their bend but don’t break scheme, the defensive secondary has been slotted as one of the team’s weaknesses.

CBS NFL analyst Phil Simms, who will be calling the AFC championship game Sunday, has been impressed by the defense.  With cornerback Malcolm Butler and safety Devin McCourty leading the way, Simms primarily touted the secondary as one of the most underrated groups in all the NFL.

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In a conference call with the media Wednesday, Simms said:

"“If I remember right, the New England Patriots are the number one scoring defense in the NFL. It is the most overlooked thing there is. Their defensive secondary is the most underrated group in the league. Maybe of all positions.  They have big guys strictly for the run. They have small linebackers now to catch up with today’s pass-happy offense. And they have tremendous cover guys and three safeties that are as good as any three safeties you want to talk about in football. All these variables on both sides of the ball are why we see New England once again in the championship game.”"

While the offense struggled and turned over the ball against the Texans in last Saturday’s 34-16 victory, the defense is what kept the Patriots from a complete disappointing performance.  Interceptions by McCourty, Logan Ryan and Duron Harmon helped seal the deal.

Of course, that came against a quarterback like Brock Osweiler which is why the defense hasn’t been given a lot of credit.  Throughout the season, the toughest quarterback they faced was Russell Wilson until this Sunday when they will face Ben Roethlisberger and the high-powered Pittsburgh Steelers offense.

Marked as their toughest challenge, the secondary must come up big against Antonio Brown and also drop down in the box and help contain running back Le’Veon Bell.

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To prove Simms right, this will be a game the Patriots defense, particularly the secondary showcase that they are as good as the stats say they are.

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