The New England Patriots will surely have a high powered offense in 2017, but these five teams could give them fits when they square up.
Right off the bat, the New England Patriots offense is going to be tested when they face Kansas City on Thursday, but there’s one even tougher defense that they’ll face this year.
New England is expected to average 30 points per game or more this season with the number of weapons they have. That’s not always going to be easy. The Patriots don’t have an extremely tough schedule, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t facing any tough defenses. Here, I’ll take a look at the 5 toughest defenses Tom Brady and company will have to face in 2017. They’re placed in order of appearance, not based on which defense is toughest.
They’re placed in order of appearance, not based on which defense is toughest.
Week 1: Kansas City Chiefs
Right away Tom Brady and the offensive line will be tested. The Kansas City Chiefs have the ability to pressure Brady, and that usually gives the Patriots problems. While the Chiefs may not be able to matchup with Rob Gronkowski, Brandin Cooks, and all of New England’s backs, but they can disrupt the offense.
Justin Houston is a force to be reckoned with, and the offensive line will surely have their hands full. Derrick Johnson is one of the best linebackers in the league according to Brady as well.
"“Derrick Johnson is one of the best linebackers in the league. He does so many things for that defense. You can tell it really hurts them when he’s not out there. And Eric Berry is a big time playmaker. Marcus Peters — more interceptions than anybody since he came in the league. (Justin) Houston and (Dee) Ford, I mean, they strip sack the quarterback. So, they’re very explosive and really force the ball out of your hands quick because they get a good rush.”"
If the pressure gets to Brady, the Chiefs have a chance to stay in the game. Marcus Peters could also have a huge game, but it will be interesting to see who he lines up against most often.
Week 3: Houston Texans
J.J. Watt is back and healthy, and that’s not good for the Patriots this year. The Texans have tons of questions on their offense, but their defense will contend as one of the best in the NFL.
Watt’s head coach Bill O’Brien is excited to have Watt back in the lineup.
"”Anytime the three-time Defensive Player of the Year is healthy and ready to go, that makes me feel really good,” O’Brien said. ”So that gives me a lot of confidence. I like the way he’s practiced this training camp … I’m looking forward to watching him play.”"
Watt and Jadaveon Clowney are strong, big men, and they’ll likely get a sack or two of Tom Brady. The issue is a similar one that the Chiefs present, so week 1 will give us a lot of insight as to how the Patriots can slow the pass rush. A solid mix of play calling could be crucial, with all 4 running backs and a ton of receivers getting the ball.
Rob Gronkowski will need to have a big day to draw pressure away from the line, but I’m looking at Rex Burkhead here in a breakout game. He can line up in the backfield before motioning out as a slot receiver, or he can run it straight up. The versatility and motion of Burkhead, and potentially Dion Lewis, could keep Houston on their toes.
Week 4: Carolina Panthers
When you think of top defenses in the NFL, I know you aren’t thinking about the Carolina Panthers. However, they are one of the best defenses New England will face.
They aren’t the Houston Texans or Kansas City Chiefs though.
New England and Tom Brady should be able to pick apart a Panthers defense led by linebacker Luke Keuchly. Carolina does also have solid defensive tackles in Star Lotulelei and Kawaan Short, but after dealing with pressure from J.J. Watt and Jadaveon Clowney the week before, this should be a walk in the park for the Patriots. Carolina is weak in the secondary, and they’re counting on a pair of newcomers to step up for them.
Look for New England to still put up 30+ points in this matchup.
Week 8: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers are not going to be great in 2017, in my opinion. That said, their defense does seem to be taking steps in the right direction. Last year’s top draft pick for the Chargers, Joey Bosa, should step up in year 2. He has the ability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, but it’ll be tough for him to do so on his own.
The Chargers have also brought in Tre Boston to fill a safety spot, and he’s had some success in the past.
Gus Bradley is now LA’s defensive coordinator, and he’s switched the team to a 4-3 scheme. That’s a great thing for Bosa, who can go back to how he played at Ohio State. Last season was Bosa’s only year in a 3-4 so the change back to a 4-3 shouldn’t be too tough.
"“It’s going great,” Bosa says. “For me, it’s not too much of a change. My techniques aren’t changing too much. I’m just playing the edge.”"
The Chargers should be a lot better defensively than they were last season, but the New England Patriots really shouldn’t have many issues when these teams play in week 8, right before New England’s bye week.
Week 10: Denver Broncos
Week 10 is going to be brutal for the New England Patriots. It’s always tough having to play in Denver’s thin air, but dealing with that Broncos defense can prove nearly impossible at times.
Von Miller is undoubtedly the leader for the Denver D, but he has plenty of help and talent around him. Derek Wolfe is a name you don’t hear too much, but he always seems to give the Patriots fits. On the outside, New England’s receivers will have to contend with one of the best defensive secondary’s in the league.
Chris Harris Jr. leads that squad, and he may be the best CB in the NFL. The #2 corner isn’t too shabby either with Aqib Talib locking it down. New England will need their big tight ends to make plays in the passing game if they hope to find success.
Next: behind Enemy Lines: Week 1 Kansas City Chiefs
Again, when the Patriots open the season on Thursday night, they’ll be put to the test immediately. Kansas City will hope to spoil a banner night at Gillette Stadium, and it could tell us a lot about how the Patriots offense will handle pressure in 2017. All I know tight now, is that I’m wicked excited that NFL football is back!