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New England Patriots: Finally the defense isn’t a problem

By Sam Minton

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Stephon Gilmore #24 celebrates with Duron Harmon #21 of the New England Patriots after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Stephon Gilmore #24 celebrates with Duron Harmon #21 of the New England Patriots after intercepting a pass in the end zone during the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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It may just be one good performance, but the New England Patriots defense had a quality showing in week 1. It looks like the Pats won’t have to rely solely on the offense this season.

The New England Patriots are 1-0 after defeating the Houston Texans 27-20. It was a great day overall for the team. Tom Brady was slinging the ball all over the field and Rob Gronkowski looked amazing, but more importantly, the defense had a great performance.

Stephon Gilmore was great on Sunday. He had 8 tackles, 2 passes defended, and an interception. These are the types of performances the Patriots are going to need from Gilmore.

He is now the top corner for the Patriots. Gilmore will be facing the leagues best wide receivers and needs to shut them down.

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The linebackers also had a strong showing. Dont’a Hightower got things going for the Patriots early on recovering a fumble. The linebacker definitely looked healthy and had two tackles as well.

It also appears that the Patriots may have the steal of the draft. Ja’Whaun Bentley had a great game racking up 7 total tackles including one for a loss.

Finally the defensive line was able to control Deshaun Watson. Watson only threw for 176 yards and ran for 40 yards ( Congrats to me for predicting that). The defensive line did a great job containing Watson and not letting him get big gains on the ground.

Trey Flowers dominated and had 5 tackles (2 for a loss) and 1.5 sacks. Deatrich Wise also had a good game tallying 3 tackles and 1.5 sacks. If the Patriots can continue to get pressure on the quarterback they will be very successful.

Adrian Clayborn didn’t have the success he was looking for in his first game in New England. He was able to get some pressure on the quarterback but was unable to get any tackles or sacks. Hopefully next week he will be able to get on the stat sheet.

Overall the Patriots defense had a strong showing. They made things difficult for Watson and weren’t struggling to make routine plays. If the defense can continue to play at this level it will take a lot of pressure off of Tom Brady.

At 41-years-old, I don’t want to have to rely on Brady and the offense to put up 40 points a game. There are going to be some games that he struggles. So if the defense is performing at a high level they should still be able to grind out a victory.

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Hopefully this isn’t a fluke and the New England Patriots defense will be one of the best in the league. When was the last time you could say that?

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