Patriots Gridiron News: Adrian Clayborn now living up to the pressure

New England Patriots defensive end Adrian Clayborn is finally showing his worth on the defensive unit as a pass rushing force.

One of the key offseason additions for the New England Patriots is finally showing his worth.  In Sunday night’s 31-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers, defensive end Adrian Clayborn was in on a couple key defensive plays that showcased just what he brings to the defense.

Coming into the game with just 2.0 sacks, Clayborn continued to trend upward by applying some good pressure on Aaron Rodgers in the game.  While the pass rush didn’t get to Rodgers, they certainly made him uneasy.  Much of that came from both Clayborn and Trey Flowers who combined for a key sack of the Packers quarterback.

Along with second-year defensive end Deatrich Wise, Clayborn and Flowers are becoming a nice trio of edge rushers now that the team has surpassed the midway point of the season.

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But, it is not only the pressure applied to the quarterback that was impressive Sunday night, Adrian Clayborn was also involved in a key tackle on Rodgers before he was able to scramble for a first down in the final minute of the first half.

Turns out, it was a very key play in the game.  As Rodgers is a hard man to catch when he scrambles out the pocket, Clayborn showed on that play nice discipline and a little bit of speed.

"“We just have to try and corral him and do whatever we have to do,” Clayborn said following the game.  “There are some plays were we have to stick him up or we have to stick him back.  He’s a very shifty quarterback and smart.”"

On that particular play, Aaron Rodgers ended up fumbling the ball forward and out of bounds.  It was Clayborn who forced him into that situation.

While he didn’t get him then, he got him in the fourth quarter on that split sack between himself and Trey Flowers.  When Bill Belichick let the hounds loose, Adrian Clayborn definitely was there to finish the hunt and put an exclamation point on the Week 9 victory.

"“It was fun,” Clayborn said of the pass rush on Rodgers.  “The whole defense was clicking.  We got a big turnover and we just got it going.  We just had to close the pocket as much as possible, keep him throwing from the back of his toes, and get him down.  We did a good job.”"

In conclusion, it was a good job overall by Adrian Clayborn, who is showing his versatility along the defensive line and his big play ability when the team really needs someone to step up and make a play.

Lack of playmakers on offense

The New England Patriots defense had to step up Sunday night, especially due to the lack of offensive weapons the team had on offense.

Yes, Tom Brady and the offense were able to manufacture 31 points, but it could’ve been much more if both Rob Gronkowski and Sony Michel were available for that game.

With both out, the team were able to get big performances from Josh Gordon and Cordarrelle Patterson on the ground.  As usual, James White was also a big contributor in the game.  But, how long the team can manage without Gronkowski and Michel on the field is the big question.

They can certainly win without them, but for how long?

In the meantime, the defense has to continue trending upward.  With players like Adrian Clayborn stepping up, it should be an easier task to accomplish.  Now the New England Patriots defense goes from defending Aaron Rodgers to playing against a very mediocre Marcus Mariota and Tennessee Titans offense.