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New England Patriots: 5 things to watch for in 2018 season finale

By Sam Minton

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 23: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots is tackled during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 23: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots is tackled during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots
FOXBOROUGH, MA – DECEMBER 23: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

2. New England’s defense

The Patriots defense has looked great at some times and terrible at others. New England is known for their offense, but defense is what wins championships.

We all saw this last season. Tom Brady had a performance for the ages throwing for over 500 yards, but the defense let him down.

In Week 17 I hope to see the Patriots dominate. New England has gotten some great play from Trey Flowers and Stephon Gilmore. These guys have been the anchors of the defense.

I want to see the linebackers get involved. It is a promising sign that Dont’a Hightower has managed to stay healthy, but I want to see him in the backfield dominating. This season Hightower only has a single sack. New England needs a better effort.

So in Week 17, I hope to see the Patriots defense look dominant and begin to build momentum heading into the playoffs.

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