New England Patriots: 5 observations from NFL regular-season finale

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 30: Phillip Dorsett #13 of the New England Patriots reacts with Tom Brady #12 after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 30: Phillip Dorsett #13 of the New England Patriots reacts with Tom Brady #12 after catching a touchdown pass during the second quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Kyle Van Noy (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Kyle Van Noy (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Oh Van Noy!

The New England Patriots defense hasn’t been getting any love all season, but as a unit, they have been playing solidly the last few weeks and certainly ended the 2018 NFL regular season by sending a message.

By taking away the run, the Patriots’ defense forced Sam Darnold to pass the ball.  Though he had a little success, the team did a great job at applying pressure.  One of those quarterback hurries led to a strip sack by Adam Butler that was then scooped up and ran in for a defensive score by Kyle Van Noy.

The play not only emphasized the type of pressure the New England Patriots defense has applied all year (they don’t have the sacks to show for it), but also highlighted the solid play of Van Noy, who has had a knack at being at the right place at the right time.

The veteran linebacker also defensed a wheel route nicely in the game that showed he has a little speed.

Again, although against the Jets, the performance of the defense should give them a nice jolt going into the playoffs.