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New England Patriots: Top 5 defensive performers of 2018 NFL season

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 02: Dont'a Hightower #54 and Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriots walk through the tunnel before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 02: Dont'a Hightower #54 and Elandon Roberts #52 of the New England Patriots walk through the tunnel before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Gillette Stadium on December 2, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Kyle Van Noy (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Kyle Van Noy (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Kyle Van Noy

Well, how could you not appreciate what Kyle Van Noy did in 2019?

The veteran linebacker was simply all over the field during the regular season and playoffs.  On top of his 92 combined tackles and 3.5 sacks, Van Noy had an interception, a fumble return for a touchdown and a blocked kick return for a touchdown.

In the playoffs, he was a major factor with 2 sacks on Patrick Mahomes in the AFC Championship game and a sack on Jared Goff in Super Bowl LIII.  Above all, his intensity and vocal leadership on and off the field was highly recognized.

In what was definitely the best season of his career, Kyle Van Noy was the definition of what it meant to be a piece of a Patriots’ defense that silenced the critics.  His overall versatility allows New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to use him in different situations.

"“Like a lot of good football players, they just know what to do.  And I would say he’s [Kyle Van Noy] one of those – Hightower, those guys – sometimes they get in a situation that we haven’t really covered this, and they just do the right thing because they’re just good, instinctive players,” Belichick said about Van Noy’s decision making.  “So, Kyle’s shown to be all that, plus he’s given us good depth in the kicking game.”"

On a team with no big-name stars, Kyle Van Noy became the face of what the 2018 New England Patriots defense was all about.  Now, it is time for the team to consider giving him a contract extension.  That’s how important he has become.

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