New England Patriots: Defense carries team in battle vs. Buffalo
The New England Patriots defensive unit continues to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, completely dominating their AFC East rival Buffalo Bills.
For all intents and purposes, the defense carried the load in Sunday’s game. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady put in what is probably one of the lesser performances of his careers, only completing 18/39 (46.2 percent), 150 yards, and an interception. The offense could not seem to get anything going on offense.
However, the defense came to play.
Bill Belichick’s unit did allow their first touchdown since the AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs but still put in another amazing performance.
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Jamie Collins has come back to New England is a very big way, continuing his awesome play. He tallied 4 tackles, a pass defense, and one sack. He also sealed the game, pulling in an interception after fellow linebacker Kyle Van Noy put the pressure on Bills QB Matt Barkley, which caused the ball to float in the air, allowing Collins to bring it in. Bringing him back is paying off huge for New England’s defense.
A noteworthy performance from the secondary was the second-year corner J.C. Jackson, who picked off Josh Allen twice. Jackson also made a big play in special teams, blocking a punt that would be picked up by special teams ace Matthew Slater and ran in for a score. This would be Slater’s first career touchdown. Jackson continues to get better week-by-week.
Other players that played well would include safety Devin McCourty getting his 4th interception of the year, becoming the first player in 16 years to have one pick in the first 4 games of a season. LB Kyle Van Noy, who added 8 tackles, 2 sacks, and a forced fumble. John Simon, who started in place of Michael Bennett, would rack up 6 tackles and a sack.
Then rookie pass-rusher Chase Winovich added a sack, as well.
This unit was missing Dont’a Hightower, who missed the game with a shoulder injury. His absence made the Pats’ run defense a little vulnerable, as Frank Gore would be able to run for 109 yards on 17 carries (6.4 YPC).
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Whether this group can keep this up as the season rolls on, no one really knows. But no one can deny how great they have been, being the first defense to not allow a touchdown in the first three games of a season in NFL history.
The schedule only gets tougher from here, but all signs point to this group being up for the task.
The New England Patriots will travel to Washington in Week 5 to face the Redskins.