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New England Patriots: 3 keys to defensive success in 2020

By Michael DeVito

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 21: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Patriots defeated the Jets 33-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 21: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Patriots defeated the Jets 33-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Stephon Gilmore (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Stephon Gilmore (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

First, the New England Patriots defensive backfield must remain superb.

The New England Patriots’ defensive backfield is one of, if not the best in the National Football League. It is loaded with talent and depth. That talent begins with the best cornerback in the NFL, Stephon Gilmore.

I’ve written about Gilmore recently, I called him the “Best of the Best” and there is likely to be little argument on that evaluation. Gilmore has emerged as the best cover man in the NFL.

When you have that type of player manning one side of the defense, you’re a good part of the way to being successful against the pass.

In addition, on the other side of the defense, New England has two excellent cornerbacks to man the outside in J.C. Jackson and emerging star, and the dependable Jason McCourty. This side also has the capability to excel. In addition, the Patriots have depth at the corner position.

Jonathan Jones is a blazingly fast and versatile corner who can also play some safety. In addition, the Patriots invested big-time in the 2018 draft on second-round pick JoeJuan Williams.

Williams contributed little in his rookie season so 2020 is his time to show what he can do. He may also be called upon to play some safety and has the size to do so. That’s a plus.

If Williams fails to deliver, he will be another in the long line of second-round defensive back flops that have “graced” the Bill Belichick era. Belichick says that the greatest improvement should be between the rookie and second-year for a player. So Williams will be on the spot to deliver.

At safety, the Patriots are also in a good spot. Devin McCourty, MR. PATRIOT (and surefire Patriots Hall-of-Famer when he hangs up his cleats) mans the free safety position with aplomb.

Dependable Patrick Chung is the strong safety and when healthy he is still a force to be reckoned with. Depth here may be a bit of a question mark with the trade of playmaker Duron Harmon.

The New England Patriots used another of those dastardly second-round picks on Kyle Dugger, an athletic strong safety with good speed who will hopefully step in as a depth player immediately.

In addition, the Patriots signed two additional depth-type safeties in Adrien Phillips and Cody Davis, essentially for special teams.

The Patriots defensive backfield looks solid again for 2020 and will have to be if New England is to make a playoff run. This is a plus rating.

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