New England Patriots: 3 major reasons for optimism in 2020
Second, the New England Patriots have a defense. A very good defense.
Well, brilliant. The New England Patriots were the top defense in the NFL last season according to at least one metric. And without any doubt, they were at or near the top in many of them. They were just plain good. Very good.
So that helps and is a big positive. But, “what about the losses on defense?” What about Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins, Danny Shelton, Duron Harmon, and Elandon Roberts? What about them. Well, good point. Those are significant losses. No doubt about it. But, all is not lost.
The Patriots still have maybe the best secondary in the NFL They have the best cornerback in the league in Stephon Gilmore. Check. They have an emerging super cornerback in J.C. Jackson. Check. They have a super safety in the All-timer Devin McCourty. Check. And Patrick Chung is at strong safety. Check.
New England Patriots
In addition, they have strength in depth. They have Jonathan Jones at corner. He’s an unappreciated gem. And versatile to boot. They also have young talent. JoeJuan Williams, last season’s second-round pick has the talent. Hopefully, it breaks loose this season.
They also drafted safety Kyle Dugger, a terrific athlete who has the ability to play safety and also return punts. And they signed two veteran free agents who can play special teams and be backup safeties. Fine.
In addition, the Patriots have linebacker talent on the team. Still. Dont’a Hightower. He’s a big-time player. He’ll rise to the occasion when you most need a play. That’s what he brings to the table as well as versatility. He’s a rock.
And they drafted Anfernee Jennings from Alabama to help out. I like the player. Touted him before the draft a bit. And he’s from a system. The Nick Saban system. He could surprise. Counting on it.
They also have talent at the defensive line. Lawrence Guy is a very underrated defensive tackle. He just makes things happen. And Adam Butler, watch him break out in 2020. Shelton’s loss hurts. No doubt. But the Patriots will adjust and add the pieces.
And lastly on defense is the Patriots unheralded trump card. It’s on the edge. The “edge” is the position that holds the running game and makes the plays in the backfield. Like sacks. The Patriots have talent on the edge.
My favorite draft pick in 2019 and I think an emerging star, Chase Winovich will lead the charge this season. He’s primed after a good rookie season. Watch for a breakout 10-sack season in 2020. I’m counting on it. So are the Patriots, I’d guess.
In addition, they have the steadying influence of John Simon. He’s a solid edge player. Underrated player. Just a solid component, like a Rob Ninkovich. Not flashy. Not heralded. But he gets the job done. he’s a player.
And then, the guy who may enter the scene, and FLASH. I’m going out on a limb here. I think that guy is Josh Uche from Michigan. This guy can play. He’s a pass-rusher. He just rakes offensive tackles. They can’t contend with his speed.
This is my new linebacker key, Uche. Judge me harshly if I’m wrong. But I think this young man could be a difference-maker. I guess I just really like these Michigan players.
The New England Patriots defense will still ROCK in 2020.