Patriots midseason review: Grades and evaluation of 3 key components
The New England Patriots defense shines
The silver lining for the team thus far has been its way over-performing defense. Little was expected here from this group which did nothing in the draft to enhance the first two levels of the defense: defensive line, and linebacker/edge. Rather, the defense has been the bulwark of the team this far and exceeded those limited expectations exponentially.
The best player on the defense and the team is Matt Judon, one of the team’s best-ever free-agent signings. Judon is playing at an All-Pro level with 11 1/2 sacks through the first 9 games, including three against Indianapolis.
He’s only been limited by the lack of talent in the defensive line and he has had little help on the right edge until recently. In the last game against the Colts, however, Josh Uche, a former underperforming second-round pick seems to have gotten his groove and had three sacks to match Judon’s production.
If that continues, only good things will ensue, especially when the team’s second-best defensive player, defensive tackle Christian Barmore (out injured for three games) can get back in action after the bye. He’s a pocket-collapsing force.
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The defensive backfield has been fine, anchored by veterans Devin McCourty and Jalen Mills. They were also given a boost by surprising fourth-round rookie draft pick Jack Jones. Jones can play.
While they miss J.C. Jackson’s interceptions (no defensive back has more than two, they have still performed well. The defense gets an A- easily, and seems to be getting better every week. What grades would you dish out?