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New England Patriots have makings of a Top 5 NFL defense

By Alan Nahigian

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Jabrill Peppers #3 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Jabrill Peppers #3 of the New England Patriots reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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With this particular off-season, the New England Patriots have had to make a lot of changes.

But a lot of them have been on the offensive side of the ball. Fromthe hiring of Bill O’Brien to the additions of guys like James Robinson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mike Gesicki; there has been a clear emphasis on offensive improvement. Who can blame the Patriots, right? After all, 2022 was an absolute mess with an offense that just couldn’t seem to get any momentum.

Then there was the talk of the special teams. It’s been down for two seasons and Bill Belichick has been adding like crazy to improve the unit.

But the defense has been very quiet this off-season. Not a lot of moves made in free agency. The draft saw some really good defensive additions.

But when you sit back and look at this team, this New England Patriots team has the making of a top five NFL defense for the 2023 season!

New England Patriots having a solid pass rush

The New England Patriots had a way of getting to the quarterback in 2022. That started and ended with Matthew Judon.

Judon has quickly become a fan-favorite here in New England. The four-time Pro-Bowl linebacker has really made an impact to the Patriots pass rush. In two seasons with the Patriots, Judon has registered 28 total sacks. That’s really impressive!

Plus, adding a guy like Keion White can help take some pressure off of Judon. The second round pick out of Georgia Tech is an athletic freak that can disrupt an offensive line. He proved that in the ACC last season.

Then add Deatrich Wise and Josh Uche into the mix and that’s a pass rush that offenses are going to have to gameplan against all season long. Pretty solid overall if you ask me!

New England Patriots having a deep all-around secondary

Besides the pass rush, the Patriots secondary is really deep, with both corners and safeties.

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The cornerback room was already deep with the Jones triplets of Marcus, Jack, and Jonathan. Then the Patriots added Oregon corner Christian Gonzalez with the 17th pick in the NFL Draft. That’s a young corner group that’s only going to improve and get better as the seasons move along.

The safeties are still deep, even with the retirement of Devin McCourty. Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers will bring a level of physicality and finishing plays with big-time tackles. Kyle Duggar continues to look like a star in the making, with a nose around the football more often than not.

This secondary is deep and will be tough to throw at on a weekly basis.

The bottom line with the New England Patriots defense

We all know how much Belichick loves his defense and it looks like it will be the identity of the New England Patriots again heading into 2023.

Next. Why Marte Mapu will be a Bill Belichick favorite. dark

The offense will be more involved and improved from 2022. But with this defense, doesn’t it give you the old, first-dynasty type of Patriots vibes?

This defense literally won games for the Patriots last season. In 2023, it has the potential to be special and be the reason this team potentially makes the playoffs.

Don’t sleep on this defensive unit, folks. It’ll be for real!

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