3 Patriots on the Naughty List (& 2 on the Nice List) This Christmas

Patriots Nice List #2: Jabrill Peppers

Veteran safety Jabrill Peppers has been one of the main reasons why the Patriots' defense has been semi-respectable this season.

After starting in only five of his 17 appearances in 2022, Peppers is back to being a full-time starter this season — and he deserves it. The former 2017 25th-overall pick is having his best campaign in years, racking up 76 tackles (51 solo), seven defended passes, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and a sack in 14 appearances.

Furthermore, the former Michigan product has only yielded a 67.6% completion percentage and 74.8 passer rating on 34 targets — both his best marks since the 2020 season. Peppers also leads the Patriots with an 87.0 defensive grade on Pro Football Focus while being ranked fourth-best among 94 graded safeties.

Hopefully, Peppers' resurgence isn't a one-off performance. He's signed through the 2024 season with a $5.55 million cap hit and could be another key part of any success the Patriots see next year if he picks up from where he left off.

As a result of his lights-out work, Peppers is more than deserving of being in Santa's good graces.

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