FOXBORO, Mass. -- The New England Patriots didn't have an effective pass rush last season, but we could see a far better unit in 2019.
If the preseason is any indication -- and it's important not to lean too heavily on preseason results -- the Patriots' front seven is poised for a bounce-back campaign after finishing with the second-fewest sacks in the NFL in 2018.
Last week's win over the Carolina Panthers was a tremendous example of the Patriots pass rush improving. New England's starting defensive line dominated their Carolina counterparts with two sacks and a few other hits/pressure on Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. The Panthers didn't even cross midfield in the first half.
The Patriots lead the league in points and yards allowed during the preseason. They also lead all teams with 15 sacks, but no player has more than 2.5 sacks, which helps show the impressive depth of the group overall.
“It’s great," Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise said after Tuesday's practice. "We have guys like Michael Bennett, Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower — guys like that who bring a peed and different element to the game, along with the interior guys like Danny Shelton, Adam Butler and Lawrence Guy. Those guys bring power and also size to the game as well. I feel we’re a well-balanced defensive line.”
The Patriots defense really rounded into form in the playoffs, culminating with a dominant performance in a 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII. Most of the secondary and linebacker groups have returned, and the defensive line has seen the departures of Trey Flowers and Malcom Brown in free agency filled with the additions of Bennett and promising rookie Chase Winovich.
The depth of this Patriots defense might be the most impressive aspect of the group, and it allows head coach Bill Belichick to experiment with a lot of different schemes in an effort to confuse opposing quarterbacks each week. Barring any major injuries, we could be looking at one of the league's most dominant defenses this season.
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"We know that we have a lot of talent and depth on this team," Patriots safety Duron Harmon said after the win against Carolina. "It really comes down to working hard each and every day, creating a brotherhood, just going out there and playing good football each and every week and being consistent.”
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