Pessimistic Pete

In terms of PPG, Patriots now have the #12 ranked defense in the NFL.

Not too shabby.

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Patsfanin Philly

Only allowed 40 points in the last 4 games (Chi, NYJ, Buf and GB) and in total over the season, only 9 points worse than the Jets "vaunted' defense.

lostjumper

Seeing they were somewhere around the low 20's at the halfway point, this is a big climb. 3 points allowed vs Jets, 7 allowed vs bears, and 3 vs the Bills have made a big difference. Get everyone healthy for the playoffs, and lets see what this team can do!

AndyJohnson

Since the start of week 4 they are 6th, and only 1 point out of 5th and 4 out of 4th.

convertedpatsfan

That's amazing.

You can see this young defense growing up and maturing before our eyes. McCourty went from decent rookie to solid cover guy to semi-shutdown guy to interception machine. Guys like Chung and Brace started gaining footholds in the rotation and making plays. Cunningham going from bench guy to rotation guy to starter to best OLB on the team.

Arrington and Butler both made big strides as the season progressed, Mayo maturing as a leader and starting to make big plays now, Guyton finding his role and starting to excel in it, Deaderick and Love getting snaps and starting to succeed.

It's just been a real enjoyable season so far and the offense has led the way, but I'm loving how quickly this D is coming along and improving week by week. They've clearly grown up since those rough first few weeks.

sevengables_2207

The defense is peaking at the right time of the year. I was pleased with their effort earlier today with several solid contributors out with injuries.

IcyPatriot

Scott Pioli Who

ctpatsfan1

They have been improving greatly in the red zone stops too. Allowing only 3 pts or in many cases a take away. Makes a huge difference when you trade FG's for TD's especially with the way Brady and the O can move the ball and score. Still would like to see them tighten up against the run a little more and get some more pressure on QB's but I'll take the improvement and hope they keep growing for 4 more wins.

PatsFaninME

REST BRADY! I don't give a damn about a consecutive start record. REST BRADY! Only championships mean anything and a healthy Brady gives us best chance. I wouldn't even risk a single series but I know they will.

I'd rest Vince too and let the young kids get some reps/experience.

robertweathers

I dare to say it but the 2001 team was playing the EXACT same way. Giving up yards but turning TDs into FGs and FGs in punts.

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“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick