Is our defense good enough for a SB run?

UGAPatsfan · Jan 15, 2026

Wozzy said:
Barmore, Milton Williams, Ellis, even the rookie offensive linemen. We have really talented guys, Pats fans just can’t accept it.

Woodson (rookie), Hawkins (Jag), Davis (inconsistent), both edge rushers (don’t blow up plays on their own), Ellis (also wildly inconsistent) Spillane/Gibbens (neither very fast or good in coverage), Campbell/Wilson (10 pressures given up between them last week, Bradbury (can get overwhelmed physically, Onwenu (good for at least a few blownup in the backfield plays/game himself, lack of an offensive weapon anyone fears.

My point is that the team often plays greater than the sum of it’s parts and they can get MUCH better with a few more offseasons like the last one.

But…2001 team wasn’t loaded with talent either so who knows.

Stu Pidassle · Jan 15, 2026

UGAPatsfan said:
But…2001 team wasn’t loaded with talent either so who knows.

The 2001 defense was not considered that talented in the moment. History proved that a number of unknowns were very talented. Who does know maybe the same can be said about this defense in a few years.

RobertWeathers · Jan 15, 2026

Wozzy said:
Unless the opposing offense turns it over repeatedly, in which case they beat themselves.

...or the D just make stops.

Huckleberry1 · Jan 15, 2026

n1997y said:
Not just on D. Our WRs aren’t talented either, that’s why our passing game sucks. Or if it doesn’t suck it’s not the WRs it’s the QB.

There is a lot of cognitive bias in NFL fans and gurus. Barmore can’t be talented because he plays for the Pats and they were so bad last year that they showed they have no talent. Milton Williams was said to be overpaid in free agency because he had only had a limited run with the Eagles, mostly doing just one thing, so he couldn’t be talented. Rookies weren’t drafted in the top five picks and haven’t shown anything in the NFL so they can’t be talented. They all play for the Patriots so they can’t be talented. And on and on…

The Patriots passing game was 4th in the league,it doesn't " suck."

Wozzy · Jan 16, 2026

n1997y said:
Not just on D. Our WRs aren’t talented either, that’s why our passing game sucks. Or if it doesn’t suck it’s not the WRs it’s the QB.

There is a lot of cognitive bias in NFL fans and gurus. Barmore can’t be talented because he plays for the Pats and they were so bad last year that they showed they have no talent. Milton Williams was said to be overpaid in free agency because he had only had a limited run with the Eagles, mostly doing just one thing, so he couldn’t be talented. Rookies weren’t drafted in the top five picks and haven’t shown anything in the NFL so they can’t be talented. They all play for the Patriots so they can’t be talented. And on and on…

It was this way for decades… opposing teams fans got sick of Patriots endless winning, so they stopped voting for our players in Pro Bowls.

Going forward it meant the Patriots only won because of Tom Brady, he was the only talented player. Fanboys here didn’t help… they believed it.

It was dumb… Wilfork was a pro bowl player every year, whether he was voted in or not. He was one of many.

Wozzy · Jan 16, 2026

UGAPatsfan said:
Woodson (rookie), Hawkins (Jag), Davis (inconsistent), both edge rushers (don’t blow up plays on their own), Ellis (also wildly inconsistent) Spillane/Gibbens (neither very fast or good in coverage), Campbell/Wilson (10 pressures given up between them last week, Bradbury (can get overwhelmed physically, Onwenu (good for at least a few blownup in the backfield plays/game himself, lack of an offensive weapon anyone fears.

My point is that the team often plays greater than the sum of it’s parts and they can get MUCH better with a few more offseasons like the last one.

But…2001 team wasn’t loaded with talent either so who knows.

It’s uncanny how they won the most games in the NFL this season.

BTW I don’t think you’re wrong the Pats team has role players and merely “good” players… I think you’re wrong that every other contender isn’t built the same way.

There’s not one team out there with All Pros at every position group. That team doesn’t exist… at least not this season.

Wozzy · Jan 18, 2026

Five forced turnovers against Houston, 3 sacks, and only 16 points allowed despite Drake turning it over three times…

Yes. The answer is yes.

Rob0729 · Jan 18, 2026

Wozzy said:
Five forced turnovers against Houston, 3 sacks, and only 16 points allowed despite Drake turning it over three times…

Yes. The answer is yes.

You forget a defensive TD.

Wozzy · Jan 18, 2026

Rob0729 said:
You forget a defensive TD.

Good catch.

Uptown · Jan 18, 2026

Of course. The only offense that really matches up well is LA. Two All-Pro WRs, excellent QB, good OL/RBs, 13 personnel & the best play caller in the league.

ALP · Jan 18, 2026

…is our offense good enough for a superbowl run??

Betterthanmost · Jan 18, 2026

ALP said:
…is our offense good enough for a superbowl run??

That is now a worthy thread to make. Do it.

Ring 6 · Jan 18, 2026

Umm yes

pctronics0072 · Jan 18, 2026

Maybe. If we make it that far, it all depends on our opponent. If we get RAMS or Bears, then I think we have a shot. If Seahawks walk out on us, then I think we get creamed.

TB12TheGoat · Jan 19, 2026

I think this defense can absolutely shut down Stidham (obviously) and Darnold. Stafford with those weapons would be an entire different level of challenge than Stidham or Darnold but I'm confident the defense would still do well and not get shredded. Maye has to stop turning the ball over. if he can do that in the next 2 games, the Pats have a great shot of hoisting #7

I know LAC and HOU had some injuries on offense but what this defense did to them was disgusting

p8ryts · Jan 19, 2026

TB12TheGoat said:
I think this defense can absolutely shut down Stidham (obviously) and Darnold. Stafford with those weapons would be an entire different level of challenge than Stidham or Darnold but I'm confident the defense would still do well and not get shredded. Maye has to stop turning the ball over. if he can do that in the next 2 games, the Pats have a great shot of hoisting #7

I know LAC and HOU had some injuries on offense but what this defense did to them was disgusting

Maye just needs one more second and he will be fine.

Wozzy · Jan 25, 2026

3 sacks, 2 forced turnovers, 7 points allowed to the Broncos on the road….

This defense has carried Drake and the offense, it takes a team to win a ring.

Championship level defense.

farn · Jan 25, 2026

26 points in three playoff games.

Froob · Jan 25, 2026

guess they were

BTTA · Jan 25, 2026

Sorry, late to the poll. Just dropped in to vote yes.

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Is our defense good enough for a SB run?

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