5 Reasons the New England Patriots Defense Will Be Better in 2016

[PatsFans.com Article]

5 Reasons the New England Patriots Defense Will Be Better in 2016

Steve Balestrieri

Defensive Line will be better, deeper and have a better pass rush:
We are already hearing the rumblings that the defensive line will take a step back in 2016. We’re not buying that. While the team would have loved to have had Akiem Hicks back, I think they had no plans on retaining Chandler Jones. While a very talented pass rusher, he was good but not great, and he was weak in setting the edge in the running game. Jones pass rushing production was like a Halloween mask: it disappeared after October 31.

With Jones gone, this elevated Jabaal Sheard to a starting position. Not only is he much better at setting the edge in the running game, but he registered eight sacks in about 400 fewer snaps than Jones. But the team wasn’t done.

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[NashuaPats]

Encouraging article. Just a slight correction, you have Malcolm Butler as 27 years old, he's only 26. DOB: March 2,1990.

 

[oldrover]

This defense was already tremendous last year. IMHO the defense didn't lose us any games in 2015. MAYBE one.

Denver: special teams. (punt muff)
Philly: special teams. (blocked punt for TD, punt return for TD)
Jets: offense, and maybe special teams if you count the coin toss (the defense held them to 20 in regulation AND scored a TD)
Miami: offense. Pathetic. Although the defense did give up 438 yards and 26 points to the 'Fins.

And the D only gave up 20 to Denver in losing the AFCCG.

And now you say this defense might be improved?!?!?!

 

[BobDigital]

Overall I think it should be a better unit.

They lost a few good players but added more than they lost. Hopefully Hightower/Collins can stay healthy down the stretch.

 

[JarOfMayo51]

Losing Jones, Hicks and Easley is going to hurt, I dont care what anyone says... but all we need is 1 of the 3 rookies from last year to step up and contribute on a rotational basis and we'll be ok

 

[mgteich]

And now you say this defense might be improved?!?!?!

You seem to ignore the losses of Jones, Hicks and Easley.