Defense Wins Championships!

[Uptown]

NFL1000: Why New England's Defense Can Carry Belichick to Another Super Bowl

 

[Minitron]

But...But... the eye test during the first 10 weeks...

 

[FourierSeries]

That doesn't sound like a lot, but Belichick has long been a proponent of the theory that hits and hurries add up just as well as quarterback takedowns, and in that category, New England is doing just fine.

So much for that "lack of pass rush." I especially like this part:

Long, who signed a one-year, $2.375 million contract in March after injuries greatly affected his last two seasons with the Rams, led the team with 46 quarterback hurries, adding six hits to his total, according to Pro Football Focus.

Long has been a very good addition.