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- Jan 26, 2005
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Yes, as Belichick predicted, the defense took half the season develop, and was very good for the last half. As far as "miracle", I'd say "rocket science". Unfortunately, Patricia is now gone.
The defense started and ended the year giving up more than 40 points! They played some god awful offenses, that is the only reason they had decent stats. Bortles marched up and down the field on them, Alex Smith made them look foolish, and then finally they forced Foles to punt exactly once in the Superbowl. Anyone who looks at the Pats defense as anything but a dumpster fire is kidding themselves.
They still have no pass rush, are a Hightower injury away from having no LBs, McCourty is easily the most over rate player in the NFL, so to compensate, they bring in his twin brother, who was about to be cut by a 0-16 team!!
Hightower and Gilmore are the only real playmakers the Pats have on defense. Flowers, Van Noy, and Chung are serviceable players. The Pats need a pass rush threat. Any secondary (even one with trash like McCourty in it) will look good if they are playing behind a good pass rush. Watch what Denver does this year with Miller and Chubb.