What happened to the defense? Was this defense ever that good this year?

[Joey007]

When you think about it, the only time they looked good was against inferior opponents. (Jets, Panthers, Browns, injured Titans) or when Mother Nature completely intervened (first Bills game)

We forget this is the same defense that let David Mills carve them up. Maybe they just got away with looking good the last couple months? I’m just baffled how they looked this bad today.

 

[VectorPrime]

Shades of 2019

 

[Dingleberry]

Kind of like the Boogeyman season. At least they didn't talk stupid nicknames this time.

 

[DropKickFlutie]

Defense has been elite but weak links all year long have been Godchaux, Bentley, and now the UDFA slot corner. They'll figure it out (maybe). Terrible sign to see Godchaux, Bentley starting and to see Barmore, Collins, Philips not starting

 

[TheRainMaker]

This was also the story of the 2019 season. The fact is, besides Jackson and Judon, there’s not much standout talent on D.

 

[slash83]

They looked good against average to bad qbs and teams that were injury depleted. Take Tennessee for example, no Henry and missing their top two wrs. Played Cleveland without Chubb and their top backup, they’ve got lucky in that regard all year.

And today, Buffalo playing without 3 of their starting offensive lineman and their second best WR.

 

[Vindicate]

The front seven hasn't seen as hot, which unmasks some of the weaknesses that both the departure of gilmore and injuries to Duggar and Jones has caused. It's unfortunate timing. Also, offensive foibles cause hella reps for the defense and makes their errors all that more game defining.

 

[Cam2HarryGOAT]

This was also the story of the 2019 season. The fact is, besides Jackson and Judon, there’s not much standout talent on D.

Jackson almost single handedly lost the game for them between the dropped pick and the zero effort tackle attempt on Allen. Elite players make both those plays. He is a solid CB but not in the league of a guy like Judon. And this game would have looked a lot different had the Bills not been allowed to hold on nearly every play.

 

[doesntmatter1]

Our front seven is lacking. We got Judon and Barmore as the studs. Then the occasional splash play from Van Noy and Uche when he plays. Collins is a double edged sword at this point. Everyone else is a jag. Atm Barmore is the only guy I'm pleased with.

Even with Bryant getting roasted today, our secondary is usually good enough.

 

[Patriot Missile]

Most of the games Pats have good interior pressure and mvp like perfomances from Judon. This is what happens when the offense neutralizes what your defense does. We’ve seen it a million times with Brady against vaunted defenses.

Buffalo used the short field and medium field to take what was given. Mistake free, didnt press, ran enough to keep the d honest. It was a good game by them, tip your cap and move on. Better team executed to perfection today, no punts. Jones never felt comfortable and he looked every bit of the rookie and worse.

 

[jah]

Having a great pass rusher like Judon almost doesn't even matter when the QB can take off like Allen.

 

[Silver Blue&Red]

Most of the games Pats have good interior pressure and mvp like perfomances from Judon. This is what happens when the offense neutralizes what your defense does. We’ve seen it a million times with Brady against vaunted defenses.

Buffalo used the short field and medium field to take what was given. Mistake free, didnt press, ran enough to keep the d honest. It was a good game by them, tip your cap and move on. Better team executed to perfection today, no punts. Jones never felt comfortable and he looked every bit of the rookie and worse.

"Mistake free"? You mean penalty free?

 

[patriotsdynasty12189]

When they don't get takeaways and allow touchdowns in the red area, its hard to say they are a good defense.

 

[Patjew]

I find this “don’t force the other team to punt or turn over the ball defense” fascinating.

 

[Fubby]

I blame Patricia

 

[stephens44]

The Defense is still pretty good, gotta give credit to Allen. That's the 9th game they've scored 30+ this year.

 

[FCB02062]

I was hoping for the div title, a home game, and maybe a run to the conf fltitle game if the chips fell right ... now it looks like a road wildcard blowout of mammoth proportions based on this defense. it's just a repeat of the Boogeymen and last year.... can't make stops when they need to...2 games in a row it was make a stop and the offense gets the ball w a chance to win the game...but they got outclassed by superior talent in Taylor last week and Allen this week. it just takes one play and both those guys made game changers and the Pats HAVE NOTHING to answer.

 

[LightSkinSmurf]

I refuse to call any defense good that can't force a single punt all game long. They look good at times if their opponent isn't that good or if they are missing key pieces.

 

[gitgronked82]

This was also the story of the 2019 season. The fact is, besides Jackson and Judon, there’s not much standout talent on D.

I think Barmore is quality talent. Dugger too.

 

[JMC00]

Nothing, they picked on a CB/WR matchup that favored them and had to make like 5 4th downs. Also defense was once again put in bad field position most of the game. I guess Detreich Wise was missed. He was kind of a force in that game up in buffalo.

They were also unlucky on some things. The 2 dropped picks by Jackson that would have taken 14 points off the board for them. Collins getting taking out of the tackle that would have stopped Allen on 4th that would have taken another 7 off. Barmore getting drawn offside on 4th & 7 that was 100% a false start (Center clearly moved his head and didn't snap because he had to wait for a WR to go in motion) and would have made it 4th & 12 and they probably kick a FG

There was also the whole ref thing where apparently Pats guys shaking their head in the direction of a bildos player was taunting, yet the bildos constantly flexing, jawing back at Pats players and fans was 100% fine.

Late season byes are terrible you are rolling and then you take a week off and then come back out of sync and it snowballs. bye before thanksgiving after halloween are the most optimal IMO.