Patriots Commentary

Patriots 2015 End of Regular Season Report Card – Defense

Steve Balestrieri Senior Writer · PatsFans.com since 2011

Jan 7, 2016 at 6:00 am ET 7 min read 2.9k views

Photo: David Butler II - USA TODAY Sports

7 min read Patriots Commentary

Defensive Tackles: B

Akiem Hicks was a steal for the Patriots this season.
(USA TODAY Images)

The Patriots parted ways with Vince Wilfork this season but they found a gift in the draft when Malcom Brown was still there at #32. The rookie defensive tackle from Texas has been steadily improving as the season progressed and looks to be a fixture for years to come. 2^nd year player Dominique Easley had an impressive season before being lost to IR. He provided that quickness, burst off the snap and penetration that he was noted for and will be missed in the post season.

Alan Branch has been playing some impressive football this season, he’s been stout against the run in the rotation and has been dependable all year long. Sealver Siliga was thought to be the heir apparent to Wilfork but it hasn’t worked out that way. He’s battled nagging injuries and was a healthy scratch as well.

But the steal of the year has been Akiem Hicks, who the Pats got in a trade with New Orleans for backup tight end Michael Hoomanawanui. Hicks not only got a fresh start with New England but has been able to find his game again. He’s been stout against the run but has been very impressive at pushing the pocket against opposing QBs from the inside.

Overall the rotation at the tackle position has been solid and although it sounds blasphemous after a decade, they really haven’t missed Vince Wilfork. This unit has the perfect blend of youth, experience and athleticism and was an improvement in 2015. Next up are the Linebackers

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About Steve Balestrieri

A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

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