Fansided

Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
31 of 32
Next
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: The New England Patriots celebrate with Stephon Gilmore #24 after Gilmore makes an interception in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: The New England Patriots celebrate with Stephon Gilmore #24 after Gilmore makes an interception in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIII against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. New England Patriots

2018 Review: On more than one occasion, this group did not resemble one of Bill Belichick’s better defensive units. But as has been the case numerous times, the Patriots gave up their share of yards and kept the damage to a minimum. New England finished seventh in the NFL in fewest points allowed and surrendered only 36 offensive TDs despite ranking 21st in the league in total yards allowed per game. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore played exceptional football, as did unsung linebacker Kyle Van Noy and Belichick’s club forced 28 turnovers.

2019 Key Additions: The Patriots dealt for veteran end Michael Bennett (Eagles) while adding Mike Pennel, late of the New York Jets. And the return of outside linebacker Jamie Collins following his stint with the Browns is very good news. In terms of the draft, Belichick used a second-round pick on cornerback JoeJuan Williams (Vanderbilt) and a third-round selection on talented end Chase Winovich (Michigan), who’s made an early impression.

Analysis: This franchise keeps on finding ways to get the job done regardless of who the team loses on either side of scrimmage. And in 2018, the New England defense played its best football when it had to, especially in Super Bowl LIII. There were some concerns late in the season when it came to stopping the run. But this unit is a nice mix of experience and some promising young performers and a group that figures to be more consistent this year.

Next: No. 1

Home/NFL Power Rankings