Run defense will be an issue

The only area that of this defense that shows significant flaws at times is the rush defense.

New England’s secondary is the best in the league right now and the linebackers have excellent coverage skills. They’re able to get coverage sacks because of the lockdown secondary and getting to the quarterback in general hasn’t been an issue this season. The Cleveland Browns exposed the only hole that this defense has, and teams have caught on to this trend.

Cincinnati came out with an explosive rushing attack and it helped them gain momentum to start the game. Joe Mixon had 25 carries for 136 yards and the offense in total rushed for 164 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The Bengals started passing while playing from behind in the second half and that’s when issues arose.

The Patriots will likely see the Baltimore Ravens again this season, and they’re having a historic season on the ground. Baltimore had 210 yards on the ground while playing the Patriots in Week 9 and that’s the key to beat this unit. Bill Belichick has little time to turn this trend around and combat the run, or the’ll have a short playoff stint.