Defense played historically good football

The 2019 season had many positives, and this defensive unit was one of them. Holding the Pittsburgh Steelers to three points in the home-opener gave just a glimpse of what this group would do.

New England’s defense finished the season at No. 1 in points allowed per game (14.1), No. 1 in yards allowed per game (275.9), No. 2 in passing yards per game (180.4) and No. 6 in rushing yards per game (95.5). They led the league in interceptions (25) and passes deflected (111), were No. 2 in touchdowns (5) and were No. 7 in sacks (47).

Not only was the defense dominant, but they had fun and enjoyed each other’s presence. The linebacker crew coined the nickname ‘The Boogeymen’ and that stuck immediately. The secondary didn’t have a nickname, but they were always synchronized and didn’t allowed a 300-yard passer the entire season.

Even in New England’s playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, they only gave up 14 points and limited Ryan Tannehill to 72 yards, one touchdown and an interception. The defense remained stingy all season, but just didn’t have enough offensive firepower to back them up.

Regardless of the outcome, this defensive group will go down as one of the most memorable and talented in New England’s history.