3. New England Patriots
The defensive line for the Patriots isn’t flashy by any means, but the group gets the job done. It’s simple: the defensive line eats blocks for the linebackers to make plays. This, in turn, puts pressure on a quarterback, which plays into the strength of the Patriots, which is their secondary.
Deitrich Wise and Lawrence Guy combined for five sacks last year. They will bookend a new nose tackle, as New England signed Beau Allen to replace Danny Shelton. John Simon, who had 44 tackles and four sacks last year, will see time on the line and as an outside linebacker.
Adam Butler was re-signed after a six-sack season. He will rotate with Allen on the line as well. As the case with Simon, Chase Winovich may see some time at defensive end and linebacker. Winovich contributed 5.5 sacks in his rookie season last year.
Adam Butler sack! Another big 3rd down sack on Nick Foles pic.twitter.com/hUPkmFr0hG
— New England PatriotsNation™ 2 (@Jordanems) August 17, 2018