Despite having key players out of the lineup, the New England Patriots were suffocating defensively against the Denver Broncos.
There was nowhere to run or breathe for Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, who was constantly hit and harassed by the Patriots’ powerful and underrated defensive front.
Defensive tackle Christian Barmore led the charge with three sacks and four quarterback hits. He dominated up front and made it incredibly difficult for Wilson to settle in the pocket. It’s no surprise that the four highest-graded defensive players by Pro Football Focus were on New England’s defensive front.
The unit has overperformed all season, even in the absence of leading pass-rusher Matthew Judon. Defense remains the calling card for the Patriots, and in many ways, that continued to prove to be the case on Sunday night against the Broncos.
Here are the 10 highest-graded defensive players for the Patriots in Week 16, per PFF.