After leading the league in both points per game and yards allowed in 2019, the New Patriots defense took an alarming step back in 2020, most notably allowing 131.4 yards rushing per game (26th in the NFL).
The decline in production can be explained, of course.
The Patriots’ league-leading eight opt-outs (Dont’a Hightower, Patrick Chung, Beau Allen, etc.) crippled the unit, to a degree. And the inept offensive production put even more pressure on a group that was asked to do too much.
In 2020, Certain offenses (Seahawks, 49ers, Rams, Bills) put a beatdown on a proud defense that should be much improved in 2021.
Several reinforcements were added via free agency and the draft this offseason, and the return of Hightower in the middle of the field should also come a long way.
Here are our projections for the Patriots’ defense, beginning with a quick, analytical look back on the 2020 season.