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Factoid

New England defense

Can Belichick cobble together a good defense?

I expect New England’s defense will take a big step back this year. Bill Belichick might be one of the best at finding at developing unheralded players, but with these recent opt outs, I think the Patriots have passed the tipping point.

It’s not just Donta Hightower (pictured) and Patrick Chung. Recall that they also got hit pretty solidly in free agency. Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy signed contracts with the Lions and Dolphins averaging over $10 million per year. And Danny Shelton signed a two-year deal worth $8 million, also with Detroit.

Nine Patriots last year had at least 50 tackles. Over half of those guys won’t be with the team this year.

NEW ENGLAND DEFENSE
PosPlayer GSTackles2020 season
OLBJamie Collins1481$30 million for 3 yrs, Det.
MLBDonta Hightower1571coronavirus opt out
DTDanny Shelton1461$8 million for 2 yrs, Det.
DELawrence Guy1661
FSDevin McCourty1658
OLBKyle Van Noy1556$51 million for 4 yrs, Mia.
CBStephon Gilmore1653
DBJonathan Jones953
SSPatrick Chung1251coronavirus opt out
LBJaWhaun Bentley244
DEJohn Simon1344
CBJason McCourty1040
DBJ.C. Jackson636
LBElandon Roberts329$2 million for 1 yr, Mia.
LBChase Winovich026
DLAdam Butler226
DLDeatrich Wise326
DBTerrence Brooks024
DBDuron Harmon822
DEShilique Calhoun19
DBNate Ebner08$2 million for 1 yr, NYG
DEMichael Bennett15retired
DBJoejuan Williams05
DLByron Cowart02

The Patriots have had to move forward after big personnel losses many times in the past, of course. Richard Seymour, Trey Flowers, Malcolm Butler, Chandler Jones, Asante Samuel and others. I’m not saying the defense will completely fall apart. But it’s definitely primed for a big drop.

New England allowed the fewest yards in the league last year, but it ranked 29th and 21st in yards allowed the previous two seasons. And while the Patriots had 47 sacks last year, they were down at 30 the previous season (next to last).

I don’t expect I’ll be drafting the New England in any leagues.

—Ian Allan

Fantasy Index