The Patriots’ defense was solid during the regular season. It wasn’t bad, but it was certainly the weaker side of the ball as the team’s offense dominated throughout. But in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the New England defense is playing like one of the best units in the NFL.
After holding Justin Herbert and the Chargers to three points in last weekend’s wild-card round, the Patriots notched a pick six last Sunday, intercepted C.J. Stroud four times and scooped up a fumble to put the final tally at five turnovers.
Most importantly, they had Stroud in a blender throughout. Defensive play caller Zak Kuhr dialed up another impressive game plan and put together a package of blitzes that had the Houston quarterback looking flummoxed from the get-go.
Houston managed just 3.3 yards per play and was unable to get anything going on the ground.
The Patriots’ defense seems to be peaking at the right time and is absolutely rolling heading into the AFC Championship Game.