"The New England Patriots completely renovated their defense this past offseason. Milton Williams was the marquee signing down the middle, Robert Spillane signed for his hard-hitting ability, and Carlton Davis inked to play opposite Christian Gonzalez. Harold Landry and K'Lavon Chaisson were brought in to be an edge duo, and lesser-known additions like Khyiris Tonga and Cory Durden have beefed up the defensive line. The draft featured Craig Woodson, who's started all year at safety."
"The additions in the front seven were particularly key. New England's run defense allowed over 130 yards a game last year, ranking 22nd overall. Davon Godchaux was among the worst nose tackles in football, and with Ja'Whaun Bentley going down early in the year and Raekwon McMillan released in the first half of the year, the front seven looked weak."
"The defense was completely reformed as mentioned, and the team is now third in run defense and one of three units allowing under 90 yards a game. Until their game against the Buccaneers, New England had yet to allow a 50-yard performance from a running back. Since then, New England has allowed a 50-yard rusher in every game. With their matchup against the Bills on Sunday, New England will have to improve quickly"
Significant personnel changes strengthened New England's defensive front, including marquee and role-signings across the defensive line, edge, and secondary. The front-seven upgrades addressed prior run-defense failures that yielded over 130 rushing yards per game and exposed weaknesses after injuries and releases. The renovated unit rose to third in run defense and limited opponents to under 90 rushing yards per game for much of the season. A recent stretch, beginning with the Buccaneers game, produced consecutive performances allowing 50-yard rushers, creating a developing vulnerability. The upcoming Bills matchup presents a critical test against an elite rushing attack led by James Cook.
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