"The Patriots enter their Week 12 road game against the Cincinnati Bengals with the NFL's No. 1 run defense, allowing less than 85 yards on the ground per game. They've already faced some of the best running backs in football, including De'Von Achane, James Cook, and Bijan Robinson; only one rusher has eclipsed 60 rushing yards against Vrabel's defense - and it was a quarterback, Justin Fields."
"New England's prowess at stopping the run has been somewhat of an anomaly. Journeyman veterans like linebacker Robert Spillane and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga have stepped up huge, but the Patriots have gone with a smaller lineup more often than not; per Pro Football Focus, defensive backs Craig Woodson, Carlton Davis III, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marcus Jones, and Christian Gonzalez make up five of the team's top seven in total defensive snaps played through 10 games."
Mike Vrabel's Patriots rank first in the NFL in run defense, allowing under 85 rushing yards per game. The defense has limited top ballcarriers such as De'Von Achane, James Cook, and Bijan Robinson; only Justin Fields has topped 60 rushing yards against them. The team frequently uses a smaller, faster lineup, with defensive backs Craig Woodson, Carlton Davis III, Jaylinn Hawkins, Marcus Jones, and Christian Gonzalez among the top snap leaders. Nickel corner Marcus Jones plays extensively, adding speed and playmaking ability. High nickel usage, about 76% of snaps and tied for third-highest, raises concerns about masked depth issues against heavier personnel.
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