2014 Bold Predictions: Patriots Will Have A Top Five Offense, And Top Five Defense

Nov 3, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots free safety

(32) celebrates an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers with cornerback

(37) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

3. New England Will Own A Top Five Defense

Ever since the 2009 season, the Patriots have struggled on the defensive side of the ball. Even ranking second to worst in the league at one point. But that all will change this year, and it started with Bill Belichick and company bringing in Darrelle Revis, and Brandon Browner.

Having a top notch secondary in today’s NFL is the number one key to having an elite defense. I think Seattle showed us that last year. Before Revis and Browner, the Pats had a decent secondary. With those two in the fold, the only team with a better defensive backfield is those pesky Seahawks. When people think of New England’s secondary now, not only will the best cornerback in the league pop into their head (Revis), but they have a whole stable of quality corners ready to stop any offense thrown at them. Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan, Devin McCourty, even Kyle Arrington (when in the slot) is a fine supporting player in defending the pass.

As for the front seven, it won’t be on par with the secondary, but I believe that it will be just fine. The Patriots will boast one of the best linebacker trios in the game in Jerod Mayo, Dont’a Hightower, and Jamie Collins, in addition to a solid front four.

Vince Wilfork appears to be on schedule to return healthy for this 2014 campaign, and along with Tommy Kelly and Dominique Easley, they will anchor a quality defensive line. One weakness of this group may be the pass rush, but I am counting on Easley to bring an interior pass rushing presence to this team to help out Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich on the edge.

When you put all of this together, New England will end up with a top five defense next year. I’m not saying they will be number one, two, or even three, but they will squeeze in with the elite of the NFL.