10 things Patriots fans should be thankful for

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

5. Rutgers interceptors

The Patriots have intercepted nine passes this season, and eight of them come by way of the Rutgers pipeline that Bill Belichick is so keen on.

Logan Ryan’s team-leading four picks are tied for second among all defensive players. While not the most dependable cover man (as we witnessed in February’s Super Bowl), Ryan has a knack for finding the ball. Sometimes, it seems like the ball has a knack for finding him—that’s how easy his interceptions have been this season. But nonetheless, Ryan deserves credit for locating and securing four picks through 10 games.

Duron Harmon has proved to be an opportunistic center fielder in the back end having corralled three picks so far. Don’t forget, he sealed the victory over the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round classic last January with a late interception. Harmon has been garnering a reputation with his ball hawking tendencies, and the Patriots will need more of that as the season progresses, especially in the playoffs.

Last but certainly not least among this trio is Devin McCourty, who picked off a deep Blake Bortles pass back in Week 3. He was the most coveted safety during free agency this offseason, and he’s playing like the best free safety in football right now.

Next: 4. Top-ranked passing offense