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New England Patriots: Pass-rush ranked poorly by Pro Football Focus

By Nick Ziegler

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots looks on in the first half of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Trey Flowers #98 of the New England Patriots looks on in the first half of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Pro Football Focus recently ranked the top pass-rushes heading into the 2018 season. Where did the New England Patriots rank?

One of the weaknesses for the New England Patriots last season was their lack of a pass-rush. Due to some injuries during the season, the Patriots were left without some of the players that they expected to contribute to their pass-rush.

The loss of Dont’a Hightower was certainly a big one for the Patriots. While Hightower didn’t rush the passer all the time, he was very effective when doing so. With a shortage of pass-rushers, a lot of the responsibility of getting pressure on the quarterback fell on the shoulders of Trey Flowers.

Recently, Pro Football Focus ranked the top pass-rushes heading into the 2018 season. For the Patriots, they were ranked 27th, as PFF doesn’t believe that they will have a good pass-rush once again this season.

Seeing the Patriots ranked so poorly is a bit surprising. This offseason, the Patriots were able to add Adrian Clayborne in free agency from the Atlanta Falcons. Last season, Clayborne was a very good pass rusher, and in terms of rushing the quarterback, Clayborne was one of the top options available in free agency.

In addition to getting Clayborne in free agency, the Patriots will also be healthy to start the 2018 season. Getting back both Hightower and Derek Rivers will be huge for the pass-rush of the Patriots, as both are able to get after the quarterback.

For the Patriots, they will need their pass-rush to be better than it was last season, and the moves they made should help improve it. The front-seven for the Patriots is a fairly young group, as the Patriots have multiple players that could certainly improve from last season.

Next: 4 ways the Pats can remedy Edelman's absence

If the Patriots do hope to win the AFC Championship and reach the Super Bowl once again, they will have to be able to get some consistent pressure on the opposing quarterback. With a strong secondary, an improved pass-rush will help New England have a complete defense.

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