3 defensive MVPs for the Patriots after first quarter of season

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 29: Kyle Van Noy #53 of the New England Patriots sacks Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills and causes a fumble during the first half at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

3. Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy might have ranked even higher on this list if he’d been active for the first game of the year against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Arguably the most important defensive player during the Patriots’ 2018 playoff run and Super Bowl 53 victory over the L.A. Rams, Van Noy was absent for the season opener as he and his wife welcomed the birth of their first child.

It’s no big deal though from a football perspective, because Van Noy has more than made up for that game over the past three weeks. He used the Miami game to shake off some rust before reasserting himself on the national scene in Weeks 3 and 4 against the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills, respectively.

The sixth-year linebacker out of BYU was particularly impressive last Sunday against the Bills on the road. He led the team in tackles with eight – six of which were solo and two of which went for a loss. He also had three quarterback hits, two sacks, and two forced fumbles… not to mention he essentially sealed the win for the Pats when his pressure on Bills backup QB Matt Barkley resulted in an errant throw and Jamie Collins’ game-icing interception.

For his efforts, the NFL rewarded him with the distinction of being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week, per the team’s official website. As New England’s press department points out: “It is the first time that Van Noy has earned the NFL award and marks the Patriots’ first AFC Defensive Player of the Week award since LB Dont’a Hightower was honored after Week 6 of the 2016 season.”

It very well could be just the tip of the iceberg this season for Van Noy, who looks like he could have a career year in 2019.

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