3 underrated Patriots who will decide playoff fate
By Jerry Trotta
The New England Patriots have a golden opportunity to put a semi-stranglehold on the AFC East against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.
With a win, New England would establish a two-game lead over Buffalo with four games remaining on the schedule.
Regardless of whether they reclaim the division crown, though, the Pats are clearly on a fast track to the playoffs in the top-heavy AFC.
After all, Mac Jones is playing like one of the better quarterbacks in the conference, the running game is hitting its stride at the perfect time, and the defense has asserted itself as the best in the league.
In other words, it’s not too early for fans to start thinking about what kind of noise the Patriots could make in the playoffs, if they get that far.
Since it goes without saying New England’s core will play a huge role in that charge, let’s step outside the box and highlight some under-the-radar players who will decide the team’s playoff fate.
3. Kyle Dugger
Outside of Matt Judon and JC Jackson, who likely still isn’t a household name, the Patriots don’t really have any high-profile superstars on their defense. That makes it all the more maddening Kyle Dugger continues to get overlooked (and will miss this week’s game due to protocols).
Make no mistake about it, though, New England’s defense wouldn’t be the juggernaut it is if not for Dugger’s contributions. The second-year safety is a natural in the secondary, but loves lining up at the line of scrimmage and blowing up running plays or getting after the quarterback.
According to Pro Football Focus, Dugger is the fifth-highest graded safety since Week 9, posting a sublime 86.7 grade. For added context, the longest reception the Lenoir-Rhyne product’s allowed this year went for 22 yards. He’s also first on the team with 68 tackles, and second with 27 run stops.
We could continue, but you get the point. Dugger does everything for the Patriots. Plain and simple. He even pancaked a Titans tight end on a running play this past Sunday! There’s literally nothing he can’t do.
It seems like Dugger is getting better with each passing week, and the Patriots will need him to be at his best during the stretch run.