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Three reasons the New England Patriots could impress in 2022

By Lou Scataglia

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks to Mac Jones #10 against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks to Mac Jones #10 against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 14: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 14: Matt Judon #9 of the New England Patriots looks on after the game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on November 14, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Three reasons the Patriots could impress in 2022: The defense leads the way

The last time a New England Patriots’ defense finished worst than 10th in points allowed per game was all the way back in 2011, when they finished 15th in points allowed.

In 2021, they enjoyed an elite defensive year, finishing 2nd in points allowed with just 17.8 allowed per game.

They were second in the league with 23 interceptions as well.

If the team wants to impress in 2022, they may have to take their defensive performance to another level, and it was quite elite in 2021.  I’m not sure how the team would do this–perhaps Matthew Judon racks up 15+ sacks, and the secondary finds a way to replace the ballhawking skills from recently departed JC Jackson.

Perhaps someone like Kyle Dugger takes a massive leap forward, or one of the younger defensive players along the front seven breaks out.

We have seen before defenses more or less carry a team throughout a season.  The 2015 Denver Broncos’ defense carried the noodle-armed Peyton Manning to a Super Bowl.

The 2013 Seattle Seahawks were led by a ridiculously good defense and a second year quarterback.

Sound familiar?  I’m not saying the Patriots’ defense is going to be historically good in 2022, but it could happen, and could lead to the team winning more games than we think they will.

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