The New England Patriots' defense has been pretty solid through the first seven weeks of the season. Nevertheless, even the best can improve, and this unit is no exception.
'Solid' won't cut it when it's win-or-go-home time. After falling just short of ultimate glory last season, the Patriots should be aggressive in pursuing big names ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.
With the Indianapolis Colts down 2-5 after losing to the Minnesota Vikings and general manager Chris Ballard out of the picture, the Patriots may be able to land DeForest Buckner at the right price.
If so, they must do whatever it takes to land him.
The New England Patriots must try to trade for DeForest Buckner
Cory Durden has done a solid job at nose tackle, and Buckner has spent most of his NFL career in a 4-3 scheme. However, he played extensively in a 3-4 defense in college, and he has the physical tools and athleticism to excel in any scheme.
Buckner went from suffering a near career-threatening neck injury last season to being the lone bright spot in Lou Anarumo's defense. He's giving Father Time a run for his money, turning back the clock and looking like someone who can still play at a high level for years to come.
At 32 years young, the former San Francisco 49ers star has started seven games, logging 31 total tackles (11 solo), four tackles for loss, 10 hurries, three quarterback hits, three pass breakups, 11 run stops, and 4.0 sacks.
Buckner is a disruptive force in the interior and a prime headhunter, and this will probably be the easiest, most realistic way to get him. He's on an expiring deal, and it's hard to believe he'll be in much of a hurry to re-sign with a Colts team that's drifting and might clean house at the end of the season—maybe even sooner.
The Patriots' offense is slowly turning the corner after a slow start to the season, but they've rallied behind their defense for most of the campaign. That's how Mike Vrabel's teams operate, so it makes sense that they get one of the best players available.
Buckner isn't getting any younger, but he's showing no signs of slowing down, either. The Patriots can probably extend him at a discount if they convince him he's the missing piece for a Super Bowl run, and he might as well be.
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