The New England Patriots pulled off a massive win on Sunday, beating division rival Buffalo 29-26. The Patriots are 2-1 while scoring 27.7 PPG in their last three matchups with Buffalo, a massive improvement from 2-8 record in their ten matchups previous to 2025 and after Tom Brady's departure.
The offense finally put the pieces together this Sunday for the first time all year, and with A.J. Brown's return and Romeo Doubs' emergence, it looks to be headed in the right direction.
The defense, however, could be in a more precarious position. Despite allowing just 16 points over the first two weeks, the unit's success may have stemmed from poor offensive play rather than top-tier defense. Over the last two weeks, they allowed 35 points against Jacksonville and 26 against the Bills.
Against the Jaguars, the Patriots were missing Dre'Mont Jones and Craig Woodson, while against the Bills, they were missing Christian Barmore and Christian Gonzalez. A fully healthy squad likely performs better in both cases, but the team's struggles have a common theme: run defense.
The Patriots let Khyiris Tonga walk in the offseason, and now rely primarily on Cory Durden, who's about 30 pounds lighter than the Chiefs' new nose tackle. That lack of size has seemingly hurt New England, as a run defense that ranked 6th in yards allowed per game in 2025 has tumbled to 14th, despite seeing fewer rushing attempts per game.
In other words, the Patriots' defense has been run on less than last season, but opponents have still totaled more yards. While only a month into the season, that should raise some concern.
The Patriots could look to add to the defensive line at the trade deadline
The 2-2 Patriots have just over a month until the trade deadline. They'll face off against the Raiders, Jets, and Dolphins during that time, and they'll be favored in all three. Two NFC North opponents, the Bears and Packers, will pose tougher challenges, but both have been inconsistent.
If the Patriots play the way they did against Buffalo, going into the deadline on a seven-game winning streak is well within reach. Furthermore, if the defense can hold up against the run, they could secure extensive success in the second quarter of the season, just as they did in 2025.
The Patriots allowed 6.3 YPC to James Cook on Sunday, and north of 4.5 YPC to both Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez against Jacksonville, while each back reached pay dirt. In Week 1, Jadarian Price notched 5.2 YPC on double digit carries for the Seahawks. Aside from staying healthy, adding a true nose tackle to the defensive line could massively benefit Zak Kuhr's defense.
Although DaQuan Jones was added in Week 2, he's been mostly a non-factor so far: In 51 snaps this year, he's managed just a 33.7 PFF grade and a 34.2 grade against the run. In pass rush, he has just one pressure (3.6% pressure rate).
Looking to make an addition from a floundering NFC squad could be the best option.
Da'Ron Payne could be a perfect addition for the Patriots' defense
If New England wants a more physically imposing option than Durden at nose tackle while upgrading on DaQuan Jones, looking south to Washington may supply the best option. In a recent article by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox, Payne was listed as one of the premier trade candidates.
The Commanders fell to 1-3 on Sunday morning after a loss to the Colts in London. Jayden Daniels missing the game certainly didn't help, but Marcus Mariota's injury forced them to rely on seventh-round selection Athan Kaliakmanis to finish the game.
Daniels is expected to return Sunday against the Giants, a game Washington hopes to win. Nonetheless, the next few weeks are a gauntlet for the Commanders. Following their matchup with Big Blue, they'll face the 49ers, Eagles, and Rams before traveling up to MetLife for a Week 5 rematch.
Losses to the Niners, Eagles, and Rams would see the Commanders sit at 3-6 at the trade deadline even if they sweep the Giants, which is by no means a given. Dan Quinn's team could quickly become sellers, and expensive players in the final year of their deal are excellent candidates to offload with eight weeks left.
Da'Ron Payne, 29, is in the final year of his deal with Washington and is on the books for just shy of $28 million. A free agent in 2027, the Commanders will need to decide whether investing in Payne long-term makes sense for a losing team. I'd argue it does not.
If the Patriots can catch fire during an easy stretch of their schedule, Payne would make a worthy half-season rental, especially for a Day 3 pick.
If New England acquired Payne, they'd be on the hook for most of his contract: over $22 million. While extending him into future seasons would create an enticing three-pronged attack with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, it may require more cap gymnastics than originally bargained for, especially if Drake Maye is extended this offseason.
While Payne might not be a long-term piece of New England's plan, he'd be one of the better players available at the trade deadline if the Commanders are to struggle over the next month or so. If the former Alabama nose tackle is available, the Patriots should pounce.
Add us as a preferred source on Google