With the NFL season nearing the halfway mark, the New England Patriots are in great shape. They’re 5-2, lead the AFC East and haven’t lost since Week 3.
While Drake Maye’s breakout season has given the Patriots’ offense a spark, their defense has stepped up as well. It’s been one of the best units in the NFL this year, ranking fifth in points per game allowed and 11th in yards allowed per game.
The secondary has struggled a bit under new defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, but New England’s run defense has been outstanding, ranking third in rushing yards per game, rushing yards per attempt and rushing touchdowns allowed.
The Patriots have consistently shut down opponents’ ground games. In fact, they are the only NFL team this year to not allow an opposing player to rush for at least 50 yards against them through Week 7 — the first time in franchise history they’ve achieved that.
New England has faced some good running backs, too, making its streak even more impressive. The Patriots have bottled up Ashton Jeanty, De’Von Achane, Jaylen Warren, James Cook and Alvin Kamara, holding them all under 50 rushing yards.
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The unit’s turnaround under Williams and Mike Vrabel’s coaching staff has been impressive. New England had one of the worst run defenses in the league last year, ranking 23rd in rushing yards allowed.
The Patriots will try to extend their streak this weekend against the Cleveland Browns, who have a superstar running back in Quinshon Judkins. The 21-year-old rookie is averaging 77.8 rushing yards per game and just torched the Miami Dolphins for three touchdowns last week, so stopping him won’t be easy.
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If New England contains him, it will force rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel to throw the ball more and make beating the Browns considerably easier.
