The New England Patriots season ended early, but their defense was among the best in recent memory.
In total yards per game, the Patriots’ defense surrendered only 272. This ranked them a distant first in the league over the Baltimore Ravens who surrendered 300 yards per contest.
The team again ranked first in passing yards per game, giving up only 71 in comparison to the Raven’s 83.
Those numbers do not come without an all-time great performance from the secondary.
Pro Football Focus posted that three Patriots’ cornerbacks J.C. Jackson, Stephon Gilmore and Jason McCourty all finished top 10 in passer rating surrendered.
3 Patriots CBs ranked in the top 10 in passer rating allowed in 2019
First team to do so since 2006 pic.twitter.com/LwyHeFcaWK
— PFF (@PFF) February 11, 2020
This marks the first time a team has done this since 2006.
Gilmore was elected NFL Defensive Player of the Year for his performance as the Patriots’ No.1 cornerback.
The former Buffalo Bill recorded six interceptions returning two for scores.
Jackson, however was not given any accolades and has already begun work for the 2020 season.
All three cornerbacks are under contract for next year’s season.
