The New England Patriots had the best defense in the NFL last season, allowing only 4,414 yards total throughout the whole campaign. Here are the Patriots’ top three current defensive players.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few important defensive players on the Patriots that are still really good but didn’t quite make it into the top three. Those players are Chase Winovich, Patrick Chung, and Lawrence Guy. Winovich had an impressive first season as he played in all 16 games, making five-and-a-half sacks and 17 solo tackles. Patrick Chung was not his best this past season but is still a good defensive player for the Patriots. Guy had a good season, too, as he played in all 16 games, made three sacks, and amassed 35 solo tackles.
No. 3: Dont’a Hightower
Dont’a Hightower has been with the Patriots for seven years and was a big reason why the team’s defense was as good as it was. Hightower played in 15 of the 16 games in the season and made five-and-a-half sacks. Considering he has made 25.5 sacks over his seven-year career, the fact that he made 5.5 just this past season shows how big his role is in the team’ss defense. Hightower also made a total of 71 combined tackles and 47 solo tackles last season. He had one of his best years in 2019 and has been an important player on the Patriots’ defense.
No. 2: Devin McCourty
Devin McCourty has been with the Patriots for nine years and was another major reason why the team’s defense was the best in the league last season. McCourty is one of the best safeties in the NFL and he put up amazing stats in 2019. He played in all 16 games with the Patriots and made a total of five interceptions, finding himself right behind Gilmore in that category and ultimately proving how strong the defense was last season. He added 49 total return yards from his interceptions.
No. 1: Stephon Gilmore
Stephon Gilmore was named last season’s NFL Defensive Player of the Year as he is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He makes amazing plays every season and had outstanding stats yet again in 2019. He played in all 16 games with the Patriots and made six total interceptions. Gilmore also tied in first for the most interceptions last season. He had 126 total return yards off of interceptions and added two touchdowns. Last season, Gilmore was also selected to the Pro Bowl and named a First-Team All-Pro.
