The New England Patriots had the number-one ranked defense in 2019. Here are the top three defensive linemen still on the team.
3: Chase Winovich
Chase Winovich had a very solid rookie season with the Patriots, playing in all 16 games. He totaled 26 combined tackles, 17 solo tackles, and 5.5 sacks. Not only that, but he also racked up nine assisted tackles, four tackles for loss, and 10 quarterback hits. He has a very bright future in New England.
2: Adam Butler
Adam Butler played his third season with the Patriots in 2019, and it was the best of his career. He played in all 16 games and accumulated 26 combined tackles, 17 solo tackles, and six sacks. In addition, he put up nine assisted tackles, eight tackles for loss, and nine quarterback hits.
In his only postseason game last year, Butler defended one pass and finished with three combined tackles, two solo tackles, and one assist. He’s been getting better every season and should continue to produce for the Patriots.
1: Lawrence Guy
Last year marked Lawrence Guy’s eighth season in the NFL and his third with the Patriots, and he had one of the best campaigns of his career. He appeared in all 16 games and finished with 61 combined tackles, 35 solo tackles, and three sacks. He also made 26 assists on tackles and put up five tackles for loss and five quarterback hits.
Even though he didn’t have as many sacks as Winovich or Butler, Guy totaled more tackles than both. In the 2019 postseason, he started in the Patriots’ only game and compiled two combined tackles, two solo tackles, and one quarterback hit.
Guy has become a very important part of the Patriots’ defensive line, and that experience has him poised for another stellar year in 2020.