Many will tell you the Patriots have an untalented defense that is the worst in the NFL. However a simple breakdown of the Giants possessions tells a different story. It shows a defense that was dominant for most of the game and overcame four turnovers by their offensive counterparts.
- 5 plays, 12 yards : PUNT
- 8 plays, 42 yards: PUNT
- 4 plays, 5 yards: PUNT
- 8 plays, 11 yards: PUNT
- 10 plays, 20 yards: PUNT
- 4 plays, 6 yards: PUNT
- 7 plays, 57 yards: FIELD GOAL
- 1 play, 10 yards: TOUCHDOWN
- 5 plays, 5 yards: PUNT
- 6 plays, 35 yards: INT
- 7 plays, 22 yards: PUNT
- 8 plays, 85 yards: TOUCHDOWN
- 8 plays, 80 yards; TOUCHDOWN
The last two drives are glaring, but you can’t look at these numbers and tell me this is the worst defense in the NFL that is incapable of winning games. Consistency in crunch time is all it’s about and they showed some of that against the Cowboys. It’s no assurance they will put it all together at the right time, but I don’t buy that they’re incapable of doing so.