‘Shutdown Corner’ offseason TPS report: New England Patriots

The Patriots pass rush racked up 37 sacks this season, placing them in the middle of the pack in that category. Of course, when you go a bit deeper, seven of those 37 sacks were in the regular season finale and the team had one or no sacks in four games this season. The lack of a consistent pass rush played a role in the Patriots ranking 29th against the pass in 2012.

Hard to argue this isn’t a recurring problem that needs to be rectified. Just having Chandler Jones healthy and adding some depth and penetrators along the defensive line will help. Look for Dont’a Hightower to continue to ascend with his pass rush skills as well.