The Patriots Have an Elite Defense

New England lost the efforts of some key contributors this offseason. Linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins left for the Dolphins and Lions, respectively. Defensive tackle Danny Shelton is taking his talents to Detroit as well. All of these losses, and yet, the Patriots should still have one of the best defenses in the NFL come 2020.

For all of the talent and production gone from last year’s 2019 roster, plenty more talent stayed behind for another run in New England. Defensive player of the year Stephon Gilmore will be returning at cornerback, along with J.C. Jackson, Jason McCourty, and safety Devin McCourty as well. 

The Patriots’ secondary is loaded with returning talent, but the rest of their defense will be bringing back some young, key contributors as well. Defensive tackle Adam Butler is back for his fourth year after reaching a career-high for sacks, defensive end Chase Winovich will be looking to build on a solid rookie campaign with an expanded role in the defense, and linebacker Dont’a Hightower will be returning after a Pro Bowl 2019.

Even with some of the defense’s better players gone for 2020, Bill Belichick has made a habit out of getting production beyond a player’s talent level when it comes to defense. Even with some of the bigger names gone from the team, a lack of talent has never been an issue for Patriots’ defenses in the last two decades.