Devin McCourty has four interceptions through four games. Jamie Collins has put together a defensive player of the year worthy campaign so far. Stephon Gilmore has locked down every opponent’s No. 1 wide receiver. Kyle Van Noy has played lights out since missing the season opener.
When those four components are combined together, plus more, it’s easy to see how the New England Patriots have put together a defensive masterpiece through the first-quarter of the season. The defense has been utterly dominant, allowing just one offensive touchdown in 16 quarters entering its Week 5 matchup against the Washington Redskins.
The Patriots defense ranks first in many major statistical categories: points per game (6.8), yards per game (243), yards per play (4), interceptions (10), sacks (18) and passer rating allowed (41).
Quarterback Tom Brady, who struggled mightily this past Sunday in Buffalo, is more than aware of the record-breaking pace that the New England defense is on.
“Our defense is playing great football — the best football I can ever remember our defense playing, which has been really spectacular to watch,” Brady told Westwood One’s Jim Gray, via NESN’s Doug Kyed.
If the Patriots can replicate the first-quarter of the season in the season’s last three quarters, they will allow just 108 points – a total that will smash the 2000 Baltimore Ravens’ current NFL record for fewest points allowed in a season with 165.
“We’re all excited about the way they’re playing,” Brady said.
