The New England Patriots defense has been dominant to start the season. So much so, that they are tied for fewest touchdowns allowed through a team's first four games since the NFL-AFL merger (1970), according to ESPN Stats and Info. They stand at one allowed, which took place on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.
The @Patriots have allowed 1 scrimmage TD in their first 4 games, tied for the fewest since the 1970 merger. (h/t @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/aOd5PrqKVj
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 29, 2019
The Patriots beat the Bills 16-10 on Sunday. It was their defensive performance that led to the victory. For the day, the Patriots allowed that one touchdown, 375 yards and just two out of 12 attempted third-down conversations. The defense also tallied four takeaways in the close divisional rivalry game.
“Every week, the defense is playing out of their minds,” wide receiver Phillip Dorsett said after the game, via the team's official website. “We practice against that defense every day. We know they’re good.”
The Patriots threw off the before-rolling Bills offense. Prior to Josh Allen's game-ending concussion, he threw 13 for 28 (46.4% completion rate) for 153 yards, no touchdowns, four sacks taken and three interceptions. He finished the game with a 24.0 passer rating. For context, if Allen were to throw the ball at the ground every play, he'd had a 39.6 passer rating.
“He didn’t know what we were doing [defensively],” Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy said about Allen. “Yeah, he was shook back there [in the pocket].”
While the Patriots defense left Allen shook, their offense faltered. Tom Brady finished with 150 yards and an interception, good for a 45.6 passer rating.
Luckily, every time he goes to the bench, he gets to watch the New England defense do their thing.
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