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2. A Defense That Does Just Enough
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The defense hasn’t been spectacular this season, but there are two things that they do well: make adjustments and take away the No. 1 receiver.
Against the Cincinnati Bengals, they held AJ Green to just 61 yards on five receptions. When they played the New Orleans Saints, running back Darren Sproles led the team in receptions with six and Jimmy Garaham was held without a reception. After struggling in the first half and being down 24-0 at halftime to the Broncos, the defense came strong and helped propel them to the win, all the while holding Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker to a combined 46 yards on five receptions.
They may not be the best defense, but they have been able to step up for the Patriots when they need them to.