2018 NFL Season: 10 offseason hot takes being proven false

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 14: OaJon Grudenkland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden looks on from the sideline during the NFL International Series game between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

6 of 10

FOXBOROUGH, MA – OCTOBER 14: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Kansas City Chiefs scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

“New England defense would be fine without Matt Patricia”

Everybody thought the problems with the New England Patriots defense would be fine. They’d get it fixed even without longtime defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who left for Detroit. While the unit remains disciplined and opportunistic at times, the fact is the Patriots would not be 4-2 right now if not for Tom Brady and that offense delivering the past few weeks.

The Patriots defense ranks 22nd against the pass and 19th against the run. They’re also allowing 24.7 points per game. Keep in mind that number was 18.5 last year under Patricia. It’s clear this unit isn’t the primary reason they’re winning games and it’s further indication the former defensive coordinator may have been holding things together more than some thought.

Home/NFL Hot Takes