NFL Writer Points To Patriots’ Vulnerability That May Doom Their Super Bowl Hopes
New England must address this weakness
The Patriots are enjoying a remarkable season, yet despite having one of the top teams in the NFL, they still have a few weaknesses that could come back to haunt them in the playoffs.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon listed New England’s red zone defense as one of its weaknesses.
“The Patriots are clinging to the AFC East lead despite a lack of experience on both sides of the ball,” Gagnon wrote on Friday. “That’s been particularly revealing the last couple of weeks against the Bills and Ravens, where they’ve surrendered seven touchdowns on nine red-zone possessions. Statistically, they have the worst red-zone D in the league this season.”
The Patriots are giving up a staggering 74% of touchdowns when opponents reach the red zone, making it the worst rate in the NFL.
New England will likely face a handful of powerful offenses in the postseason, and it won’t be able to compete if it doesn’t limit opposing teams to field goals.
The Patriots need to focus on improving their red zone defense over the next two weeks, especially as they face the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, both of whom will be starting backup quarterbacks.
