Patriots Defense Has ‘Big Chips’ On Shoulders Entering Broncos Clash
'They're hungry'
The New England Patriots defense is eager to make another postseason statement.
Defense has carried the Patriots to two playoff wins and could steer them to the Super Bowl. They limited the Los Angeles Chargers to 207 yards in a 16-3 win before intercepting C.J. Stroud four times in a second-round victory over the Houston Texans.
That unit still hasn’t consistently garnered the same national praise as their opponents entering an AFC Championship Game showdown against the Denver Broncos. New England linebacker Robert Spillane said Friday on WEEI that the unit wants to open more eyes this Sunday.
“We got a bunch of guys with big chips on their shoulders with a lot to prove,” Spillane said.
The Patriots have permitted a 46.5 opposing quarterback rating and 3.1 yards per carry through two double-digit playoff wins. Spillane feels the defense is peaking at the perfect time.
“We’ve just continued to raise our standard of play,” Spillane said. “We want to get better each and every week throughout the season. It’s great to be playing our best football here in January.”
While the group is firing on all cylinders, Spillane realizes the job isn’t finished.
“We’ve continued to rely on each other as a defense,” he said. “Our back end has been phenomenal, as good as any back end in the league. And our D-line has been hitting home, rushing the passer and stopping the run as well as anyone in the league.
“So, I know that they’re hungry. For us to get recognition, it’s gonna take us winning.”
