When the NFL playoff start in mid-January, the best run defense in the league will not be participating. The New England Patriots have now been officially eliminated from postseason contention despite being the top-ranked team in football when it comes to stopping opposing rushing attacks.
Obviously, you cannot build a successful team in 2023 based on the ability to stop the run alone. That said, the Patriots’ play in that area is still worth praising and one of the few sources for optimism heading toward a pivotal offseason.
Looking at volume statistics, the team’s numbers do not jump off the page; in their 13 games so far this season, the Patriots have surrendered 1,146 rushing yards (3rd) and 10 touchdowns (t-13th).