Patriots MVP in 2023: 3 to Watch on Defense
FOXBORO — While the New England Patriots’ offense continues to draw the attention of fans and media alike, the club’s defense is once again poised to be their top asset in the upcoming 2023 NFL season.
Last year, New England’s preventive unit led the NFL with seven defensive touchdowns and produced 30 takeaways, second to only the Dallas Cowboys (33). As such, the Pats consistently ranked among the NFL's top 10 teams in total defense, total yards-allowed, and yards yielded-per-offensive-play.
Despite the retirement of longtime captain Devin McCourty, the Pats still possess a number of talented players with both the prowess and leadership skills to keep them among the best defensive units in the NFL.
With training camp set to begin in just over one month, here is a look at three Patriots with the potential of being the team’s MVP on defense in 2023.
3. Christian Gonzalez
Selected in the first round (No. 17 overall), Gonzalez has the chance to become the Patriots primary boundary cornerback. Statistically, New England’s rookie phenom already seems well on his way to becoming a competent pro. He finished his 2022 season with the Oregon Ducks having compiled 35 tackles, four interceptions and four passes-defensed. He was also one of college football’s most durable players, starting all 12 games in which he played during 2022 — as well as each of the 18 for which he suited up for Colorado from 2020-21.
Still, his value is as much about adaptability and athleticism as it is statistical competence. He is well-sized at 6-2, 200 pounds, with the height and length to match up against opposing teams’ top receivers on the outside. In a game setting, Gonzalez is arguably at his best in man coverage. However, his ability to maintain eye contact with the quarterback makes him a potential asset in zone, as well. Though his performance during training camp is likely to be the deciding factor in his role at the start of the season, Gonzalez has already shown enough athleticism and field savvy to ensure that he will be a notable part of their corps of cornerbacks, even as a rookie.
2. Christian Barmore
Arriving in New England via the 38th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, the second-rounder quickly became an impact player — logging 6 tackles, two passes-defensed and 1.5 sacks during his rookie campaign. Barmore finished the regular season ranked first among rookie interior defensive linemen with 48 quarterback pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Despite entering his second year with lofty expectations, a knee injury kept him from seeing the field for seven games in 2022 — inevitably leading to a statistical dip for the former Alabama defender. Barmore finished the campaign having logged 23, 2.5 sacks and only one pass-break-up.
Still, Barmore’s ability to push the pocket and take a stand against the run keeps him among the team’s premier defenders. He plays with good leverage, and is strong enough to take on double-teams. He locates the ball quickly, chases with good effort and has excellent range for his size. Barmore has also demonstrated quick hands, which has made him effective in both stuffing the run, and challenging the passer. Should he remain healthy and return to form in 2023, Barmore has the chance to be a true game changer in New England’s defense.
1. Matthew Judon
Since his arrival in Foxboro during the 2021 offseason, Judon has routinely proven that he possesses the versatility and adaptability to have earned the spot as the team’s number one player on the edge. The 30-year-old’s on-field awareness puts him in position to keep runs from reaching the corner on early downs, as well as providing speed and strength when rushing the quarterback. In his first year with the Pats, Judon amassed 60 tackles, one fumble recovery and 12.5 sacks. He eclipsed those totals in 2022 — earning a career-high 15.5 sacks, two forced fumbles (recovering one), while once again logging 60 total tackles.
However, as impressive as he has been as an individual defender, Judon has also proven to be a significant facilitator for his teammates. In 2021, he was quite effective when reading opposing coverages, particularly the offensive line coverage of the aforementioned Barmore. By positioning himself close to Barmore [thus enabling him to draw the attention of opposing blockers,] Judon was often left one-on-one on the edge to make life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks. Last season, Judon himself played the decoy for linebacker Josh Uche, who set a career-high in sacks with 11.5. Together, the pair formed one of the top pass-rushing tandems in the NFL.
With 2023 fast approaching, Judon will again be called upon to play a crucial role on New England’s defense. Should he continue to build upon a stellar resume, Judon is likely to be the most fearsome defender within the Patriots' defensive front.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
Follow Patriots Country on Twitter and Facebook
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Patriots? Click Here
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
