New England Patriots: Defense Showing Encouraging Signs

Despite another trip to the Super Bowl following the 2011 campaign, Patriot Nation was disheartened by the glaring contrast between their high power offense led by Tom Brady and the anemic defense whose only competition was for dead last in the entire league. As good as the New England passing game was, the defense was equally poor. Even rookie sensation Devin McCourty looked lost and confused in his sophomore stint.So we all know what Belichick and company did - go out and get the best possible defenders in the first round of the draft. Although sack leaders Mark Anderson and Andre Carter are no longer in the picture, a combination of new and old faces make up the Patriot defensive side of the field.We can start with the bevy of first year guys who are making their mark this season; several new faces are either starting or coming in on sub packages to make an impact on opposing quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers. While both offense and defense are noticeably younger this ye...