Over the season’s first several weeks, the New England Patriots defense was pretty stout, allowing just 19.7 points per game. However, in their last two games, the Patriots have allowed 72 points, 13 more than they permitted over the first three weeks combined.
New England is just 1-4 on the season and isn’t going anywhere, and with its previously fine defense starting to slip, some are advocating for the Pats to move some key defensive pieces ahead of the Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay feels that the Patriots should have somewhat of a defensive fire sale over the next several weeks, mentioning defensive backs Jalen Mills and Jabrill Peppers, as well as defensive tackle Davon Godchaux as some players who could be dealt.
You would have also thought that linebacker Matthew Judon would have represented another potential trade piece, but the star pass rusher is now sidelined indefinitely due to a torn biceps.
Kay’s analysis certainly makes sense, as New England could certainly squeeze more value in return for some of its top defensive guys than any offensive players it could potentially put on the market outside of running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
Regardless, the Pats need to do something, as they are in last place in the same AFC East division that they previously ruled for the better part of two decades.
The Patriots are off to their worst start since Bill Belichick’s first year as head coach back in 2000, and they have been outscored 72-3 over their last two games. Most recently, New England fell by a score of 34-0 to the New Orleans Saints, resulting in the benching of quarterback Mac Jones for the second straight week.
We aren’t strictly used to seeing Belichick’s Patriots selling off players midseason, but that is probably what needs to happen in 2023.
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