The New England Patriots defense has played some good football under interim defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr. Surrendering an average of 18 points per game, the unit is ranked fourth in the NFL in scoring.
However, it’s success is not evenly distributed across the board. While the run defense has looked good, and New England is among the best teams in football on both third and fourth downs, Kuhr’s group has struggled mightily in the red zone: opposing defenses have turned 15 of 20 red zone trips this season into touchdowns.
The 75% conversion rate given up is currently ranked last in the NFL, and something the Patriots know needs to improve. For Kuhr, the solution is quite simple, though.
“We just have to be cleaner,” he explained on Thursday. “We got to clean up the execution, be a little more on the same page and some stuff. And then, as far as the coaching staff as well as, find different answers.”
Kuhr added that adjustments are a point of emphasis for him and the Patriots’ defensive staff. Last week against the Atlanta Falcons, that was an issue.
Going up against an offense that had previously ranked 29th in the league in red zone success rate, they surrendered three touchdowns in three red zone opportunities. All of those TDs were pass plays to wide receiver Drake London, who was able to get favorable matchups through Atlanta successfully challenging New England’s coverage assignment rules.
“I would say the history of this scheme in the past has been successful, but there’s a lot of tape of it out there,” Kuhr said. “We just got to be able to make adjustments now as people are adjusting to what we do.”
The Patriots, who are currently on track to finish as the franchise’s worst red zone offense since charting began in 1998, will get their next opportunity on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The challenge will not become any easier, even though the Bucs are entering Week 10 ranked 26th in the NFL with a conversion rate of 50%.
That still gives them an advantage against the Patriots’ red zone defense, unless Kuhr and company find a way to turn the seemingly easy solution into game day practice.
