The New England Patriots are one of only two NFL teams that have allowed fewer than 20 total points to opponents through the opening two weeks of the season, signifying the effective start to the year that their defense has had.
The Seattle Seahawks are the only other team that has allowed less than 20 total points to opponents thus far. The Patriots lead the league with 16 points surrendered, while the Seahawks have allowed 17.
New England’s defensive performances, including holding the Seahawks to 13 points in the opener and the Pittsburgh Steelers to three points in Week 2, have helped the team get off to a 1-1 start and set the tempo early.
Christian Gonzalez has played great in both games of the year thus far. He has four passes defensed on the season
and has helped New England establish a good tempo on defense in the secondary.
Rookie edge rusher Gabe Jacas has also played well, filling in for the injured Harold Landry nicely with a sack, interception and pass breakup to begin the year. With the front four playing well and Christian Elliss having bounced back in Week 2, the defense looks like a strong unit.
The Patriots are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The Jaguars have averaged 23.5 points per game, including a huge 34-point performance in their win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.
Still, the Patriots have momentum on defense to propel them into the next game.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots lead NFL in one important statistical category in two games
