New England Patriots

New England Patriots Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The New England Patriots defense utilizes a 3-4 Hybrid / Aggressive base scheme under defensive coordinator Zak KuhrINTERIM. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the New England Patriots Defense?

The New England Patriots are playing championship-caliber defense in 2025, sitting near the top of the league at #4 in scoring defense. In fact, they are allowing 4.2 fewer points per game than the league average, stifling opposing offenses.

In the AFC East, they are setting the standard, ranking above the Buffalo Bills (#12), Miami Dolphins (#24) and New York Jets (#31) in points allowed per game.

This unit lacks a consistent pass rush and struggles to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. However, they have had difficulty generating takeaways, which puts more pressure on their offense.

6
Total Sacks
0
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is disciplined but rarely turns the ball over (0 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Jaylinn Hawkins has been a standout performer in 2025, contributing 71 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions to the team's efforts. It also helps that Marcus Jones is having a standout 2025, recording 65 tackles, 2 sacks, and 3 interceptions.

What is the New England Patriots defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Zak Kuhr (Interim)

The New England Patriots defense runs a 3-4 Hybrid / Aggressive under coordinator Zak Kuhr (Interim).

Base Defensive Front
3-4 Hybrid / Aggressive
?
3-4 Front (Two-Gap)
Three down linemen, often responsible for two gaps (the player in front). They eat blocks to free up linebackers to make plays.

Tactical Philosophy

With DC Terrell Williams on medical leave (Sept 2025), LB Coach Zak Kuhr steps in. Kuhr maintains the aggressive, hybrid front vision of head coach Mike Vrabel, keeping the unit on track with high energy.

Key Principles

Hybrid FrontGap IntegrityNext Man Up Mentality

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Unpredictable blitz angles & confusing formations
  • ✓Disguises coverage responsibilities well
  • ✓Versatile against spread offenses

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Vulnerable to outside runs if edge setting fails
  • ⚠Complex gap assignments for defensive line
  • ⚠Requires specific 'two-gap' personnel (Nose Tackle)

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the New England Patriots Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
0.8/g
Turnovers
POOR
0.1/g
Aggression
POOR
0.4/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
0.8
POOR
They disrupt the offense 0.8 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
0.1
POOR
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 0.1 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
0.4
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 0.4 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the New England Patriots defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Surging
3.0 PPG(Last 3)
They are allowing -15.8 fewer points per game recently.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the New England Patriots defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
CB
Christian Gonzalez
Cornerback
QuestionableJan 14
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
LB
Anfernee Jennings
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
LB
Harold Landry III
Linebacker
QuestionableJan 14
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
DT
Khyiris Tonga
Defensive Tackle
QuestionableJan 14
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Alex Austin
Cornerback
Injured ReserveJan 11
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
CB
Marcellas Dial Jr.
Cornerback
Injured ReserveAug 6
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DT
Joshua Farmer
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 23
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Isaiah Iton
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveAug 20
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Jaquelin Roy
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveAug 6
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
LB
Darius Harris
Linebacker
OutNov 18
"Impacts coverage over the middle and open-field tackling."
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