Defense has been the saving grace for the New England Patriots at a time when there isn’t much to feel good about with the team. That continued to be the case in Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The unit held the Raiders’ rushing attack, including Josh Jacobs, to under 100 yards. They also shut down All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, who finished the game with only two receptions for 29 yards.
Even with all of the injuries on the roster, the Patriots defense still stood up to the road challenge and gave the team a chance to win. But it still wasn’t good enough.
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai had another big game after snagging a pop-up interception on Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. He also tied Jabrill Peppers, who delivered the vicious hit that caused the initial pop-up interception, in total tackles.
Christian Barmore was also a big-time disruptor along the defensive front in swatting down passes, clogging up running lanes and generating pressure up the middle.
Here are the top-10 Patriots defensive players in Week 6, per Pro Football Focus grades.
10
DL Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
Grade: 60.5
9
S Adrian Phillips
Grade: 64.5
8
CB Shaun Wade
Grade: 67.8
7
DL Keion White
Grade: 68.6
6
LB Mack Wilson Sr.
Grade: 69.2
5
DL Christian Barmore
Grade: 73.1
4
S Kyle Dugger
Grade: 74.2
3
S Jabrill Peppers
Grade: 75.2
2
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley
Grade: 79.7
1
LB Jahlani Tavai
Grade: 80.7
