The New England Patriots have built one of the more quietly dominant defenses in the league this season. They’re second in the NFL against the run, a respectable 13th against the pass, and sit fifth overall in total defense.
On paper, that’s the kind of balance that gives you a shot in January. But dig a little deeper, and there are a few soft spots that could become real problems if left unaddressed - especially when it comes to generating pressure and shoring up depth in the secondary.
Let’s start up front. Despite the stout run defense, New England ranks just 21st in sacks per game.
That’s a red flag. They’ve managed to hold things together with smart coverage and disciplined team defense, but the lack of a consistent pass rush - especially one that can win without help - limits how disruptive this unit can be.
They’ve leaned on coverage sacks more than you’d like to see, and that’s not always sustainable against high-level offensive lines or playoff-caliber quarterbacks.
In the secondary, the top-end talent is there. Christian Gonzalez is already playing like a future All-Pro - sticky in coverage, instinctive, and physical at the point of attack.
Carlton Davis III has settled in nicely as a complement on the outside, and Marcus Jones has been one of the better slot corners in the league this year. His third interception of the season in Week 12 against the Bengals was a perfect example of his ability to read the quarterback and jump the route - a big-time play from a player who’s quietly having a standout year.
But after those three? Things get a little thin.
Marcellas Dial, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft, was expected to compete for a depth role, but a torn ACL in training camp ended his season before it began. That opened the door for others, but the results have been mixed.
Alex Austin and D.J. James started the season as the fourth and fifth corners on the depth chart.
James didn’t make it past September, and Austin - who was leapfrogged by Charles Woods - landed on injured reserve in November.
Woods, a midseason pickup after being waived by the Rams, has flashed at times, but with just 75 career snaps over two seasons, he’s still an unknown commodity. Miles Battle, a preseason standout with elite athleticism, has been elevated from the practice squad, but he’s more of a project than a plug-and-play solution. Right now, there’s a noticeable gap between the top trio and the rest - and that’s a concern for a team with postseason aspirations.
Which brings us to Darius Slay Jr.
The veteran corner was waived by the Steelers after a mutual parting of ways and was promptly scooped up by the Buffalo Bills - yes, the Patriots’ division rival. In the process, Buffalo released Ja'Marcus Ingram, a solid depth piece in his own right. There’s some chatter that Slay may not actually suit up for the Bills this season, but if he does, he could be a sneaky asset for their playoff run.
And here’s the thing: Slay would’ve made a lot of sense in New England.
Last season, with the Eagles, Slay posted a 73.3 grade from Pro Football Focus - a solid mark that included two standout performances against the Commanders and Packers. He started in the Super Bowl and recorded two tackles, showing he still has gas in the tank when it matters most.
No, he’s not the shutdown corner he was in his prime, but as a fourth option in a deep cornerback rotation? That’s a luxury most teams would take in a heartbeat.
Instead, Slay’s headed to Buffalo, and the Patriots are left with a depth chart that leans heavily on unproven players. For a team trying to lock down a top seed and make a legitimate Super Bowl push, that’s a gamble.
So what’s next?
If New England wants to shore up the secondary before the postseason, they’ll need to look elsewhere. A few names could be worth monitoring.
Stephon Gilmore - yes, that Stephon Gilmore - remains unsigned and would be a fascinating reunion candidate. Cam Sutton brings experience and versatility, and Caleb Farley, a former first-round pick under Mike Vrabel, could be a low-risk, high-upside flyer.
Bottom line: the Patriots’ defense is good - very good. But in a league where one blown coverage or missed assignment can end your season, depth matters.
And right now, New England could use a little more of it at cornerback. Slay won’t be walking through that door, but someone else might need to - and soon.