As the Patriots have marched through the playoffs, the talk around Foxborough has shifted - and fast. What began as a postseason run with legitimate concerns about Mike Vrabel’s defense has turned into something far more formidable: a unit that’s not just holding its own, but flat-out dictating games.
Coming into the playoffs, there were question marks. Key pieces like linebacker Robert Spillane, defensive tackle Milton Williams, and edge rusher Harold Landry Jr. were all working their way back from multi-week injuries.
And while New England had looked solid down the stretch, they hadn’t exactly been battle-tested - at least not outside of matchups with the Bills and Ravens. In those two games alone, the Patriots gave up 55 points, and it’s worth noting that Baltimore played the entire second half of their game with backup QB Tyler Huntley.
But now, two playoff games in, those concerns have evaporated like breath on a cold Foxborough night. Vrabel’s defense hasn’t just bounced back - it’s taken over. This isn’t just a healthy unit; it’s a dominant one, and it’s powering a Patriots team that suddenly looks like a serious contender for Super Bowl LX.
While national attention has centered on high-profile defenses in places like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Houston, the Patriots have quietly built something special. They’ve let their play do the talking, and at this point, they might just be the most dangerous defense still standing.
The return of key veterans like Spillane, Williams, Landry, and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga has been huge, no doubt. But what’s making this defense click is the blend of established stars and emerging talent. Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones have been playing at an All-Pro level, and Jones’ pick-six against the Texans was a momentum-shifting play in New England’s 28-16 divisional-round win.
Still, this isn’t a top-heavy defense. As Vrabel has said time and again, “everybody plays.” And that brings us to one of the biggest revelations of the Patriots’ postseason: rookie safety Craig Woodson.
Craig Woodson: From Day 3 Pick to Defensive MVP Candidate
Let’s rewind to last summer. Vrabel made some bold moves in the secondary - demoting Kyle Dugger and parting ways with former captain Jabrill Peppers.
It raised eyebrows at the time, but it’s clear now there was a plan in place. That plan included giving early-season reps to fourth-round rookie Craig Woodson, and it’s paying off in a big way.
If you're looking to name the Patriots’ most impactful defender through two playoff games, there are a few names that deserve to be in the conversation: Marcus Jones, Milton Williams, and edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson, who’s been on an absolute tear. But don’t overlook Woodson. He’s been everywhere - and doing everything.
In the wild-card round against the Chargers, Woodson racked up a career-high 11 tackles from the safety spot. Then, against the Texans, he delivered one of the most well-rounded performances of his young career: an interception, a fumble recovery, three pass breakups, and five total tackles. He even added a QB hit for good measure.
According to Pro Football Focus, Woodson has been the Patriots’ highest-graded defensive player this postseason. That’s not a fluke.
He’s been deployed all over the field - 42 snaps in the box, 15 in the slot, and 64 deep - and he’s delivered no matter where he lines up. Through two playoff games, he’s allowed just two receptions on eight targets for a total of 16 yards - and he’s yet to miss a tackle.
This is the kind of versatility and production you dream of from a safety, especially one taken in the fourth round. Woodson isn’t just filling a role - he’s shaping the identity of this defense.
The Young Core is Taking Over
With Gonzalez, Jones, and Williams already anchoring the defense, the Patriots’ young core is starting to look like the foundation of something special. And with the way Chaisson has performed on his one-year, prove-it deal, it’s hard to imagine New England letting him walk this offseason.
But it’s Woodson - the first defensive player taken by the Patriots in the 2025 draft - who might be the biggest surprise of the bunch. He’s playing with the poise of a veteran and the impact of a star. For a team that’s built its legacy on smart, physical, fundamentally sound defense, Woodson feels like the next great fit in that lineage.
This Patriots playoff run has been full of unexpected twists, but one thing’s becoming clear: this defense isn’t just along for the ride. It’s driving the bus.
And Craig Woodson? He might just be holding the keys.