NEW ORLEANS -- New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia made several notable changes in Sunday's 36-20 victory against the New Orleans Saints as the unit took a step in the right direction.
Three that stood out:
After playing most of the opener in a dime package, the win against the Saints was mostly a "big nickel" game with three safeties. In simple terms, that meant one fewer defensive back (take off Jordan Richards) on the field, with one additional linebacker (add Elandon Roberts).
Veteran defensive tackle Alan Branch, whose play in the opener was notably down on film review, had a significantly reduced role (just six snaps).